With the new Global Cup race series fast approaching, some more details of the specifications have been revealed. Since the actual race car's specification will be different to that seen on the concept, I thought these details would be more suited to the "ND Technical" page so I've created this second post away from the original SEMA show car.
The first production model Cup race car is being showcased as the newest addition to Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca's fleet of safety vehicles. It features Sparco race seats, roll cage, additional safety lighting, 17" BBS wheels, Brembo brakes, and Bilstein suspension. The pace and concept cars' liveries were applied by StickyFingers Design.
The Global Cup specs include several 'sealed' parts meaning they cannot be adjusted or modified by teams. It's interesting to see the car's ECU is provided by the UK company GEMS. Manufacturers and suppliers for some of the other parts are still being finalised. Orders are now being taken, priced at $53,000 for a fully turnkey ready-to-race car built by Long Road Racing.
Engine Bay
- Sealed SkyActiv-G 2.0 4-cylinder engine (horsepower & torque not available yet)
- Sealed ECU by UK-based General Engine Management Systems Ltd
- Stainless steel race headers and full exhaust system designed & manufactured by Kooks Headers & Exhaust
- Setrab Engine oil cooler with race quality oil lines and fittings
- Spec Castrol Edge engine oil
- Heavy duty C&R radiator with protection screen
- Spec coolant (non-glycol based)
- Cross brace upper strut bar
- Sealed 6-speed manual transmission with pump and cooler from Setrab Oil Coolers
- Sealed limited-slip differential with pump, Setrab cooler and thermal controller
- Spec transmission and differential Castrol Syntrax fluids
- World class 2-way adjustable coilover dampers – manufacturer TBA
- Front adjustable bar
- Torrington bearing spring perches
- Race springs and helper springs
- 215/40/R17 spec tyres - BF Goodrich
- Forged aluminum 17” x 7.5” wheels - RAYS
- MSI Racing Products wheel studs and nuts
- Stock Brembo 4 piston front calipers
- Grooved discs by Brembo
- Racing brake pads - manufacturer TBA
- Stainless braided, shielded brake lines – supplier TBA
- Spec Castrol SRF fluid
- Fog light mounted Long Road Racing cooling ducts and hoses
- FIA, SCCA, IMSA and NASA approved roll cage
- Full NASCAR style door bars both sides with both door cutouts
- Grey painted cage and interior
- Switch panel
- Data system
- Custom Max Papis Innovations steering wheel – includes Mazda logo + chassis number
- Panoramic rear view mirror
- Safecraft FIA approved racing harness
- Safecraft left and right window nets
- Lifeline Electronic FIA approved fire system
- Fused electric circuits for additional equipment
- Solenoid controlled main power cutoff switches
- Rear bulk head enclosure
- Arctic White factory paint
- Safecraft non-marring tow hooks
- AMB transponder
- Boot mounted Battery Tender lithium ion battery
UPDATE
After a successful first production run of 108, Mazda recently announced several upgrades for the next batch of MX-5 Cup cars. The latest specification adds a motorsport specific transmission (presumably stronger than the road going version), uprated engine mounts, new differential bush inserts, new fuel pump-out kit, and updates to the engine management hardware and software. These developments have pushed the price of a car up slightly to $58,000 from September 2016.
