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Frankfurt 2009: Mazda MX-5 Superlight makes us wonder how we'd spend our other two wishes

Noah Joseph — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 14:27:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Motor Show, Convertible, Mazda

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.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Mazda MX-5 Superlight

Frankfurt 2009: Mazda MX-5 Superlight makes us wonder how we'd spend our other two wishes originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Sep 2009 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mazda MX-5 Superlight leaked ahead of Frankfurt

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 12:57:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Motor Show, Convertible, Performance, Mazda, Specialty

Mazda MX-5 Superlight - Click above for high-res image gallery

With an endless string of concepts cars peppered across these pages, we often find ourselves saying, "Yeah, I'd drive that." But with the Frankfurt-bound Mazda Superlight concept, we're saying "Hey - I wanna build that!"

Conceived and created as a way to celebrate the MX-5 Miata's 20th anniversary - along with showcasing Mazda's focus on lightweight performance - the Superlight's new profile and 2,194-pound curb weight is the brainchild of the automaker's European R&D center in Oberursel, Germany.

Based off the recently facelifted roadster, the most obvious change to the Superlight is its speedster profile, which involved removing the windshield, retractable roof and frame. From there, Mazda's European team extended the aluminum hood towards the cabin and mounted an aluminum, wide-angle rear-view mirror, along with a set of roll-over hoops fitted with LED brake lights.

The passenger compartment benefits from a thorough stripping, with the removal of the sound insulation, carpeting and air conditioning unit. In their place goes a set of carbon fiber racing buckets coated in the same brown leather as the steering wheel, armrests and aluminum shifter and hand brake. The dash is a custom fiberglass and plastic unit, with the stock MX-5's gauges joining an engine-start button bringing to life the standard 1.8-liter four-cylinder (putting out 126 hp and 123 lb-ft of torque) and equipped with a Mazdaspeed cold-air intake and exhaust. But with the diet and minimal engine mods, the run from 0-to-60 MPH comes in at 8.9 seconds.

The track has been increased by 50mm all around to accommodate the larger four-piston calipers and slotted discs, with the whole package dropped by 30mm courtesy of a Bilstein B16 coil-overs. Eibach anti-roll bars are fitted front and rear, and the Superlight rolls on stock 17-inch wheels coated in 205/45 rubber.

According to Mazda Motor Europe's Chief Designer, Peter Birtwhistle, "I've dreamed of building a Mazda MX-5 with this kind of radical form for a long time. Now that weight reduction has become a dominant factor in automotive development, the time is ripe for it." Ripe indeed, and color us inspired. Now if we can just find the right donor car...

Gallery: Mazda Superlight Concept

[Source: Mazda via Carscoop]

Continue reading Mazda MX-5 Superlight leaked ahead of Frankfurt

Mazda MX-5 Superlight leaked ahead of Frankfurt originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Sep 2009 12:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Don't tease: Caterham Superlight R500

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 14:32:00 EST

Filed under: UK

Caterham has released a teaser to follow in the over-powered, stripped-down footsteps of its predecessor, the R400. The Superlight R500 is rumored to be powered by a 2.0- or 2.3-liter Ford four-pot, hits 60 in under 3.4 seconds and tops out at around 150 mph. With a curb weight less than 500 kg (1,100 pounds) and body panels, dashboard and seats made up of carbon fiber, the R500 is expected to crest the 500 hp/per ton mark with ease. Sales will begin later this year with pricing expected to be around £40k.

[Source: Caterham via Car]

Don't tease: Caterham Superlight R500 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Apr 2008 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Caterham Seven receives Ford power on 50th birthday

Randall Halcomb — Wed, 25 Oct 2006 15:26:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Convertible, Performance, Europe, Ford, Lotus

With the bitter end of production of the MG/Rover K-series engine, there was a gaping vacancy left under the hood of the run-of-the-mill Caterham Seven in the UK. Starting in 2007, it's getting a new engine for its 50th birthday. The new powerplant will be Ford's Sigma engine, displacing 1.6-liter in this application. Ford uses this motor in a variety of compact vehicles, such as the Fiesta and Focus, but Caterham's engines will be tuned to produce 120 bhp or 140 bhp. The Roadsport 120 will be fitted with the 120 bhp engine. With the Seven's weight just over 1200 lbs, the 120 bhp engine will allow the car to run 0-60 in 5.9 seconds. The Roadsport 140 will shave almost a full second off the 0-60 at an estimated 5.0 seconds. For the die-hard Seven buyers, the Superlight 140 is lightened 50kg or 110 lbs, which allows it to do 0-60 in about 4.7 seconds with the same engine. The relatively flat torque curve of the Ford Sigma gives just a little bit more performance than the previous K-series motor.

All models will begin production in November, with deliveries to begin at the start of 2007. There will be a more an even more powerful motor available in the second quarter of 2007, so our UK readers will have something to look out for.

[Source: World Car Fans]

Caterham Seven receives Ford power on 50th birthday originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Oct 2006 15:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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