Images and full details of the new Mazda MX-5 Superlight concept have appeared on the internet ahead of the vehicle’s official debut at Frankfurt Motor Show. Based on the recently updated version of the MX-5, the Superlight concept became the two-seater speedster, with no windscreen.
The new model is created to celebrate the MX-5 Miata‘s 20th anniversary. The MX-5, designed based on Mazda’s focus on lightweight performance, also demonstrates the Superlight’s new profile and 2,194-pound curb weight, which is the brainchild of the automaker’s European R&D center in Oberursel, Germany.
“I’ve dreamed of building a Mazda MX-5 with this kind of radical form for a long time,” says Peter Birtwhistle, Mazda Motor Europe’s Chief Designer. “Now that weight reduction has become a dominant factor in automotive development, the time is ripe for it. We show how lightweight a car today can be.”
The most significant feature of the Superlight is its speedster profile, which includes removing the windshield, retractable roof and frame. Moreover, the designers of the car extended the aluminum hood towards the cabin and mounted aluminum, wide-angle rear-view mirror, along with a set of roll-over hoops fitted with LED brake lights, which prevent wind turbulence around the heads of the passengers.
Other changes to the exterior of MX-5 include a revised front end, integrated air scoops (that serve as roll-over bars), a streamlined profile, and a Mazdaspeed dual exhaust system.
The car manufacturer has stripped out all the unnecessary features of the interior. The sound insulation, carpeting and air conditioning unit are removed. Inside the car is equipped with racing bucket seats made of ultra-lightweight carbon fibred, which are upholstered with the same saddle colored leather as the armrests, the steering wheel, and the lightweight aluminum shift lever and hand brake. The dashboard generally contains the same instruments as the production MX-5, including the starter button, which is made of lightweight plastic reinforced with fiberglass.
The MX-5 Superlight Concept is expected to come with a 126 horsepower 1.8L four-cylinder engine paired to a five-speed manual transmission. It should be noted that this is not the most powerful unit, but due to the Concept’s 2,194 pound curb weight, the speedster accelerates from 0-62 mph in 8.9 seconds. The fuel consumption is only 6.3 lt /100 km (37.3 mpg US) with CO2 emissions of 150g/km. Compared to the standard production model, the concept’s track has been increased by 50mm and ride height lowered by 30mm.
Technical Specifications
Body Type : Roadster Monocoque
Seating capacity: 2
External Dimensions
Overall length: 4,020 mm
Overall width: 1,720 mm
Overall height (unloaded): 1,110 mm
Wheelbase: 2,330 mm
Track (front/rear): 1,540/1,545 mm
Ground clearance: 106 mm
Engine: MZR 1.8-litre petrol
Max. power: 126 PS (93 kW) at 6,500 rpm
Max. torque: 167 Nm at 4,500 rpm
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Front/rear suspension: Double wishbone/Multi-link
Damper (front/rear): Bilstein® monotube
Tyre size: 205/45 R17
Brake type (front/rear): Ventilated discs/Solid discs
Brake diameter (front/rear): 300/280 mm
Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 8,9 s
Fuel consumption (combined): 6,3 l/100km
CO2 emissions (combined): 150 g/km
Min. kerb weight (without driver): 995 kg
