Mazda will show the most powerful road-legal MX-5 at Goodwood Festival of Speed in order to gauge public reaction to the concept. Mazda is considering making limited numbers of cars available in the UK if it looks like there will be sufficient demand.

Built by race specialists Jota Sport, the MX-5 GT Concept produces 205bhp from its normally aspirated 2.0-litre engine which is mated to the car’s standard manual gearbox. Suspension is adjustable for different track conditions and aerodynamics are improved by a carbon front splitter, a rear diffuser and a boot spoiler. The exhaust note has been enhanced with a sports exhaust system with a central tailpipe. The interior features Recaro seats and a number of carbon enhancements to reduce weight. For customers who want to acquire the car for track use, it comes equipped with road slicks and body-coloured roll hoops behind the seats.

Another MX-5 will be tackling the Goodwood Hill Climb – but this one is definitely not road legal. The MX-5 GT4 has a top speed of 160 mph and is capable of 0-60 mph in three seconds. It is currently contesting the 2012 British GT Championship and took third in class at Brands Hatch last weekend, competing against Lotus, Aston Martin and Ferrari.

Clearly Mazda is keen to make the MX-5 as appealing to men as it is to women. These versions should certainly combat the slightly “girlie” image of the standard car.