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

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【Summary】A new concept car to be revealed at the Tokyo Motor Show may provide a glimpse into the future of the Mazda MX-5. The concept will symbolize Mazda's commitment to the love of cars and driving. While details are scarce, the teaser image suggests that the concept could be an evolution of the Mazda Vision Study, which was a digital model shown last year. Considering Mazda's focus on electric vehicles, it is possible that the concept could be battery-powered.

FutureCar Staff Oct 10, 2023 4:14 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, a new concept car set to be unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show may offer a glimpse into the future of this iconic roadster.

Mazda's display at the show will revolve around the theme of "the future created by the 'love of cars'," with the concept serving as a symbol of this theme. The brand will also emphasize its commitment to creating products that cater to customers' passion for driving and cars. Therefore, the concept will likely have some connection to the beloved MX-5 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. Based on this image, it is reasonable to assume that the concept being unveiled in Tokyo is a complete car, possibly an evolution of the "Mazda Vision Study" introduced in November 2022.

The Mazda Vision Study was initially a digital model, showcasing the brand's strategy for the next decade, which heavily focused on electrified vehicles, including hybrids and EVs. Given that Mazda is developing its own electric-car platform called the Skyactiv EV Scalable Architecture, and other brands are already launching electric sports cars, 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 range of 108 miles has been released.

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

Although it may be years before a new fifth-generation MX-5 is launched, Mazda has made some improvements to the current MX-5 Roadster and hard-top RF models. These upgrades 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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