Frankfurt 2009: Mazda MX-5 Superlight makes us wonder how we'd spend our other two wishes
by Noah Joseph on Sep 15th 2009 at 2:27PM 
Mazda MX-5 Superlight concept – Click above for high-res image gallery
If you're one of the many enthusiasts out there oohing and ahhing over the pair of pre-production Mini concepts that debuted in Frankfurt today, know that the BMW division isn't the only one here with a tempting speedster on display. Amidst all the exciting and pivotal new vehicle debuts at the show, Mazda took the wraps off the MX-5 Superlight Version.
Unfortunately it's just a show car, and it's not the first time Mazda's toyed with the idea (and us in the process), but the Superlight goes to show what an inventive mind and a skilled hand or two can do with the iconic Mazda roadster. Characterized by its windshield-less shape, the Superlight also features an exquisitely crafted cockpit of brushed aluminum and saddle brown leather, aluminum and carbon-fiber rolls hoops with integrated brake LEDs, an aluminum rearview mirror mounted on the hood, a wider track, dropped suspension and upgraded brakes.
While the engine essentially carries over from the stock 1.8-liter, 126hp four, the Mazdaspeed intake and exhaust, coupled with the reduced 2,194-pound curb weight, bring the 0-60 run down to 8.9 seconds. Which may not sound like breakneck acceleration, but with the wind rushing at your face, we're guessing this junior Veritas is a real thrill ride. Check it out in the gallery below.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
gefinley 2:34PM (9/15/2009)
That looks like something out of a cartoon, at least from the front. Not bad looking, just kind of silly.
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carlos_mastretta 4:49PM (9/15/2009)
Yeah. And it's still a chick car.
2004m3driver 2:37PM (9/15/2009)
A skilled hand*
*and budget from a major car manufacturer. Great execution!
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akboss302 2:43PM (9/15/2009)
This would be a brilliant drive! Good job, Mazda.
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zamafir 2:44PM (9/15/2009)
where?
naggs 3:33PM (9/15/2009)
this car would be ridiculously fun to drive at a track day
but honestly, would it be more fun than a motorcycle? its certainly more expensive
zamafir 5:14PM (9/15/2009)
... what track? I've driven a TR3, same weight and 'power' as this car. It's entertaining for the 40 year old nostalgic appeal, but very difficult to exploit on most modern tracks due to it's lack of grunt (at least cal-speedway, Infineon, obviously the larger willow tracks). So I'll ask again. Where are people looking to drive something slower than a Miata without the nostalgic 40 year throwback... something's not connecting here.
FitFan 10:34PM (9/15/2009)
Miatas dominate autocross
ryan 2:45PM (9/15/2009)
Not feeling it at all. Wheres the mazdaspeed replacement with the speed3 motor? Oh yeah. Not happening. Awesome.
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PJ 2:52PM (9/15/2009)
Actually, that 8.9 second figure is for the 0-100 km/h, or 0-62 mph run. 0-60 is typically a couple of tenths quicker--often a surprisingly significant difference (because acceleration trails off the faster you go, and also, occasionally, because the car is geared for a 2-3 shift right at 60 mph).
Still wondering why they didn't put the base (in the U.S. market) 170 hp 2.0-liter in there, but definitely do want.
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John Johnson 2:52PM (9/15/2009)
One of my other wishes would be a 0-60 time faster than a Honda Civic.
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naggs 3:33PM (9/15/2009)
you are missing the point
John Johnson 3:34PM (9/15/2009)
you are naggs from the internet
TimO 4:31PM (9/15/2009)
I know it's not the point, but 8.9 is really slow.
dinnercoat 4:31PM (9/15/2009)
Then why don't you just wish for a Honda Civic?
Jim Dubois 2:53PM (9/15/2009)
Imagine how fast this lightweight MX-5 would be with turbo 4cyl motor!
0-60 6 seconds???
I recall Mazda did a Mazdaspeed Miata Turbo a few years ago and it could smoke its tires. I have the brochure somewhere.
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erusnak 3:30PM (9/15/2009)
I have a 99 Miata that can smoke it's tires.
Credit clutch abuse and cheap tires for that. Plus it isn't too hard on the wallet to beat on a $5k car with $49 tires.
naggs 3:35PM (9/15/2009)
yeah but a 300 hp version of this car would weigh hundreds of pounds more and ride and drive much differently
the car that you want is an s2000 or a vette
erusnak 3:51PM (9/15/2009)
@ naggs
Not necessarily. You can get 300 hp from a turbo and it will only add the weight of the turbo, plumbing and inter-cooler. Nowhere near hundreds of lbs. Sure it will drive differently. If you consider crazy at will oversteer different.
Stumpy 4:13PM (9/15/2009)
I have a stock MazdaSpeed Miata, it is quick that is sure. Wish it was light as this thing.