There’s a lot being held secret about the Global Mazda MX-5 Cup racecars, and Mazda is at pains to stress what you see here may not reflect the equipment that will be used on the car…but as a basic idea of what the little beast will be like, you get a good idea from these images. And if we’re honest, it’s no great hardship to be looking at early pictures of what has been and will surely continue to be one of the most popular spec racecars in the world.

(ABOVE) Interior of the new MX-5 is a model of clarity, very much in line with its predecessors, with a slick six-speed stick shift and all vital controls within easy reach, even while wearing a racing harness.

(BELOW 1) The “Kudo – Soul of Motion” design language has given the new car real feline grace, despite being packed into 154.1-inch overall length.

(BELOW 2) Tire brand/compound hasn’t been decided but you can be sure Mazda will choose one that enhances the MX-5’s famous steering feel, yet is durable enough to keep a racer’s tire budget reasonable.

(BELOW 3) The first-gen cars are a 25-year-old design. Long live the roadster, as Mazda says, but also long live the spec roadster racer. It’s opened up the motorsports world to a lot of club and pro racers.

The 2016 Global Mazda MX-5 Cup will include series in North America, Europe and Asia with an end-of-season shootout at Mazda Raceway.

(BELOW) Behind the distinctive grille and under the lovely curved hood line will be a 2-liter SKYACTIV-G engine, but final specs are still to be determined.

(BELOW 2 and BOTTOM) It could be you sitting here come 2016. Happy racing!

• For more details on the 2016 Global Mazda MX-5 Cup, click here.

• Looking for more? Visit mazdamotorsports.com not only for news about Mazda and Mazda club and pro racing, but also new parts ideas, how-tos, technical ideas and racecraft tips from recognized experts. It’s the stuff that’s useful for any racer, not just Mazda racers.​