SEMA 2016: Mazda Bringing Two MX-5 Concepts To SEMA

In a move that is surprising no one, Mazda has just announced that they are working on not one but two different MX-5 concept builds for the big SEMA show next month.  The first concept is an evolution of the MX-5 Speedster concept that Mazda brought to SEMA last year.  This year the car was re-sprayed in “White Ether” paint and went on an even stricter diet making it 100lbs lighter than it already was from last year.  Now the MX-5 Speedster Evolution weighs under 2,000lbs and is 350lbs lighter than a stock MX-5 soft-top.

The second concept is based on the MX-5 RF retractable fastback model.  Dubbed the MX-5 RF Kuro, the retractable topped roadster is sprayed with “Kuro” (which means charcoal in Japanese) colored matte paint, fitted with forged RAYS Engineering wheels wrapped in BF Goodrich G-Force tires, and fitted with the same suspension package used in the Global MX-5 Cup racing series.

While both concepts are relatively subtle in the context of SEMA builds, I think they are both pretty damn good ways to outfit an MX-5.  While it’s highly doubtful that the MX-5 Speedster Evolution would ever become a production variant, I am actually holding out hope that the MX-5 RF Kuro may actually become something that can be bought.  It would be pretty wild to sell a car equipped with a race car suspension package, but its not like it hasn’t been done before!

For a better look at the teaser images for these two concepts click the thumbnails.  For more info check out the official press release below.

Press Release:

IRVINE, Calif. (October 25, 2016) – Always mixing performance and polish, Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) is offering a glimpse of its 2016 Specialty Equipment Marketing Association (SEMA) concept cars ahead of their formal debut. Borrowing style and speed from the Global Mazda MX-5 Cup race car, as well as elevating Mazda’s iconic and lightweight sports car with premium details, are the MX-5 Speedster and MX-5 RF Kuro concepts.

After debuting the Global MX-5 Cup race car at the 2014 SEMA show, Mazda first introduced the MX-5 Speedster to the world at the 2015 SEMA show, taking the base car’s lightweight ethos to a new level. For this year’s show, Mazda’s design team took a big step forward, creating the Evolution, painted White Ether, taking the concept a step further with more than 100 lbs. removed from last year. Now just under 2,000 lbs., MX-5 Speedster Evolution is approximately 350 lbs. lighter than a stock MX-5 soft top.

Mazda also is displaying the MX-5 RF Kuro concept, based on the 2017 MX-5 Retractable Fastback that will be on sale early next year. MX-5 RF Kuro is painted in a semi-matte metallic concept color developed in-house called “Kuro,” which means “charcoal” in Japanese. It rides on 17×7.5-inch RAYS forged wheels, 215/45R17 BFGoodrich Rival G-Force tires and the adjustable suspension from the Battery Tender Global Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by BFGoodrich Tires.

Both concepts were conceived by Mazda Design Americas to showcase contrasting directions that create a “Mazda Premium” experience while paying homage to Mazda’s performance heritage. They were designed and built in-house by Mazda’s Design team in Irvine, California.

MX-5 Speedster Evolution and MX-5 RF Kuro concepts will be on display at the SEMA Show on November 1-4 in the Mazda booth, #11647, in the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center.