Mazda MX-5 Superlight Concept Revealed Ahead Of Frankfurt Motor Show

Sep 12, 2009

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The MX-5's folding roof stand, door handles and front windscreen have been replaced by a revised rear deck with streamlined rollbars, smooth door-skins and a dash-top that melds seamlessly with the bodywork.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

GALLERY: 2009 Mazda MX-5 Superlight Concept

SEE FULL GALLERY
47 PHOTOS

Comments

David [reply]
11 months ago 0 points

Errrr, 8.9 seconds ?

The Mazda 3 diesel would be quicker wouldn't it ?

Good looks are great, but needs more pace..
Carey [reply]
11 months ago 0 points

Looks like that old S2000 concept a few years back.
demonaz [reply]
11 months ago 0 points

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?
guts [reply]
11 months ago 0 points

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?
Shields [reply]
11 months ago 0 points

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!"
Lindsay [reply]
11 months ago 0 points

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.
Frogger [reply]
11 months ago 0 points

The specs are certainly a bit disappointing. If they were prepared to sacrifice acceleration for 'lightness', why not stick a 660cc motor in there.
Matt [reply]
11 months ago 0 points

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.
Will [reply]
11 months ago 0 points

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!

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