Skip advert
Advertisement

Mazda MX-5 Speedster Evolution and RF Kuro debut at SEMA

Pair of concepts feature inspiration from the Global Cup car, with low weight and uprated suspension

Mazda’s North American division has unveiled a pair of unique MX-5s at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas.

Both the MX-5 Miata Speedster Evolution and MX-5 Miata RF Kuro are based on the production car - the soft-top and RF ‘retractable fastback’ models respectively, but each features a range of small changes influenced by the race-prepared MX-5 Global Cup car.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Most intriguing is the Speedster Evolution, which as the name suggests is a development of the Speedster concept that debuted at SEMA in 2015 and has since been seen at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

> More: Mazda MX-5 review - latest roadster impresses... up to a point

The original car cut around 113kg from the weight of the standard production car (which weighs 1075kg in 2-litre form) but the Evolution sheds more than 45kg more, leaving the final car little more than 900kg in weight.

Now a racy white rather than the original car’s dark turquoise, the Speedster Evolution keeps the original Speedster’s vestigial aero screen and twin humps behind the cockpit. The extra weight was saved by cutting away more of the dashboard and replacing the traditional dials with a digital display.

Weight was saved on the brakes too, replacing the concept's Brembo discs and pads with conventional MX-5 ones - a step that seems somewhat retrogressive, but big brakes aren't as necessary on a lighter car - and the 11.3kg standard battery was replaced with a 2kg lithium alternative.

The RF Kuro is more conventional on the outside, based heavily on the regular MX-5 RF production car whose production got underway recently. Its semi-matte metallic paintwork inspires the name - which means “black” in Japanese - and the car sits on a set of 17x7.5in Rays forged alloy wheels.

Like the Speedster, these are wrapped in 215/45 R17 BFGoodrich Rival G-Force tyres, whose motions are controlled by adjustable suspension identical to that of the Global Cup cars. Brembo brakes are used, and a centre-exit exhaust saves about half a kilo and adds around 6-7bhp.

The 2016 SEMA show takes place at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, from November 1-4.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

BMW M2 CS shows face at the 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed
M2 CS front
News

BMW M2 CS shows face at the 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed

BMW has applied the CS treatment to the G87 M2 and it's now made its UK debut at the 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed
11 Jul 2025
Used Toyota GR86 (2022 - 2024) review – short-lived sports car brilliance
Best driver's cars 2023 - Toyota GR86
Reviews

Used Toyota GR86 (2022 - 2024) review – short-lived sports car brilliance

No minor revision, the GR86 delivers thrills beyond the reach of its iconic predecessor – if you managed to get hold of one...
11 Jul 2025
New Aston Martin Vantage S revealed – Ferrari Amalfi rival is more powerful and focused
Aston Martin Vantage S front
News

New Aston Martin Vantage S revealed – Ferrari Amalfi rival is more powerful and focused

With a bump in power output among myriad detail changes, the Vantage S could be the ultimate driver’s Aston
8 Jul 2025
Bentley EXP 15 looks deep into Crewe's electric future
Bentley EXP15 Concept front
News

Bentley EXP 15 looks deep into Crewe's electric future

British brand reveals latest concept designed to reinvent the traditional saloon car
8 Jul 2025
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

£15k off Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio super SUV
Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio
News

£15k off Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio super SUV

If you have to have an SUV, a Stelvio QV is acceptable. Now it's being heavily discounted.
8 Jul 2025
New cars at the 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed – all the debuts from Aston to Zenvo
Festival of Speed 2025
News

New cars at the 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed – all the debuts from Aston to Zenvo

The Goodwood Festival of Speed was spectacular yet again. Here are the highlights from the British motoring event of the year
14 Jul 2025
Ferrari F80 2025 review – near-1200bhp tech tour de force tested on road and track
Ferrari F80 review
Reviews

Ferrari F80 2025 review – near-1200bhp tech tour de force tested on road and track

Maranello’s latest hybrid hypercar and successor to the LaFerrari blends mind-bending capabilities with deeply intuitive character
10 Jul 2025