FRANKFURT, Germany — Mazda was kind enough last month to send us a teaser image or two of the Mazda MX-5 Superlight ahead of the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show, which opens this week. Now, a whole raft of images, plus full specs, have been revealed — unofficially — in advance of the show, compliments of Carscoop and other Web sites.
As Mazda informed us back in August, the MX-5 Superlight, designed at the firm's European design studio in Oberursel, Germany, is intended to deliver "improved driving performance, handling, fuel economy and CO2 emissions."
Tucked under the hood is a lightweight MZR 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, returning 125 horsepower and 123 pound-feet of torque, mated to a five-speed gearbox. That compares with the larger, 2.0-liter unit in the U.S.-spec 2010 Miata MX-5 Touring, which churns out 167 hp and 140 lb-ft and comes with a six-speed manual. The MZR engine in the Superlight features a Mazdaspeed cold-air intake and exhaust system.
Mazda has slashed weight on the MX-5 Superlight to 2,194 pounds, which helps contribute to the car's decent acceleration (zero to 60 mph in less than 8.9 seconds) and a combined fuel economy of 37 mpg. CO2 emissions have been trimmed to 150 g/km.
The weight-loss regimen included losing the windshield and convertible top, with airflow improved by adding faired-in rollover bars with integral LED brake lamps. Lightweight carbon fiber bucket seats have been installed; seats, steering wheel, shift lever and handbrake are trimmed in saddle leather.
Mazda has fitted the Superlight with 205/45R17 tires, vented front and solid rear disc brakes, Bilstein coil-over shocks and Eibach stabilizer bars.
Inside Line says: Good-looking and plenty of fun — a highly entertaining twist on sustainability. — Paul Lienert, Correspondent
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