Mazda MX-5 concepts Speedster and Spyder

MX-5 turns Speedster, Spyder

Retro Mazda MX-5 concepts showcase weight-saving measures; Speedster comes in at just 973kg

Mazda has unveiled two MX-5 concepts at the SEMA show in Las Vegas: the Speedster and the Spyder.

Both concepts feature a comprehensive list of “conceptual and aftermarket” parts, in keeping with the theme of the SEMA show.

The MX-5 Speedster takes its inspiration from speedsterstyle cars from the 1950s, and the Spyder is a modern reworking of the classic look from the same era.

The MX-5 Spyder’s cabin features handmade leather interior trim, and its silver paint, passenger seat cover and rear deck are bespoke. It sits on 17in alloy wheels and has carbonfibre exterior trim.

The Speedster is designed to showcase weight-saving techniques. The biggest change is the absence of a windscreen; a lighter wind deflector features in its place. The concept has also been lowered by 30mm, thanks to new adjustable suspension.

The Speedster’s rear deck has roll bars that blend in to buttresses on the bootlid, and it doesn’t have a roof.

Mazda has replaced the standard car’s doors and seats with new units made from carbonfibre, as well as fitting custom 16in alloy wheels.

The Speedster weighs 973kg — significantly less than the 1057kg of the standard MX-5. The Spyder weighs 1043kg. Each of the concepts is powered by the 2.0-litre engine offered in the standard MX-5.

Both cars follow the same lightweight approach as the previous-generation MX-5 Superlight concept, revealed in 2009. However, Mazda emphasises that these cars are “two vastly different takes on the fourth-generation MX-5”.

Mazda design manager Ken Saward said: “Both MX-5 Spyder and MX-5 Speedster are uncompromising designs that highlight the core strengths of MX-5.” JIMI BECKWITH Spyder’s silver paintwork and rear deck are unique to this concept

Optima loses roof as Kia reveals four concepts

KIA HAS SHOWCASED a four-door open-top Optima as one of its four concepts at the SEMA show in Las Vegas.

The A1A Optima has been inspired by the state of Florida and is named after the 300-mile highway that runs alongside the ocean.

It has a sliced top and a shortened windscreen, with steel reinforcements added into the body so as not to compromise structural rigidity too much. The concept’s most striking feature is its rearhinged ‘suicide’ rear doors.

A turquoise paint finish and 20in alloy wheels complete the exterior look of the A1A Optima, which is powered by a 245bhp turbocharged four-cylinder engine.

The A1A Optima rides lower than the standard Optima saloon on which it is based, thanks to its Ksport-supplied coil-over sports suspension.

Inside, there are cream leather seats and plenty of titanium trim.

Kia’s SEMA stand also featured the PacWest Adventure Sorento, which is said to be inspired by the forests of the Pacific Northwest. It has a special camouflage paint scheme and a rugged exterior look, including large all-road tyres and raised suspension.

For another new concept, the Photo Safari Sedona, a Sedona MPV has been converted into a pick-up truck. It does away with the standard model’s eight seats and instead has just two, the remaining space being converted into a mobile photo editing studio.

Kia’s final new SEMA model was the Forte Koup Mud Bogger, an exclusive off-road version of the Forte Koup, complete with a Dakar look.

PERFORMANCE PACK FOR GT-R

Nissan has unveiled a new N Attack performance package for the GT-R super-coupé. Developed at the Nürburgring, the N Attack package offers suspension and bodywork upgrades, a larger rear spoiler and heavily bolstered bucket seats.

DODGE CHALLENGER GOES 4WD

Chrysler tuning arm Mopar has unveiled an all-wheel-drive Dodge Challenger. It is based on the GT version and gets a wide body kit, front splitter, rear spoiler and 20in wheeels. Its 5.7-litre Hemi V8 puts out around 440bhp and 450lb ft.