Mazda MX-5 Speedster and Spyder unveiled at SEMA

Mazda had earlier teased two concepts that will be revealed at the SEMA show in Las Vegas, and here they are in full. Both cars are based on the fourth-generation (ND) Mazda MX-5, and are meant to exhibit two different takes on what a lightweight performance car should be.

Called the MX-5 Spyder and MX-5 Speedster, the concepts seen here have undergone several modifications under the guidance of Mazda’s North American designers. Inspired by vintage roadsters of the past, the bespoke concepts are also made with the input of several partners.

Let’s start with the MX-5 Speedster, which Mazda say draws its inspiration from the open-top sports cars of the 1950s. Think of Stirling Moss’ Mercedes-Benz SLR that won the 1955 Mille Miglia race and you’ll get what they’re on about.

To create the look, the base MX-5 loses its windscreen in favour of a small wind deflector, while the ride height is lowered by 30 mm thanks to K&W adjustable coilover suspension. The 16-inch wheels are custom RAYS 57 Extreme Gram Lights wrapped with Kumho Ecsta V710 225/50/R16 tyres, stopped by Brembo four-piston calipers with vented rotors at the front.

Elsewhere, the Speedster receives a Racing Beat centre-mounted exhaust and is finished in Blue Ether paint. Weight-saving measures include carbon-fibre Mu-Len Delta seats and carbon-fibre doors. The interior has also been retrimmed in Alcantara. The Speedster tips the scales at 943 kg, shedding 113 kg from the base car. That’s less than a Perodua Myvi (950-960 kg)

Moving on, the MX-5 Spyder is less extreme in terms of weight loss compared to the Speedster. Among the highlights include a Mercury Silver paintjob, and a brown top stretched overhead. Carbon-fibre is used for the aero kit, grille intake, and body tonneau cover.

The car rides on custom 17-inch Yokohama ADVAN Racing RS II wheels, kitted with Yokohama ADVAN A048 225/45/R17 tyres, and also features Brembo four-pistons at the front. The interior meanwhile, gets trimmed in “Prima” natural leather, with the engine start/stop button repositioned to the centre console.

However, unlike the Speedster, the Spyder packs more heft, weighing 1,043 kg. Both cars are powered by the same SkyActiv-G 2.0 litre four-cylinder engine that develops 155 hp and 200 Nm of torque. So, which one is the most attractive for you?

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