Frankfurt concept: Mazda MX-5 Superlight
Mazda claims the Superlight is purely a concept that will never see the light of day, although it's suspiciously specific about the goings on underneath its roofless frame; it's a fully functional, driveable concept.
What's all the fuss about?
The MX-5 has reached its twentieth year, so to celebrate this milestone Mazda has pared back the latest version to make something lightweight and fun to drive. Rather than stuff an oversized engine under the bonnet, the maker has taken a leaf from Caterham's book and tried to make it as light as possible without veering into the ridiculous territory occupied by Ariel (the car maker, that is, not the detergent people).
Any new technology?
It's really just a study into making the car a little rawer and lighter - although Mazda claims it's also a styling concept for the future direction of the MX-5. Makers always say that to justify concepts though.
The weight loss is achieved primarily by chopping an MX-5 in half lengthways, as you can see, so there's now an aluminium panel that stretches from the bonnet over the dash that incorporates the rear view mirror. The cabin is stripped back and now has a pair of carbon bucket seats, and much of the interior is fashioned from carbon, fibreglass and aluminium. Weight drops from 1,080kg to 995kg as a result. The standard 124bhp engine remains, but the suspension and brakes are firmed up, and the diet means it spits out less CO2 as well - 150g/km down from 167.
Will it ever see the light of day?
Again. Mazda claims it won't, although the car is having a small screen fitted once it's finished its Frankfurt duties so that it can do the rounds among car hacks. Strange.
Frankfurt concept: Mazda MX-5 Superlight pictures
