Mazda MX-5 Superlight
Celebrating the 20th anniversary of the MX-5
Mazda’s ultra-lightweight sports car
The Mazda MX-5 Superlight was unveiled as a concept car to mark the 20th anniversary of Mazda’s beloved two-seater roadster, the MX-5. This ultra-lightweight sports car was more than just a design tweak—it was a bold experiment in reducing weight by stripping away every unnecessary component.
As its name suggests, the MX-5 Superlight was designed to be featherweight, with features like the roof, front windshield, and many interior elements removed. While it never made it to mass production, this experimental concept remains a standout in Mazda’s history, showcasing its commitment to pushing the boundaries of lightweight performance.
Carbon fiber applied to the dashboard
Removed the CD player
Mazda’s engineers didn’t stop at removing the roof and windshield. To save even more weight, the upper dashboard was crafted from carbon fiber, while the lower part was wrapped in tan leather. The usual CD player was replaced by a minimalist setup consisting only of an ignition switch, fuel pump control, and start button, emphasizing the car’s no-frills approach.
Further weight-saving measures included removing the door trim panels and the heater, underscoring Mazda’s dedication to reducing even the smallest amounts of weight. Externally, the MX-5 Superlight maintained a similar appearance to the standard MX-5, but its ground clearance was lowered by 20mm (0.8 inches) to enhance aerodynamics. A large anti-roll bar behind the seats also added to the car’s aggressive stance.
Achieved a total weight reduction of 160 kg (about 352 lbs)
0 to 62 mph in just 8.9 seconds
Large anti-roll bars protrude to the side to make the body look wider and emphasize the strong image. The door handle is removed on the side of the body, revealing a smooth shape. Since there is no glass, you can put your hand inside the car from the outside and open the door. With the door handle removed, you can expect an improvement in aerodynamic performance.
Mazda engineers and designers worked together to create this change, reducing the total weight by 160kg (352 lbs) to 995kg (2,194 lbs). Thanks to the reduced weight, it takes only 8.9 seconds to reach 100km/h (62 mph) from a standstill, despite being equipped with a 1.8L 4-cylinder engine that produces only 125 horsepower.
Excels in track performance
However, safety issues arise
In addition to improved acceleration performance, it boasts excellent road grip and braking power thanks to a 20mm (0.8 inches) lower ground clearance, a 200mm (7.8 inches) wider track, Eibach anti-roll bars, and new drilled brake discs. It maintains stable attitude control even when cornering and suppressing understeer.
However, there are some inconveniences as the windshield has been removed. It does not block the wind and cannot respond to objects that may suddenly fly in, raising safety issues. Drivers must wear a helmet due to this issue. Since various convenience features have also been removed, Mazda’sMazda’son not to mass-produce it seems reasonable.
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