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MAZDA MX-5 MIATA: FROM TRACK TO STREET

The Mazda MX-5 Miata stands out from the crowd because of its racing DNA. See how it makes for a more thrilling sports car.

2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata 35th Anniversary Edition in Front of a Garage

The MX-5 Miata has been thrilling car enthusiasts ever since its debut 35 years ago—both on the racetrack and on the street. So how does its racing pedigree translate into such an enduringly popular road car?

2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata 35th Anniversary Edition Crossing the Finish Line on a Racetrack

Pre-production model with options shown

LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN AND HANDLING

In racing, weight reduction is everything. It’s often how a car gains a key competitive edge against cars with similar performance features. The lightweight construction of the MX-5 Miata, paired with its responsive agility, make it as spirited to drive on city streets as it is to take that last corner on the track.

The MX-5 Miata also stands out from the crowd because of its unique suspension and chassis design, which were influenced by its racing heritage. With a double-wishbone front suspension and low center of gravity, the vehicle provides a truly dynamic driving experience that is smooth, controlled, and connected to the road.

Skyactiv-G Engine in a Mazda MX-5 Miata

ENGINE AND POWERTRAIN

Throughout its many evolutions and iterations over the years, the MX-5 Miata has evolved its engine to prioritize responsiveness and linear power delivery. These are both qualities highly valued in racing, where drivers must react quickly to pull ahead of the pack.

One example is the development of the SKYACTIV®-G engine, which was developed to enhance the vehicle’s performance, as well as its fuel efficiency. So even as the MX-5 Miata evolves to win on the track, Mazda engineers are also focused on improving the experience for casual drivers and enthusiasts.

Gauge Cluster in a Mazda MX-5 Miata

TRANSMISSION AND DRIVETRAIN

For those who prefer to drive with a manual transmission, the MX-5 Miata has prioritized the driver’s engagement by offering precise and direct shifting. This was developed to give it the feel of a race car, which requires responsive, quick gear shifts to react to the dynamics of the track and the competition.

Close-up of a Headlight on the 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata 35th Anniversary Edition

AERODYNAMICS AND DESIGN

In addition to its performance engineering and its lightweight construction, the MX-5 Miata was designed to evoke a sense of movement—even at a glance. And its design elements aren’t just for aesthetics. Even the most subtle details intentionally contribute to optimized aerodynamics, stability and performance.

Mazda MX-5 Race Cars at the MX-5 Cup

THE SPEC MIATA RACING SERIES

While the Mazda MX-5 Cup is the premier entry level professional racing series, the Spec Miata series is one of the most popular and accessible racing series to come up in recent years. It reinforced the Mazda brand racing credentials and provided a direct link between street and track.

Racing is in the DNA of the MX-5 Miata, and how it thrills and connects its drivers to the road—no matter who they are. It isn’t just integral in its engineering; it’s how it delivers a truly engaging and rewarding driving experience. To see this connection in action, watch First to the Finish, a new original series on Prime Video, featuring three remarkable women as they attempt to channel their passion for driving into racing victory.

Watch the new original series on Prime Video now.

WATCH THE SERIES NOW

Mazda Team Member for MX-5 Cup

BE A PART OF THE TEAM

Whether First to the Finish is your introduction to racing, or you’re a longtime fan of the sport, shop the Mazda Collection and show your support for drivers and for Mazda. Get quality gear that matches your drive and looks great anywhere you go.