TEASED: New Mazda Concept Will Reveal Future Of The MX-5 Miata

Oct. 10, 2023 3:22 AM ET byRoger Biermann Teaser /2 Comments

A new concept is to be revealed later this month.

Mazda has released a shadowy teaser of a new sports car that could preview the future of theMX-5 Miata. Ahead of the Japan Mobility Show 2023, the company gave an overview of its stand, with the big standout being the confirmation of a "new concept car designed to symbolize the exhibit theme" to be unveiled at the event.

The theme in question is "The future created by the 'love of cars'" which doesn't necessarily mean the concept is MX-5-related, but given the only mention of the concept was at the tail-end of a paragraph in the release dedicated to the MX-5s that will be on display, it seems logical.

这些信息是伴随着lo teaser image, the shadowy image below showcasing a taillight, Mazda script, and another lighting detail on the lower bumper. But the shadowy image seems familiar, and we're not so sure this is an entirely new concept.

In November last year, Mazdashowcased a Vision Study Modelin a video previewing what the company will look like in 2030. While it wasn't a convertible, the nods to the original MX-5 Miata were hard to ignore, with pop-up headlights and taillights comprising two intersecting circular lighting elements. The latter appears to be shown in the new concept teaser, which leads us to believe this will be a physical reveal of that concept.

At the time, Mazda only showed two very brief glimpses of the Vision Study Model, and it was only alive in the digital realm.

So it's with some certainty that we say Mazda has created a physical concept of that, which may represent the future of the Miata in an electrified society.

Mazda Vision Study showcased in 2022

Alongside the new concept, Mazda will display the updated Miata, which arrives for 2024 with a newDSC Track mode and an Assymetric Limited Slip Differential和一个版本;n called the MX-5 SeDV (Self-empowerment Driving Vehicle), a Miata with hand controls for disabled drivers.

These new Miatas will be joined by the first-generation (NA) MX-5, which Mazda labels as "an enduring symbol of Mazda's original commitment to the joy of driving," and to ensure young enthusiasts aren't left out of the action, a two-thirds scale MX-5 will provide a simulated driving experience.

Other Mazda models on display will include a Mazda2 Bio Concept race car powered by next-gen bio diesel.

But back to the concept. While we don't have much concrete detail about it, we know that the Miata will be going electric in some form for its next generation. Whether this is a hybrid powertrain or fully electric hasn't yet been determined, but this concept perhaps gives us a preview of what might come to be when it does go fully electric.

Between now and then, we know that Mazda won't give us an electrified Miata until it can match the hallmarks of the originals - being lightweight, affordable, and fun. It needs to be a fun, lightweight, everyday sport car; traitsMazda refuses to compromise on.

A fuller electric Miata is only likely to arrive closer to 2035. Between now and then, the current ND-generation chassis has lots of life left in it, with Mazda development chiefslikening the sports car to the Porsche 911as a model that can evolve off a simple base platform.

Is the new concept a preview of the next Miata? Or is it simply a concept for what might come to be 12 years from now? We'll find out more from October 28 when the Japan Mobility Show 2023 kicks off.