For Mazda, it’s all about the purity of driving for its showcase at the upcoming 2012 Tokyo Auto Salon.

We say this because one of the most exciting vehicles on show at the automaker’s stands will be this MX-5 NR-A 'Jinba-Ittai' track special--the rider and horse as one.

This racing-spec version of the lightweight, two-seat, open-top sports car features exterior coloring used exclusively by the Mazda team on its MX-5 in the special Japanese race series.

The particular NR-A specced car you see here was the standard spec for this year's race, and includes ENKEI 16-inch alloy wheels shod with Bridgestone tires, Bilstein dampers for the 20-milimeter lower vehicle height, Endless brake pads, and TAKATA four-point seatbelts among many other upgrades.

2012 Mazda CX-5 Customized

2012 Mazda CX-5 Customized

The MX5 NR-A Jinba-Ittai will be just one of 10 different models Mazda will be presenting in Tokyo. It will also be showing the 2012 CX-5 crossover, both in standard and customized trims, in addition to modified versions of almost its entire lineup. The customized CX-5 is a special edition model that combines a red exterior body color with alloy wheels painted in matte-black and featuring a slightly lower ride height.

Other highlights will be the previously revealed RX-8 Spirit R, the final iteration of the rotary-powered sports car, as well as the MX-5 Black-Tuned, a regular MX-5 that adopts black-colored special features for both the exterior and cabin, such as BBS lightweight alloy wheels, Bilstein height adjustable dampers, Brembo brakes, and Recaro sports seats.

The 2012 Tokyo Auto Salon will be held at the Makuhari Messe Convention Center in Chiba prefecture from January 13 to 15. To view the rest of our coverage of the event, click here.