Photo: Mazda
As we wait for Mazda to take the wraps off the 2017 CX-5 at the 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show, the Japanese manufacturer took to SEMA to present two one-off cars based on the MX-5 Miata. Cue the MX-5 Speedster Evolution and MX-5 RF Kuro concept cars.
The MX-5 Speedster Evolution isn’t an all-new design, though. Based on the MX-5 Speedster presented just around this time last year, the Evolution is exactly what the label reads. After the 2015 SEMA Show, the MX-5 Speedster concept ran the Goodwood hillclimb, then returned to Mazda Design Americas. There, Mazda managed to shave 100 pounds or 45 kilograms.
As expected, the diet comes courtesy of little things. For example, the stock battery was swapped with a Braille GreenLite G20 that weighs 4.5 lbs (2 kg). Furthermore, the instrument cluster made way for a digital display, the steering wheel is now an airbag-less Sparco unit, while the lighter brake rotors and calipers come from the MX-5 Sport and Grand Touring models.
Ultimately, the MX-5 Speedster evolution weighs 350 lbs (158 kg) less than the bone stock MX-5 Miata, tipping the scales at 1,980 lbs (898 kg). To put that figure into comparison, the MX-5 Miata NA weighs 2,070 lbs (940 kg).
As far as the SEMA-bound MX-5 RF Kuro is concerned, this concept adopts MX-5 Global Cup go-faster goodies in a street-focused package. Case in point: the suspension comes from the MX-5 Global Cup racecar. The Brembo-developed 2-piston front calipers are not to be taken lightly either. Last, but not least, the Satin Black Metallic paint gives the RF-based car an eerie aura.
“We wanted to give MX-5 RF Kuro a stealth look to complement its sleek profile, providing subtlety and purpose,” said Ken Saward, design manager at Mazda North American Operations. “As we move our brand in a direction we call ‘Mazda Premium,’ we want to embrace our longstanding motorsports heritage and reach forward with breathtaking designs like the MX-5 RF.”
As expected, the diet comes courtesy of little things. For example, the stock battery was swapped with a Braille GreenLite G20 that weighs 4.5 lbs (2 kg). Furthermore, the instrument cluster made way for a digital display, the steering wheel is now an airbag-less Sparco unit, while the lighter brake rotors and calipers come from the MX-5 Sport and Grand Touring models.
Ultimately, the MX-5 Speedster evolution weighs 350 lbs (158 kg) less than the bone stock MX-5 Miata, tipping the scales at 1,980 lbs (898 kg). To put that figure into comparison, the MX-5 Miata NA weighs 2,070 lbs (940 kg).
As far as the SEMA-bound MX-5 RF Kuro is concerned, this concept adopts MX-5 Global Cup go-faster goodies in a street-focused package. Case in point: the suspension comes from the MX-5 Global Cup racecar. The Brembo-developed 2-piston front calipers are not to be taken lightly either. Last, but not least, the Satin Black Metallic paint gives the RF-based car an eerie aura.
“We wanted to give MX-5 RF Kuro a stealth look to complement its sleek profile, providing subtlety and purpose,” said Ken Saward, design manager at Mazda North American Operations. “As we move our brand in a direction we call ‘Mazda Premium,’ we want to embrace our longstanding motorsports heritage and reach forward with breathtaking designs like the MX-5 RF.”
Google News