MAZDA HAS TODAY shared brand new images and details of its MX-5 Superlight concept. These join images released early last month giving the first glimpse of the concept's rear quarter and a sketch of its interior.

Set to star for Mazda at next week's Frankfurt Motor Show, the concept has been developed as something of a birthday present to itself, celebrating 20 years for the popular MX-5 sports car.

The MX-5's folding roof stand, door handles and front windscreen have been replaced by a revised rear deck with streamlined rollbars, smooth door-skins and a dash-top that melds seamlessly with the bodywork.

The MX-5 Superlight - as its name suggests - has been built as a study for advanced lightweight construction techniques.

With no windows nor the weight of a folding roof, the MX-5 Superlight concept weighs in at just 995kg.

Bilstein suspension, Eibach springs and a 30mm lower ride height should ensure a drive as dynamic as the car's styling suggests.

Motivated by the same 1.8 litre petrol engine and five-speed transmission of the road-going MX-5, a claimed 8.9 second sprint to 100km/h shaves a second off the regular model's time.

Four-piston fixed calipers and cross-drilled brake discs big enough to require a 50mm widening of the car's track sit behind the same 17-inch alloy wheels of the current MX-5

Designed at Mazda's European studios in Oberusel, Germany, the MX-5 Superlight is understood to be a commemorative project to celebrate the MX-5's 20th anniversary this year.

Mazda says the MX-5 Superlight is strictly a concept-only, but as a study on improving weight reduction across the brand's range, the Superlight may be a sign of things to come from Mazda.

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

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• reply ” like !

  

  David says,
  3 years ago

  Errrr, 8.9 seconds ?
  
  The Mazda 3 diesel would be quicker wouldn't it ?
  
  Good looks are great, but needs more pace..
• reply ” like !

  

  Carey says,
  3 years ago

  Looks like that old S2000 concept a few years back.
• reply ” like !

  

  demonaz says,
  3 years ago

  The stock MX-5 is much quicker than that, with 118 kW and a 2.0L... Dunno where that 98 kW is from, perhaps you can opt for a 1.8L in the Euro model?
• reply ” like !

  

  guts says,
  3 years ago

  check out the 5th gear test of the mx5, they prove the performance is under average for the 0-100 test
  
  any one know what that silver pipe is behind the grill?
  
  surely cant be some sort of cold air intake modification?
• reply ” like !

  

  Shields says,
  3 years ago

  What is the point of a slow track car? I think Mazda missed the mark with the Superlight. Sure, it's all about the handling and it's a 'purist's' car, and will most likely be very quick through the corners, but the time it takes to get to the corner has to be measured with a calendar!!
  
  When has any auto company created a 'track car', gone through all the trouble of making it light, look cool, and carbon-fiber-y and then said, "you know what, let's make it slower than the standard car on which it's based!"
• reply ” like !

  

  Lindsay says,
  3 years ago

  This would have been a perfect excuse to open up the heads and turn up the RPM on the MX-5's LF 2L, but no, it's a wet 1.8L with less power than a Corolla. Well done Mazda.
• reply ” like !

  

  Frogger says,
  3 years ago

  The specs are certainly a bit disappointing. If they were prepared to sacrifice acceleration for 'lightness', why not stick a 660cc motor in there.
• reply ” like !

  

  Matt says,
  3 years ago

  the 1.8L engine is optional in Europe and the UK. Not sure why the didn't at least put the 2L into this, however it appears in reality to be a test bed for materials rather than a production ready car.
  The alloy piping behind the grill is a cold air intake. There's plenty of room there to relocate the filter as the NC MX5's radiator is essentially a V-mount.
• reply ” like !

  

  Will says,
  3 years ago

  Rob I was thinking....0-100km/h is about as quick as my 660cc turbo Cappuccino lol.
  
  But than again this is a concept....we should be greatful it actually starts and moves!