SEMA 2015: Mazda reveals MX-5 Speedster and Spyder concepts

Mazda has unveiled two new lightweight concepts at the 2015 SEMA show in Las Vegas.

Based on the recently launched fourth-generation roadster, the new concepts -- called the MX-5 Spyder Concept and the MX-5 Speedster Concept -- were made specially for the show and see any unnecessary weight stripped from the road car to boost performance.

The first, the MX-5 Spyder, is supposed to capture the spirit of a classic roadster.

That’s why it’s painted in a period Mercury silver paint job, and the little Mazda also trades its conventional hood for a lighter, simpler canvas cover.

Cutting weight further, Mazda engineers have added a carbon-fibre tonneau cover, grille intake and aero kit, plus a set of light-weight 17-inch wheels.

The next concept, the Speedster, is even more extreme.

Featuring an aeroscreen instead of a conventional windscreen, no hood at all and a set of ultra-lightweight 16-inch rims, the Speedster gains a pair of carbon-fibre seats and doors.

This all contributes to a decent 114kg weight saving and sees the little Speedster weigh-in at a very respectable 944kg.

Mazda hasn’t confirmed if there’s been any under-bonnet tinkering, but even if the Speedster retains its standard 118kW/200Nm 2.0-litre engine, expect the 0-100km/h time to fall by well over a second to around six seconds.

Sadly, for enthusiasts yearning for a more hard-core factory-made MX-5, it’s unlikely either of the two SEMA concepts will make it into production.

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