Mazda MX-5 concepts at SEMA

Don't worry, they're not turbocharged on huge rims; one weighs less than 950kg...

The SEMA show ranks as a guilty pleasure round here, because in amongst the excess and the wild paint jobs there are some really exciting modified cars. See the Supra-engined, manual Lexus for example, or the 1,000hp Hyundai Genesis.

Here though we have two concepts with not a jot more power than standard. The MX-5 Speedster and Spyder have been created by Mazda to "take the MX-5's lightweight fun-to-drive roadster doctrine a step further." This sounds like a very good idea...

Sadly the pictures released at present aren't brilliant but hopefully more will follow soon. The spec is exciting enough anyway. The Speedster - as seen on the left of the half and half image - is clearly reminiscent of the previous generation MX-5 Superlight concept, suggesting yet again that Mazda is keen to produce a properly pared-back roadster. Like the old car, this Speedster has a tiny deflector in place of the windscreen and strives to save weight from every possible area. This one has carbon doors and seats plus - wait for it - 'Rays 57 Extreme Gram Lights' wheels. It sits 30mm lower than a 2.0-litre MX-5 on KW suspension, which will no doubt work wonders for the slightly awkward stance and occasionally vague handling of the standard car. Mazda claims it weighs just 943kg.

The Spyder on the other hand is something entirely new for Mazda, with inspiration said to be taken from vintage roadsters. So the 'bikini top' roof is brown and there's very luxurious Spinneybeck leather throughout the interior. There are also Yokohama 17-inch wheels, a carbon aero kit and adjustable coilovers.

Now the official line from Mazda and its US design manager Ken Saward is that the new MX-5 and these cars "show how the aftermarket can go wild on our flagship sports car while staying true to its mission." But why let the aftermarket have all the fun when you could build one Mazda? Or maybe just a few in a limited production run? A Speedster with something in the region of 200hp would be rather special...