Mazda MX-5 RF Kuro, Speedster concepts reach SEMA

Mazda North America Operations heads to Las Vegas once again for this year’s edition of the SEMA Show, and this time it brings a pair of MX-5s with it: the MX-5 Miata Speedster Evolution and the MX-5 RF Kuro. As the name implies, the Speedster Evolution is an improved version of the MX-5 Speedster which also graced Las Vegas at the 2015 SEMA Show.

The Speedster which was showcased at last year’s show was already a lightweight machine, tipping the scales at 943 kg, which itself is 113 kg lighter than the base car. The Speedster Evolution here has taken a further 45 kg off lasts year’s Speedster, giving it a figure of 898 kg. Power comes from a Skyactiv-G 2.0 litre, four-cylinder petrol engine.

Beneath the sleek bodywork, weight was pared down from the original Speedster by replacing its Brembo front brakes with the lighter rotors and calipers from the MX-5 Sport and Grand Touring models, while the original instrument gauges were swapped with a digital display unit. Additionally, the 11.4 kg original battery was also replaced with a Braille GreenLite G20 Lithium unit weighing 2 kg.

In Evolution guise, the Speedster adds adjustable suspension from the MX-5 Global Cup racecar and BFGoodrich G-Force Rival R1 grooved racing slick tyres, sized 225/45R17 – like those used in the Battery Tender Mazda Global MX-5 Cup. The Speedster Evolution is finished in White Ether paint.

Based on the retractable roof fastback RF, the MX-5 RF Kuro shares the Global Cup racer’s adjustable suspension as well as its Brembo front brake calipers, though where the Speedster Evolution wears 225-section tyres, the fastback Kuro is shod in 215-section rubbers of the same diameter.

The Kuro also gets a centre-exit exhaust by OpenFlash Performance, which is said to be 450 g lighter than standard, as well as providing a power hike of approximately 6-7 hp. The MX-5 RF Kuro is finished in Satin Black Metallic paint.

“We wanted to give MX-5 RF Kuro a stealth look to complement its sleek profile, providing subtlety and purpose. As we move our brand in a direction we call ‘Mazda Premium,’ we want to embrace our longstanding motorsports heritage and reach forward with breathtaking designs like the MX-5 RF,” said design manager Ken Saward.

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