Mazda presents the MX-5 Superlight Concept

Designed at Mazda's Frankfurt design studio and due to be unveiled officially at the city's motor show next month, the MX-5 Superlight is described by Mazda as "a show car capturing the pure essence of the world's most popular roadster." That means though, that a production version is highly unlikely.

The Superlight version is so-named as it has several features deleted in the name of weight saving. The most obvious omission is the windscreen, while the door handles are also dispensed with, which will aid aerodynamic flow by creating a smoother shape.

Other changes include aerodynamically-tuned rear headrests cum roll-over bars, and racing seats for the interior. All of these combine to shave weight off the car, thereby improving driving performance, handling, fuel economy and emissions.

Mazda has remained tight-lipped on what's under the hood, but it will most likely be powered by the standard MX-5's 2.0 litre petrol engine. With the weigh-saving measures in place, performance is expected to be a marked improvement over the standard car.

Over 860,000 units of the MX-5 have been sold in about 60 countries since it was first launched, making it the most popular two-seat sports car ever.