Mazda will replace the MX-5 [Miata], the world’s best-selling open–topped sports car in 2005 – and the Ibuki concept, unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show, is described by the company as a “near future concept roadster”.
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More importantly, Moray Callum, design chief at Mazda and most recently responsible for the four new model ranges which have turned around Mazda’s fortunes worldwide said: “Ibuki follows what we have done with our last new models.
“It has the same strong visual Mazda identity with a sporty stance. We must remember this car, just as with the MX-5, will also appeal to ladies so the styling is not overly aggressive and we have not dressed it up with spoilers.”
The Ibuki is said to represent at least 20 per cent of what the replacement will look like for the well-loved MX-5, of which 680,000 have been sold since it was launched in 1989.
Stephen Odell, director and senior managing executive officer in charge of marketing, sales and customer service at Mazda Motor Corporation said, “whatever the replacement for the MX-5 is, it has to be a lightweight affordable roadster and if we lose sight of that, the new car will not be a success.
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By GlobalData“Those are the three fundamental requirements the MX-5’s replacement must have.”
Mazda say Ibuki will further refine the fun to drive spirit that can be derived from a lightweight, open top sports car. It follows the design format of the new RX8 with a front-midship engine layout that places all critical powertrain and components within the wheelbase.
The MX-5 is renowned for its impeccable road handling manners and characteristics. The Ibuki has a twin backbone body structure that is based on a similar design in the equally well-handling RX-8.
In its concept form, Ibuki has a new lightweight 1.6 litre, 16-valve, four cylinder, 180PS, petrol engine with sequential valve timing and lift for both intake and exhaust valves.
This unit is partnered with an electric hybrid motor that improves acceleration, provides a stop-start system saving fuel and lowering emissions. A six-speed manual gearbox is fitted.
Whether this hybrid system is a feature of the replacement for the MX-5 has yet to be approved by Stephen Odell and his team. Final design sign-off is rumoured to be less than six months away.
Whatever the 2005 replacement for the MX-5 turns out to be, it is quite clear there is a lot of thought still taking place behind the scenes at Mazda before it is finally decided how the critical requirements of providing a lightweight, affordable roadster are to be achieved.
