The 2025 Tokyo Auto Salon continues to offer up its forbidden fruit, this time hailing from the Hiroshima Prefecture. The ND Mazda MX-5 is about to celebrate its tenth anniversary in production, but the evergreen roadster is showing no signs of slowing down. In fact, with 197bhp, the limited-edition 12R is the fastest factory-built MX-5 of all time.

In-house performance arm Mazda Spirit Racing has been heavily involved in the car’s development, applying “lessons learned in the Super Endurance series”. The additional 16bhp is the result of some good old-fashioned tuning: a new air intake, uprated cams, a new cylinder head and exhaust manifold, new pistons and even a unique crankshaft. The car also features a distinctive JDM-style single-exit back box. Alongside the power mods, an uprated radiator increases track-day durability.

One glance at the 12R is enough to prove Mazda’s intent with the car, which sits considerably lower, courtesy of adjustable Bilstein dampers teamed with new springs. The aggressive stance is complemented by forged RAYS TE37 alloys wrapped in semi-slick Yokohama Advan AD09 tyres. Lurking behind are Brembo four-pot callipers gripping track-biased pads and discs. To cap it off, Mazda has taken the extra step of applying a thicker tunnel brace – a significant measure to enhance rigidity.

The lower stance is backed up by a subtle bodykit consisting of a revised front apron, new side skirts and a split-level ducktail spoiler. Mazda Spirit Racing decals also add to the visual aggression, although, given Mazda has displayed two 12Rs at the show – one with and one without – it appears they’ll be optional. Within the cockpit are Alcantara trimmed Recaro seats appointed with Spirit Racing four-point harnesses, plus an Alcantara-covered steering wheel.

All this amounts to a thorough overhaul of the ND MX-5 given production will be limited to 200 units – all confined to the Japanese domestic market. Each one is set to be a roadster with the fabric roof – the lightest variant. Priced at ¥7m (the equivalent of £36,000 at current exchange rates), the first 12Rs will reach customers' hands in Q3 2025. Here’s hoping a few find their way to the UK via grey importers.