Mazda could be gearing up to show off a concept of an electric MX-5 replacement at the Japan Mobility Show (formerly the Tokyo Motor Show).
The love of cars
Mazda has explicitly said that the theme of the company's motor show stand will be 'The Future Created by the Love of Cars' and that the whole display will be "focused on the MX-5 - Mazda's brand icon roadster."
Now, officially, Mazda is saying that there will be several MX-5 models on display at the show, including the 2024 model-year update of the current car, which will keep its 1.5 and 2.0-litre petrol engines. There will also be some historic models on show, a two-thirds scale model MX-5 to provide a simulated driving experience for children and an MX-5 'SeDV' that can be controlled using only the driver's hands and has been designed for wheelchair users.
Mazda Vision Study
However, Mazda also says that there will be a "new concept car designed to symbolise the exhibit theme." A single shadowy image has been released, which is clearly the back end of a car, and while you can't see much, the red LED brake lights do look more than a little like futuristic re-interpretations of the original Mk1 MX-5's rear lights.
Indeed, those lights appear to be very similar to those used on the 2022 Mazda Vision Study, which was clearly a tilt at a future MX-5, albeit in coupe form. Will this show car be a proper convertible?
We possibly shouldn't get over-excited - Mazda has shown many gorgeous concept cars that have never made it further than the motor show stand, so don't start laying down deposits at your Mazda dealer just yet.
Bio-diesel
There will be other stuff on the Mazda stand, including a Mazda2 supermini, which has been tuned to run on 'next-generation bio-diesel.' Mazda says that it's still hedging its bets a bit when it comes to future fuels and that: "The Mazda2 Bio concept car is a 'laboratory on wheels' exploring alternative sustainable energy sources to fossil fuels as Mazda looks to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050."
Mazda will also take part in 'Out of KidZania' - a popular educational entertainment venue allowing children to explore the world of adult jobs. Children will be offered a role in automotive manufacturing with the 'sand casting' and 'stamping operator' experiences inside a simulated Mazda factory.