Mysterious concept car hints at Mazda MX-5's future.

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【Summary】Mazda will be revealing a new concept car at the Tokyo Motor Show, which could offer a glimpse into the future of the Mazda MX-5. The concept will symbolize Mazda's commitment to creating products that satisfy customers' love of driving and cars. While details are scarce, the teaser image suggests that the concept may be an evolution of the Mazda Vision Study, a sleek two-door coupe. Considering Mazda's focus on electrified vehicles, it is possible that the concept may be battery-powered.

FutureCar Staff Oct 10, 2023 11:15 PM PT

Mysterious concept car hints at Mazda MX-5's future.

The Mazda MX-5 has maintained its rear-drive, soft-top design since its debut in 1989. Now, the fourth-generation model has received an update, and a new concept car is set to be unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show, offering a glimpse into the future of this iconic roadster.

Mazda's exhibition at the show will revolve around the theme of "the future created by the love of cars," which the unnamed concept will symbolize. The focus will also be on the MX-5, highlighting Mazda's commitment to creating products that cater to customers' love for driving and cars. Therefore, we can expect the concept to be somehow connected to the beloved two-seat sports car.

While there isn't much information available, Mazda has shared a teaser image that reveals circular tail-lights, an illuminated rear running light, and the Mazda lettering. This suggests that the concept to be revealed in Tokyo is a complete car and potentially an evolution of the "Mazda Vision Study" presented in November 2022.

The Mazda Vision Study was originally a digital model, showcasing the brand's strategy for the upcoming decade, with a strong emphasis on electrified vehicles, including hybrids and EVs. Given Mazda's development of the Skyactiv EV Scalable Architecture, its own scalable electric-car platform, and the introduction of electric sports cars by other brands, it wouldn't be surprising if the upcoming concept is also battery-powered.

Mazda has announced plans to launch three new electric cars by 2025 and introduce its new EV platform. However, so far, only the MX-30 with a modest range of 108 miles has been brought to market.

The design of the Mazda Vision Study from last year drew inspiration from Mazda's FD RX-7 from the early 1990s and 2000s. Both cars feature a long bonnet, a large steeply raked windscreen and rear deck, and a rounded roofline. The teaser image also showcases a similar tail-light design and split running lights.

While it may take years before a new fifth-generation MX-5 is released, Mazda has made some upgrades to the current MX-5 Roadster and hard-top RF. These include a new 8.8-inch infotainment screen, improved throttle response for the 2.0-litre models, and subtle cosmetic tweaks.

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