Design Concept Hints at Future Generation MX-5 Miata

Chicagoans and others will have the opportunity to peek into the legendary past of the Mazda MX-5 Miata, as well as its possible future, when the Mazda Ibuki concept makes its North American debut at the 2004 Chicago Auto Show. The Ibuki suggests one possible approach for a future MX-5 Miata model.

Recognized in the Guinness Book of World Records as the best-selling, two-seat sports car of all time, the Mazda MX-5 Miata re-established for enthusiasts around the world the concept of the lightweight convertible sports car. Launched in 1989, its 15-year legacy lives on in the Ibuki concept, which clearly showcases Mazda's current efforts in both design and technology.

"The aim of this concept was to further refine the fun-to-drive spirit that can be derived from a lightweight, convertible sports car," said Truman Pollard, chief designer of Mazda North American Operations. "At the same time, the design team has worked to advance the true roadster identity and further refine the levels of comfort and safety in a vehicle with the top down."

In an effort to more fully realize oneness between car and driver -- a oneness that was the overall intent of the original MX-5 Miata -- the Ibuki design team has borrowed from the advanced front-midship engine layout of Mazda RX-8, although in this case employing an inline four-cylinder engine.

Overall vehicle proportions have been defined by extremely short front and rear overhangs that confidently signify the extreme fun-to-drive spirit achieved by the innovative engine layout. The overall shape is clean and simple, reminiscent of the original Mazda MX-5 Miata, with a wide and stable stance, pronounced fenders and the elegant use of oval shapes throughout the design.

Isao Tohda, a key member of the Ibuki development team who also played an important role in the development of Mazda RX-8 says, "We aimed for a sports car that offers the sort of fun felt from being in firm control of one's own driving. With Mazda Ibuki, our primary theme was to minimize the car's yaw inertia moment, and to take Mazda's own sports car values to the absolute extreme."