Frankfurt 2009: Mazda’s 995-kg MX-5 Superlight Concept

Posted by Harvinder

September 18, 2009

Japanese auto maker Mazda, has revealed a new concept, called the MX-5 Superlight Concept, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the MX-5/Miata. The roadster is motivated (or lack off) by a 1.8 liter petrol engine that can output only 126PS at 6,500 revs and 167Nm of torque at 4,500 revs. As a result, 0 – 100 km/h sprint figure is rather mundane, and rated at 8.9 seconds, despite featuring a light weight. But at least it excels in the fuel consumption segment with a 6.3 liter per 100 kilometers rating.

The 2-seater all-weather roadster measures 4,020 mm long, 1,720 mm wide, 1,110 mm high and has a wheelbase that is figured at 2,330 mm. It has a 5-speed manual transmission and features a double wishbone front suspension and a multi-link setup at the back. With Bilstein monotube dampers, the concept sits on 205/45 R17 tires, that hide 300 mm brake discs (ventilated discs, front) and 280 mm discs (solid, rear).

On the outside, it has roll-over bars that also contribute to aerodynamic efficiency apart from offering roll-over protection, additional LED lamps at the front and more, while the interior features carbon fiber racing bucket seats, leather armrests, steering wheel, and lightweight aluminium shift lever and hand brake, ignition button in the centre of the dashboard as well as two emergency kill buttons for immediate fuel and electricity cut-off. There is no windshield, air conditioning and trim. Thus far, there is no official word regarding the possibilty of the Superlight Concept going into production. Continue reading to view a high-res image gallery of the 995 kg concept.