By definition, a monoposto is a single-seat vehicle, so it made sense that last year’s Gorgona Cars Naked Monoposto (NM) had room for just the driver. Now, though, the company has complicated things with the NM+.
The + symbol is meant to suggest that the car now has two seats, and while that may frustrate pedants, people with friends won’t mind because they can now drive one around with them. Unveiled at the Milano Monza Open-Air Motor Show 2023, the new NM+ doesn’t just add a seat, it adds some lightness, too.
While the original single-seater is described as the more extreme model in the Gorgona Cars stable, the NM+ has a few tricks up its sleeve to help it keep up. Whereas the single hump on the original model was made of fiberglass, the humps behind the NM+’s seats are now made of carbon fiber. The use of the new material means that both now weigh about as much as the NM’s single hump did.
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They have also been subtly reshaped to optimize aerodynamics. Other considerations also had to be made for the second occupant, such as an (optional) bridge between the seats to reduce turbulence, and a new more protective aero-screen to divert more wind away from the occupants.
The aero humps also hide roll bars that are welded to the vehicle’s superstructure for rollover protection. Just one of the modifications made to the car, its doors are also much shorter to make room for higher sills. Not only do these help protect occupants in the event of a side impact, it also helps make the NM+ much more rigid than a standard NA Miata.
The Mazda hood has also been replaced by an aluminum piece, and the car’s belly is now flat to help air flow under it more smoothly until it reaches the rear diffuser. A front splitter further helps with downforce.
Under the hood, the stock engine has been thrown out and replaced by the 2.0 Skyactive-G four-cylinder engine from the latest generation of Miata. With the optional power kit, it makes up to 217 hp (162 kW/220 hp) and 166 lb-ft (225 Nm) of torque. With a dry weight of just 1,764 lbs (800 kg), that should be plenty to get you moving in a hurry.
Prices have not yet been released, but Gorgona Cars says that the NM+ represents “the prelude to a small series production.”
