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xcitement is mounting as Mazda gears up for its grand appearance at the 2023 Japan Mobility Motor Show, slated to kick off on October 28th. The Japanese automaker is tantalising car enthusiasts with strong hints of a thrilling concept car that seems poised to carry on the legacy of its iconic MX-5 sports car. Although they haven't officially lifted the curtain, all signs point to a compelling peek at the next-gen 'NE' MX-5, an evolution of the captivating Vision Study we glimpsed back in November 2022.
Mazda's show booth is shrouded in an air of "the love of cars" in the future, with the new concept thoughtfully designed to embody the essence of this overarching theme. It's a safe bet that a new MX-5 is about to steal the limelight. The teaser image, featuring those distinctive rounded LED taillights and alluring sports car rear proportions, beautifully ties it to both the Vision Study and the beloved ND MX-5.
As if that's not enough, the stand will also feature a first-gen 'NA' MX-5, a scaled-down roadster perfect for budding car enthusiasts, the recently updated 'ND' MX-5, and a captivating hand-control version of the roadster. Mazda has been dropping hints about the electrification of the next-gen MX-5, but don't expect a complete electric overhaul similar to the MG Cyberster. It's clear that the 3.3-litre inline-six from the CX-60 won't be the heart of the next MX-5.
Instead, a more likely scenario is a potent inline four-cylinder gasoline engine with a hybrid boost, or perhaps a downsized three-cylinder paired with the same hybrid technology. Mazda's design head, Akira Tamatani, pondered the electrification question in December 2022, emphasising the need for the future MX-5 to stay true to its lightweight and exhilarating MX-5 DNA.
If there were uncertainties then, it appears Mazda has since charted a clear course. The truth will be unveiled later this month, and car enthusiasts can barely contain their excitement for the momentous occasion. Stay tuned for the grand reveal!
