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

Aston Martin V8 Vantage S (2011 - 2017): review, history, prices and specs
Aston Martin V8 Vantage S
Features

Aston Martin V8 Vantage S (2011 - 2017): review, history, prices and specs

The Vantage S is the V8 Brit that’s becoming even more appealing with age, especially given its price point in 2024
19 Mar 2024
The Mercedes-AMG GT 43 is a four-cylinder, rear-wheel drive Porsche 911 rival
Mercedes-AMG GT 43 – front
News

The Mercedes-AMG GT 43 is a four-cylinder, rear-wheel drive Porsche 911 rival

The AMG GT has gained a 415bhp four-cylinder engine with F1-derived turbocharger tech, but it won't be sold in the UK
19 Mar 2024
BMW M2 v Mercedes-AMG A45 S – car pictures of the week
BMW M2 v Mercedes-AMG A45 S – front
Features

BMW M2 v Mercedes-AMG A45 S – car pictures of the week

We test BMW’s M2 against the Mercedes-AMG A45 S in the latest issue of evo – here are some of our favourite shots
17 Mar 2024
The Nissan GT-R has been updated yet again for 2025
Nissan GT-R 2025 – front
News

The Nissan GT-R has been updated yet again for 2025

The R35 Nissan GT-R refuses to die – this latest version gets engine enhancements and subtle cosmetic tweaks
15 Mar 2024
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

The Nissan GT-R has been updated yet again for 2025
Nissan GT-R 2025 – front
News

The Nissan GT-R has been updated yet again for 2025

The R35 Nissan GT-R refuses to die – this latest version gets engine enhancements and subtle cosmetic tweaks
15 Mar 2024
MST Mk1 2024 review – £174,000 Ford Escort recreation driven
MST Mk1 Ford Escort
Reviews

MST Mk1 2024 review – £174,000 Ford Escort recreation driven

The MST Mk1 is a brand new, 50-year-old, road-going rally car. It looks the business, but does it deliver? Strap yourself in…
15 Mar 2024
Aston Martin DBX707 v Ferrari Purosangue – flagship super SUVs go head-to-head
Aston Martin DBX707 v Ferrari Purosangue
Features

Aston Martin DBX707 v Ferrari Purosangue – flagship super SUVs go head-to-head

Everything about them is supersize, from their kerb weights to their power outputs. But they’re also hugely enjoyable – and quite different in charact…
16 Mar 2024