GO
GoAutoLogo
MENU

Make / Model Search

Future models - Mazda - MX-5 - Superlight

First look: Mazda’s stripped-out MX-5 speedster

Wind in face: Mazda's MX-5 Superlight show car dispenses with the usual bug catcher.

Mazda to unfurl lightweight, windscreenless MX-5 Superlight concept at Frankfurt

6 Aug 2009

MAZDA has leapt out of left field with a stripped-out speedster version of its classic MX-5 roadster, to be officially revealed at the Frankfurt motor show in September.

Dubbed the ‘MX-5 Superlight version’, the wildest variation of Mazda’s affordable roadster in 20 years features a new body – with no roof, windscreen or A-pillars – designed at Mazda’s European studio in Oberursel, Germany.

The “pure show car” is reported to be the first in a series of radical roadster concepts Mazda plans to reveal in coming years as it explores the future design and development direction of the world’s top-selling two-seater sportscar.

It is unlikely any MX-5 derivative will ever enter production without a windscreen, but the Japanese maker could possibly produce a limited-edition version of the welterweight MX-5, which is reminiscent of the Detroit show’s limited-edition SLR Stirling Moss, just 75 examples of which will be built this year as a swansong for the legendary McLaren supercar.

The Superlight MX-5 is not likely to match the performance of the supercharged Mercedes V8-powered SLR, but its maker says it “takes the lightweight technology that Mazda is famous for to a new level, improving driving performance, handling, fuel economy and CO2 emissions”.

Mazda has offered no technical details of the MX-5 Superlight version ahead of its global public debut at the 63rd Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung (IAA) in Germany on September 15, other than revealing its has “sporty chassis settings for pure roadster driving fun”.

Click to share

Click below to follow us on
Facebook  Twitter  Instagram

Mazda models

Catch up on all of the latest industry news with this week's edition of GoAutoNews
Click here