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Mazda's two MX-5 SEMA concepts are among the best in show

One is a lightweight roadster. One is a matte-black targa coupe. Both are amazing.

Andrew Krok
Cars are Andrew's jam, as is strawberry. After spending years as a regular ol' car fanatic, he started working his way through the echelons of the automotive industry, starting out as social-media director of a small European-focused garage outside of Chicago. From there, he moved to the editorial side, penning several written features in Total 911 Magazine before becoming a full-time auto writer, first for a local Chicago outlet and then for CNET Cars.
Andrew Krok
Mazda MX-5 Speedster Evolution
1 of 24 Andrew Krok/Roadshow

If you think this is your average MX-5, look at the windshield, dummy.

Mazda MX-5 Speedster Evolution
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This is the MX-5 Speedster Evolution.

Mazda MX-5 Speedster Evolution
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It's the second iteration of the Speedster concept.

Mazda MX-5 Speedster Evolution
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This one is brilliant in its white-painted splendor.

Mazda MX-5 Speedster Evolution
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The front clip is largely unchanged, save for a new badge.

Mazda MX-5 Speedster Evolution
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But once you look at the whole package, you'll notice there's no roof and no windshield.

Mazda MX-5 Speedster Evolution
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The cover just behind the rear seats gives this car a rather aggressive look from behind.

Mazda MX-5 Speedster Evolution
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The center-mounted exhaust is a nice touch, too.

Mazda MX-5 Speedster Evolution
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This car is nearly 250 pounds lighter than a standard MX-5.

Mazda MX-5 Speedster Evolution
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The interior is a bit racier, as well, with new materials and a racing steering wheel.

Mazda MX-5 Speedster Evolution
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There's also a configurable display in place of the standard gauge cluster.

Mazda MX-5 Speedster Evolution
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The racing seats are a perfect complement for this aesthetic.

Mazda MX-5 Speedster Evolution
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Even the wheels are prettier than usual.

Mazda MX-5 Speedster Evolution
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If only this were available to the public. Too bad it violates so many federal guidelines.

Mazda MX-5 RF Kuro
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On the other side of the MX-5 spectrum is the MX-5 Kuro concept.

Mazda MX-5 RF Kuro
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"Kuro" is Japanese for "black." Guess where that name came from.

Mazda MX-5 RF Kuro
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The car's matte-black finish looks great on the Miata. Too bad it's not a factory option.

Mazda MX-5 RF Kuro
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Since it's based on the MX-5 RF, the Kuro concept comes with that sweet, sweet retractable targa top.

Mazda MX-5 RF Kuro
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The center mount exhaust is present on this concept, as well.

Mazda MX-5 RF Kuro
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Oh. My. God. Becky, look at her buttresses.

Mazda MX-5 RF Kuro
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Certain Roadshow editors don't like the retractable fastback roof. I think those editors are dumb.

Mazda MX-5 RF Kuro
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The Kuro concept rocks a set of lightweight RAYS wheels...

Mazda MX-5 RF Kuro
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...which were taken from the MX-5 Cup racecar.

Mazda MX-5 RF Kuro
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Are we sure Mazda can't add matte black to the standard paint lineup?

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