RE: Mazda MX-5 concepts for SEMA previewed

RE: Mazda MX-5 concepts for SEMA previewed

Wednesday 26th October 2016

Mazda MX-5 concepts for SEMA previewed

What to do with the super light Speedster concept? Make it lighter still!



Understandably, Mazda has made much of its efforts to reduce weight in the latest MX-5. Here's a sports car that's as safe and as efficient as a new model needs to be in 2016, yet is smaller and lighter than its predecessor and in fact weighs just 1,000kg. But Mazda hasn't stopped there...

Taking the charcoal theme to the max
Taking the charcoal theme to the max
At SEMA last year it showed the Speedster concept, a beautiful thing that showed what a pared back MX-5 could look like if Mazda was allowed to make one. Seemingly not content with making a 943kg car, Mazda has had another go for this year's Specialty Equipment Marketing Association show with the Speedster Evolution. Painted in White Ether this car is said to be another 100 pounds (45kg) lighter again, taking the Speedster below 900kg. Remarkable. Mazda hasn't yet detailed how this has been done, so hopefully a few more details will emerge when the show opens next week.

The other MX-5 concept created by Mazda's design team in California is the RF Kuro. Derived from the new Retractable Fastback, it features forged Rays wheels, BF Goodrich tyres and the adjustable suspension from the MX-5 Global Cup car. Is Mazda planning a racier RF already? It's also painted in a 'semi-matt metallic concept colour' called Kuro, which is Japanese for charcoal.

Mazda says both cars "showcase contrasting directions that create a 'Mazda Premium' experience", hopefully suggesting that the MX-5 range could expand further. That the press release mentions "paying homage to Mazda's performance heritage" also sounds encouraging. More details and pictures to follow next week!

Author
Discussion

robinwhittleton

Original Poster:

8 posts

104 months

Wednesday 26th October 2016
quotequote all
Kuro is Japanese for ‘black’. Charcoal is ‘mokutan’.

leglessAlex

5,384 posts

140 months

Wednesday 26th October 2016
quotequote all
Not so sure about the Speedster, but that RF is just cloud9

C7 JFW

1,205 posts

218 months

Wednesday 26th October 2016
quotequote all
Under a tonne MX5, long time coming.

I bet that'll be PH gold.

Evilex

512 posts

103 months

Wednesday 26th October 2016
quotequote all
Wow.
I know that white paints are lighter than other pigments (that's why all commercial planes are mainly white), but did it really save 45kg from the car....

wink

Burnham

3,668 posts

258 months

Thursday 27th October 2016
quotequote all
Wow, they really should make the Speedster...and as many as people will buy. None of this Porsche style limited edition fkery.

Hitch

6,100 posts

193 months

Thursday 27th October 2016
quotequote all
Burnham said:
Wow, they really should make the Speedster...and as many as people will buy. None of this Porsche style limited edition fkery.
I agree, though both the aero screen and roll hoops would probably double in height for a production version so the sleek lines would be diluted.

ZesPak

24,421 posts

195 months

Thursday 27th October 2016
quotequote all
Hitch said:
I agree, though both the aero screen and roll hoops would probably double in height for a production version so the sleek lines would be diluted.
the roll hoops could be "airbagged", but that would add weight :/

suffolk009

5,344 posts

164 months

Thursday 27th October 2016
quotequote all
I rather liked the look of the MK3 speedster (with it's exposed aluminium bonnet). Shame they didn't make that either.