The current iteration of the Mazda MX-5 or Miata is already seven years old, making us wonder when the Japanese automaker will bring out the next-gen model. Now, it seems like Mazda is hinting at the upcoming iteration of its renowned roadster through the “Vision Study Model.”
Vision Study Model
No details have been disclosed regarding the “Vision Study Model.” It only appeared in Mazda’s new 36-minute video where President and CEO Akira Marumoto talks about the brand’s plans for becoming a more sustainable business up to 2030. With that being said, the mystery car could possibly be using an all-electric powertrain.
The reason why we think that this could be the next-gen Mazda MX-5 is the similarities between the two. From the 2-door roadster exterior look to the familiar front-end fascia, the fifth-gen version of the model may be bound to arrive. Plus, the MX-5 appears to be the main car in the video that you can watch at the end of the presentation.
Futuristic-looking sports coupe
But perhaps Mazda’s plan to keep the MX-5’s core features such as a rear-wheel-drive platform and combustion engine contradict a fully electric-powered Miata. These features helped the nameplate become the world’s best-selling 2-seater sports car.
Although the automaker admits that an MX-5 EV is likely the fate of the car due to more stringent emission regulations, we can still hope for an internal combustion engine-powered Miata, at least for the next-gen model. All of these could still be part of the brand’s Sustainable Zoom-Zoom 2030 plan.
This could be part of Mazda's sustainability plan up to 2030
If the speculations ever end up being false, the “Vision Study Model” could be a concept for an all-new electric sports car model. It could run alongside an ICE-powered MX-5 in the lineup, expanding the brand’s offerings. Let’s just hope that this doesn’t end up like the RX Vision and Vision Coupe concepts which didn’t make the production stage.
See more interesting car concepts at Philkotse.com.