SEMA 2016: Mazda debuts MX-5 Speedster Evolution and MX-5 RF Kuro

Mazda MX-5 is one of the lightest speedsters to set wheels on the road. But not for long, until this year’s Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show witnessed yet an even lighter competition. The competing cars are none other than the newest MX-5 concept cars, the Mazda MX-5 Speedster Evolution and the stealth-like MX-5 RF Kuro. 

Debuting at the 2016 SEMA Show, both MX-5 concepts are the lightest vehicles Mazda has ever introduced – yet. The designers had the opportunity to show off their wild imaginations in honing truly remarkable dream car concepts: the Speedster Evolution’s ruthless efficiency and the RF Kuro’s stealth-ish look.

MX-5 Speedster Evolution 

The MX-5 Speedster Evolution only weighs 898 kg – a 68 kg less from the 2015 MX-5 Roadster's initial weight. The staggering amount of weight shaved off from its previous version is achieved using carbon fiber as the base material on some components like the Aero Kit and the Delta Seat. Moreover, the photo-evident missing windshield and A-pillar deducts most of the numbers.

The neat White Ether paint wraps up the exterior of the car, further honing Mazda's performance heritage. The MX-5 Speedster Evolution is finished off with 17-inch BFGoodrich Rival wheels.

In addition, the MX-5 Speedster Evolution carries the Mazda Global MX-5 Cup adjustable suspension with multimatic dampers and Hyper-Coil springs, a Braille Lithium G20 battery, and Racing Beat Custom Center Exit Exhaust in it.

MX-5 RF Kuro 

The MX-5 RF Kuro, a concept based on the 2017 MX-5 RF, is also a bearer of the MX-5 Global Cup technology and a lighter version leaning toward a more street-focused package. It shares the same adjustable suspension as with the MX-5 Global Cup race car as well as the Brembo dual-piston front brake calipers nesting in it.  

The MX-5 RF Kuro's Satin Black Metallic paint gives it a semi-matte metallic black color, which reflects the design team's ambition to make it look like stealthy. According to Design Manager Ken Saward, the design of the MX-5 RF Kuro is opted to embrace Mazda's long-standing motorsports heritage.

The MX-5 RF Kuro is also equipped with a 0.5 kg-lighter OpenFlash Performance Center Exit Exhaust, 17-inch BFGoodrich Rival wheels, Mazda Global MX-5 Cup adjustable suspension with Multimatic dampers and Hyper-Coil springs. 

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