Tokyo  - First revealed as a concept at the Frankfurt Motor Show this year the 2012 model of the Mazda MX-5 is likely to be a superlight car with the driver virtually sitting on the rear axle and streamlined roll bars to the rear.

Much of the weight of under 1,000 kilograms has been shed with lightweight materials and other measures. The car maker has done away completely with the windscreen, the folding roof, interior upholstery and the ventilation system.

Unofficially the power unit stems from a 140 hp engine but Mazda is working on a range of light and more fuel efficient engines with new injection technology.

In the fully driveable concept version the braking unit stems from motor racing with the suspension boosted with Bilstein and Eibach components.

It is likely that the superlight roadster will come in coupe and hardtop versions. (dpa)