For any enthusiast of Mazda in Perth, the news that the Japanese auto brand has revealed two engineering evaluation cars. The company has created a major development program for the Mazda MX-5 Cup car. The two evaluation cars are currently undergoing component testing. This is thought to be ahead of the company announcing a definitive specification for the models which will race in the make one series later this year. It is thought that the company will announce their pricing schedule for these cars at the same time. It is anticipated that the one make race series could potentially be a very lucrative program for Mazda and provide a showcase the current range of Mazda in Perth and around the world. The race series should also highlight Mazdaspeed, the company’s aftermarket performance arm, which is currently very active within the USA motor sport circuit. The development program for the Mazda Raceway at the Laguna Seca track in California, is veteran MX-5 pilot Tom Long. Long has previously competed in all three generations of the Mazda compact sports car. He is assisted in this project by Mazda drivers Andrew Carbonell and Kenton Koch. Long was quoted in a recent press release as saying that testing the new model for the Global MX-5 Cup is “an incredible fit”. The chassis design is nimble and lightweight, which in combination with the increased power to weight ratio has created greater balance for the new platform and ensures the model is “a real thrill to drive”. The team has taken key elements, which have made the original MX-5 chassis successful and popular, back to its roots for a reborn look. The testing process will be a combination of computer aided analytics, simulations and track work. Long has said that there is “no shortage” of elements to test on the evaluation cars. The team are assessing competition components from eight brake suppliers, seven suspension component specialists and seven tyre manufacturers. According to a spokesperson for Mazda cars, Australia consumers should be aware that this is up to “392 base combinations” of all the possible permutations. According to John Doonan, North American Operations director of motorsports, the industry response has been “amazing” and Mazda has been approached by a wide variety of companies looking to be involved. Doonan has said that the overall goal for the company is to develop a car which is as rewarding a driving experience for all drivers from novice to expert. Doonan was also quoted as saying that Tom Long has great experience racing all generations of the MX-5 and has shown fantastic enthusiasm for the latest car. Long will be working with racers and Mazda engineers to develop the next generation Mazda MX-5 race car and help the company to maintain their position of having the “most road raced car in the world”. If you are interested in options for Mazda in Perth, contact us. We have an extensive range of Mazda cars Australia drivers can test drive. At our car dealerships, Perth drivers will find we can assist with finance, insurance and all aspects of purchasing your new Mazda.
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