Mazda MX-5 Superlight Concept images surface ahead of Frankfurt debut

Mazda MX-5 Superlight Concept - 800

By Thami Masemola
August 5, 2009 12:00 PM
Filed Under: Concept Car, Japanese, Leaks, Mazda

Mazda will continue celebrating 20 years of the MX-5/ Miata brand at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show by revealing the Superlight concept. Touted as a "pure show car", no inference has yet been officially made of its likely future. In times of high oil and car prices as well as eco pressures such as these, the small sports car appears to have the correct combination of credentials.

The Superlight takes after its name by being lightweight thereby improving driving performance, handling, fuel economy and CO2 emissions. Since it has no windscreen to speak of one might not be able to classify it as a Speedster. The sporty chassis is to help keep the MX-5 name where is has been since 1989; in the rare world of fun to drive, reasonably priced sports cars.

There is no clarity on which engine the Supersport concept will carry yet. Speculation is that either the 1.8-litre or the 2.0-litre petrol will be fitted. Both have relatively good power to C02 emissions ratios but Mazda might just surprise with something completely new.

Over 860,000 units of the MX-5 have been sold in about 60 countries since it was first launched, making it the most popular two-seat sports car ever. Recently a special edition 20th Anniversary version was announced for the Japanese market.

 

Source: carmagazine.co.uk

Press Release (Click to expand)

Mazda 'MX-5 Superlight version' Show Car to Premiere at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show

Japan-The Mazda MX-5 Superlight version, a show car capturing the pure essence of the world's most popular roadster, will see its world premiere at the 63rd Frankfurt Motor Show, which will be held from September 15 through 27, 2009.

After 20 years of global success, the Mazda MX-5 is the best-selling two-seat sports car in the world. At Frankfurt, Mazda will present a new take on its affordable roadster with an all-new show car, the Mazda MX-5 Superlight version, designed at Mazda's studio in Frankfurt, Germany. A pure show car, it takes the lightweight technology that Mazda is famous for to a new level, improving driving performance, handling, fuel economy and CO2 emissions. This is combined with a radical exterior design requiring no windshield, and sporty chassis settings for pure roadster driving fun.

The new Mazda MX-5 Superlight version will be unveiled at Mazda's press conference in Hall 3.1, Stand A7, on September15 at 12:45 local time.

* Officially titled the 63rd Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung (IAA); press days are Septemeber 15 and 16, and the public days are Septemeber 17 through 27.

 

Comments

nederina
August 5, 2009 1:18 PM
finally a lightweight roadster from mazda, need more torque!

911fnatic
August 5, 2009 1:35 PM
Am I the only one to notice that if the car were to flip the driver's head would be the first thing to get mooshed? Mazda must have a lot of faith in its handling...

afterace2
August 5, 2009 2:23 PM
you should search youtube for mx 5 rollover clip :P

sideskraper
August 5, 2009 2:59 PM
It's a concept for crying out loud. Besides if you look at the rear angle, the roll over hoops look of an adequate height.

Prince_Ash
August 5, 2009 3:11 PM
i think squished brains is a nice accent to the interior and exterior of this cars current colour scheme lol.

Targa_Florio
August 5, 2009 4:59 PM
Concerning the CO2 emissions, they should start by modernizing the engines: for the standard models, given the lightweight and the power output, 167 & 181 g/km is pretty poor.

HEMI426
August 11, 2009 5:56 PM
I'm waiting for an stuck mx-5 with 250+ hp

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