Mazda MX-5 GT to compete in Britcar endurance series

An unlikely battle is set to happen in the Britcar MSA British Endurance Championship 2011, as Mazda will challenge Aston Martin, Porsche, Lotus, and BMW with an MX-5! This potential giant killer’s name is the MX-5 GT race car.

The main idea here is low weight. At just 850kg, the MX-5 GT will accelerate from 0-96 km/h (0-60 mph) in just three seconds and hit a top speed of 256 km/h (160 mph). Every nut and bolt was examined by Jota Sport to reduce component weight and create the lightest and most powerful MX-5 ever.

Weight saving strategies such as the removal of interior components, reducing component weight and dipping the shell in acid shaved 15 kg from the standard MX-5 race car. Included are mandatory FIA approved safety equipment including a roll cage, race seats and harness, external electric cut-off and fire extinguisher, safety catches on the bonnet and boot lids, competition steering wheel and alloy wheels.

The MX-5 GT features a modified Mazda engine that produces 275 bhp, a six-speed sequential paddle shift gearbox, carbon doors and polycarbonate windows. Jota claims that it took 400 hours to build the shell to a spec that’s 17 times stronger than required by the FIA.

The Britcar MSA British Endurance Championship is contested over nine races from March to November including a race at the Spa Francorchamps circuit in Belgium. This is the fourth time that Mazda has entered Britcar.

Hi res pics after the jump.

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