Chicago show: Sportiest Mazda MX-5 gets 116kW

MAZDA has unveiled a concept version of its new MX-5 sportscar at the Chicago Auto Show, which showcases a range of upcoming accessories and places the final piece in its powertrain puzzle.

As well as showing off some trick customisation options, Mazda has also revealed that the concept's 2.0-litre SkyActiv engine produces 116kW and 201Nm of torque – almost identical the same as the Mazda3 2.0-litre.

Until now, only the engine size of the top-performing variant was known but no performance figures had been released and, while the power relates to United States specification cars, it is unlikely to change dramatically when it arrives on Australian soil.

Reports had previously predicted the MX-5 2.0-litre would turn out a higher output than the Mazda3, to emphasise the sportscar's dynamic ability, but until Mazda says otherwise both Mazda3 and MX-5 will share the same figure.

The motor show concept is dressed up in 17-inch BBS wheels, wearing 205/45 Bridgestone Potenza tyres and housing red Brembo four-piston brakes on the front axle.

The new bodykit is the same one worn by the MX-5 Global Cup Car shown at SEMA last November and features a gloss black lower front air dam that continues along each side to rear skirt and matching lip spoiler.

Mazda is also showing off an ultra-modern interpretation of a very traditional sportscar accessory with a carbon-fibre rack that fits on the bootlid to boost the little car's luggage area.

The high-tech accessory weighs less than a kilogram and even has an integrated high-level brake light.

Chicago was the venue where Mazda unveiled the very first MX-5 in 1989 and Mazda North America CEO Jim O'Sullivan said the company had chosen the show for the accessory concept to celebrate its heritage.

“There is so much MX-5 history at the Chicago Auto Show, and we wanted to continue building on that,” he said.

“For our next-generation MX-5, our designers and engineers obsessively focused on heightening the joy that comes with driving our signature sports car.

“The concept parts and accessories we have showcased at the Chicago Auto Show were developed to give customers a look at what is possible for the new cars to make them truly one-of-a-kind, adding to that excitement.”

In local showrooms, the 2.0-litre four-cylinder will go alongside an entry-level 1.5-litre SkyActiv-powered MX-5 with 96kW and 150Nm, with the first examples expected in spring this year.