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

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【Summary】At the Tokyo Motor Show, Mazda will unveil a concept car that may offer a glimpse into the future of the iconic MX-5 roadster. While details are scarce, the teaser image suggests it could be an evolution of the Mazda Vision Study, a digital model revealed last year. Considering Mazda's focus on electrified vehicles, the upcoming concept may be battery-powered. Mazda plans to launch three new electric cars by 2025 and introduce its EV platform.

FutureCar Staff Oct 10, 2023 9:15 AM PT

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

The Mazda MX-5 has followed the same rear-drive, soft-top formula since its debut in 1989. However, a new concept car will be unveiled at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show, giving us a glimpse into the future of this iconic roadster.

Mazda's stand at the show will revolve around the theme of 'the future created by the love of cars', with the concept symbolizing this idea. The focus will also be on the MX-5 and the brand's commitment to creating products that cater to customers' love of driving and cars.

While details about the concept are scarce, Mazda has released a teaser image that shows circular tail-lights, an illuminated rear running light, and Mazda lettering. This suggests that the concept is a complete car and possibly an evolution of the 'Mazda Vision Study' we saw in November 2022.

The Mazda Vision Study was initially a digital model, part of the brand's strategy for the coming years, which emphasized electrified vehicles. Given Mazda's development of its own electric-car platform and the growing presence of electric sports cars in the market, 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 released.

The design of the Mazda Vision Study took inspiration from Mazda's FD RX-7 from the 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 shares similarities with the Vision Study's tail-light design and split running lights.

While it may be years before a new fifth-generation MX-5 is released, Mazda has made some updates to the existing 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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