We’re already big fans of the Mazda MX-5 Miata here at 3Birds Template, so you can imagine how excited we were to hear that Mazda showed off not one, but two concept vehicles based on the Mazda Miata at this year’s SEMA aftermarket trade show: the hyper-efficient Mazda MX-5 Miata Speedster Evolution and the street-focused Mazda MX-5 RF Kuro racer. Here’s what sets these models apart.

The Mazda MX-5 Speedster first debuted at last year's SEMA, where it measured 2,080 lbs, 11% less than the average soft top Mazda MX-5. Mazda engineers experimented on the vehicle after it tackled the UK's Goodwood Festival of Speed, doing whatever they could to increase its performance and decrease its weight.

In service to this goal, Mazda replaced the Speedster's gauges with a digital display, swapped its brakes with lighter rotors and calipers--even its 25.1-lb battery was replaced with a 4.5-lb lithium battery. In the end, the Mazda MX-5 Evolution's weight was reduced another 100 lbs from the Speedster, bringing its total weight to 1,980 lbs (15% less than an original soft top).

Design Manager Ken Saward, who headed up the team to pare the Speedster to the bone, was pleased with his team's accomplishment, saying:

With MX-5 Speedster Evolution, our goal was to further deliver the essence of what MX-5 has represented for the past 27 years—lightweight engineering and pure driving joy. In the future, we might see if there is anywhere else we could take out weight.

Joining the Mazda MX-5 Speedster Evolution at SEMA 2016 was the MX-5 RF Kuro (pictured above), a new concept vehicle based on the 2017 Mazda MX-5 RF which will be available early next year. In the words of Ken Saward:

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.

Painted Satin Black Metallic, the new concept shares a number of features with the Mazda MX-5 Global Cup car, including its Brembo® dual-piston front brake calipers and adjustable suspension.

The one downside to these models is that you won't be able to find them at our dealership. That being said, you will be pleased to know that both vehicles were built with parts that you can purchase for your Mazda MX-5 from MazdaMotorsports.com. For more information on how to get your Mazda MX-5 just how you'd like it, or to learn more about the other thrilling Mazda models currently on our lot, don’t hesitate to call, contact us online, or stop by and visit us in person at 505 W. Franklin St., Chapel Hill, NC 27516 today.

Image Credit: Mazda