Mazda released an official release last week announcing that it has commenced production of the Mazda2 supermini, known as Demio in Japan, at its new plant in Thailand. But that’s not what caught our interest. Along with the press release, the Japanese manufacturer published three photos of the Mazda2, showcasing the Ford Fiesta-sized hatchback with a new nose treatment.

More specifically, the Mazda2 shown here features a redesigned front bumper that incorporates much larger, vertical side air-inlets and a five-point lower grille that seems to be smiling at you. The ’smile’ has been employed on several facelifted or new Mazda models including the RX-8, the MX-5 / Miata Roadster, the Mazda 3 and the CX-7 Crossover.

Also, the upper front grille that houses the firm’s logo is new and now features a ‘beefy’ horizontal bar.

There is a possibility that this may be a special version offered in Thailand, but chances are that Japanese maker has subtly refreshed the ‘2′, bringing it inline with the rest of the Mazda family.

Adapted from CarScoop

Mazda has today shared brand new images and details of its MX-5 Superlight concept. These join images released early last month giving the first glimpse of the concept’s rear quarter and a sketch of its interior.

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The MX-5’s folding roof stand, door handles and front windscreen have been replaced by a revised rear deck with streamlined rollbars, smooth door-skins and a dash-top that melds seamlessly with the bodywork.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 93 kW 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.

Adapted from TheMotorReport

The Mazda MX-5 (a.k.a Miata) is the best-selling two-seat sports car in the world and only just celebrated its 20th birthday earlier this year.

However, the celebration continues with the announcement of a surprise concept car to be unveiled at the 63rd Frankfurt Motor Show, from September 15-27, 2009. The Mazda MX-5 Superlight version, designed at Mazda’s studio in Frankfurt, Germany, offers a new take on the affordable roadster.

A pure show car, the MX-5 Superlight takes the lightweight technology that Mazda is famous for, to a new level, improving driving performance, handling, fuel economy and CO2 emissions. This is combined with a radical exterior design requiring no windshield, and sporty chassis settings for pure roadster driving fun.

Adapted from ZCars

The Mazda MX-5 is the world’s most successful open-top sports car, with more than 860 000 sales spread over three generation models. The MX-5, also known in other markets as the Miata or simply Roadster, is celebrating its 20th birthday this year and to commemorate the event, Mazda has introduced a special edition version of the car for the Japanese market.

The MX-5 20th Anniversary is available either in RS guise, with a traditional soft-top and a six-speed manual transmission, or as a VS with a retractable hardtop and a six-speed automatic transmission.

The special edition models come in a crystal white pearl mica finish, which is used for the first time on the Mazda MX-5. Special equipment includes unique red and black Recaro bucket sport seats; ‘20th Anniversary’ badges on the fenders; clear front fog lights; 17-inch alloy wheels shod and a glass rear window for the soft-top model, plus heated seats with five temperature settings.

A front strut tower bar and 205/45R17 84W tyres hugging the 17-inch alloys complete the changes. Those of us living outside Japan need not worry – Mazda is planning to launch special edition versions of the MX-5, a.k.a Miata, in other markets as well.

Adapted from CarScoop