Just 5 days left ahead of 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, Mazda today leaked out new images and details of the MX-5 Superlight concept.

Set to star for Mazda at next week’s Frankfurt Motor Show, the concept has been developed as something of a birthday present to itself, celebrating 20 years for the popular MX-5 sports car.

The MX-5’s folding roof stand, door handles and front windscreen have been replaced by a revised rear deck with streamlined rollbars, smooth door-skins and a dash-top that melds seamlessly with the bodywork.

The MX-5 Superlight – as its name suggests – has been built as a study for advanced lightweight construction techniques.

With no windows nor the weight of a folding roof, the MX-5 Superlight concept weighs in at just 995kg.

Bilstein suspension, Eibach springs and a 30mm lower ride height should ensure a drive as dynamic as the car’s styling suggests.

Motivated by the same 1.8 litre petrol engine and five-speed transmission of the road-going MX-5, a claimed 8.9 second sprint to 100km/h shaves a second off the regular model’s time.

Four-piston fixed calipers and cross-drilled brake discs big enough to require a 50mm widening of the car’s track sit behind the same 17-inch alloy wheels of the current MX-5.

Designed at Mazda’s European studios in Oberusel, Germany, the MX-5 Superlight is understood to be a commemorative project to celebrate the MX-5’s 20th anniversary this year.

Mazda says the MX-5 Superlight is strictly a concept-only, but as a study on improving weight reduction across the brand’s range, the Superlight may be a sign of things to come from Mazda.

Stand here for more information to be released when the concept officially debuts at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

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