For 20 years, Mazda has been focused on reducing weight, which has become a tradition with the Mazda MX-5. At the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show next week, Mazda will build on that philosophy with the unveiling of the Mazda MX-5 Superlight Concept.”
There are no plans to build this car, but it demonstrates how individual mobility can be maintained in a way that uses fewer natural resources,” said Mazda in a statement.
The fully-drivable concept was built by Mazda’s European R&D center in Oberursel. The project’s lead designer, Hasip Girgin, said that the focus was too keep the whole vehicle below 1,000 kg (2,204 lbs) while offering better driving dynamics and fuel efficiency. His design team reduced the MX-5 down to its core attributes to create a pure roadster concept. “The lack of a windshield required an extension of the original aluminum bonnet into the cabin. The attached sheet here is made of lightweight carbon fiber and provides a hood for the dashboard frame.”
Power for the Mazda MX-5 Superlight Concept comes from a MZR 1.8L 4-cylinder engine making 126-hp. It is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. To get some exciting sound from the engine, Mazda added Mazdaspeed cold-air intake and a Mazdaspeed exhaust system.
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Mazda MX-5 Superlight Concept:
- By: Omar Rana
