December 7^th, 1999                 

MX-5 endurance racer concept unveiled

Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) recently unveiled the MX-5 Mono-Posto Concept at the Specialty Equipment Market Association show in Las Vegas.

A one-off, one-seater throwback to 1950s sports racers, the MX-5 Mono-Posto was inspired by Jaguar D-type and Lotus 11 endurance racers. It is an extreme expression of the MX-5 concept, "oneness between horse and rider," with no concessions made to practicality.

The vehicle is the first concept based on the second-generation MX-5, and the fourth MX-5 concept overall. Other concepts have included the 1989 Club Racer, the 1995 M-Speedster and the 1996 M-Coupe.

The MX-5 Mono-Posto sports custom bodywork including half doors, air intake in the hood, one-piece valence front and rear fascias, cowl-mounted rearview mirror, a minimalist windscreen and aluminium roll-bar. Only the headlights, taillights and rear boot lid are standard panels. The paint finish is a custom Red Pearl Mica.

Modifications include an HKS turbocharger and intercooler, HKS intake and exhaust manifolds and an HKS stainless steel exhaust, which result in a 36-percent increase in horsepower (to 190 hp @ 6100 rpm) and a 104-percent boost in torque (to 243 lb-ft @ 4100 rpm).

Other performance modifications include Racing Hart three-piece, five-spoke, 18-inch wheels (18x8 inch front and 18x9.5 inch rear), Baer Racing four-wheel disc brakes and HKS Hiper Damper Coil Over Suspension.

The MX-5 Mono-Posto’s purposeful interior features a Formula One-style Sparco^® steering wheel, Sparco^® lightweight, one-piece racing seat and custom gauges.

"The MX-5 Mono-Posto is for one who wants to be alone with the road, focused purely on driving," said Tom Matano, Mazda Motor Corporation’s executive designer in charge of global advanced design based in Hiroshima, Japan.