I was reading another short article on Mazda's Kabura concept today. It struck me that this may just be a thinly disguised styling study for the next-gen RX8 and possibly a means of gauging market reaction for a 2-door RX8.

I think the whole 3+1 seating arrangement and sliding rear passenger door may just be some tomfoolery to camouflage the point of the exercise.

What do the rest of you think (some idle speculation can be fun )? I'm also curious to see what you think of the concept's styling. I find it a bit forced and not as classy as the current RX8 shape but some people like the more agressive look. Comments?

Here's some piccies:

 

I'll have the wheels/tyres thanks!

 

Personally, I like the looks. Looks furturistic. Couldn't live with the two doors though.

 

I like how it looks, too, although it is clearly a different market segment to the 8. As you say, the 3+1 and other gimmicks are a bit too much.

In many ways I wish Mazda had kept up its work [sacrilege] on small V6s, like the Miller Cycles in the Eunos 800, or the 2L Yamaha V6 [/sacrilege] in the mid-90's Astina, as these -- in a RWD config -- would make this little number a stunner, with wide appeal

 

I see Dave's line of thought, there's no way they'd release that with the old MZR engine in it. Smokescreen.

 

I want some of them deep dish wheels too.


I recall the concept styling of the RX8 was also lookin a bit "forced" but by the time it hit the showroom floor it had changed slightly.

 

Precisely.

 

Guess it depends how narrowly you segment the market.

As a luxury 2+2 performance coupe, it's not a million miles away from a 2-door RX8 in terms of looks and function, assuming TT and I are right about the intended rotary powerplant.

 

Based on the pics that were posted, I love it. I really like the windshield.

As far as being a next gen. 8, I'm not concerned, they could call it an 8 or call it "turd" and I would still think it looks hot.

 

Oh, don't get me wrong...I'd love to see a rotary powerplant in it, but it currently has the 2L MX-5 motor and given world fuel prices, that's the sort of donk that'll probably prevail...and I just reckon Mazda had some alternatives based on past lines.

 

Like it but......


How will you see out of the back to reverse??? needs reverse sensors!!

How will we see out of those piddly little wing mirrors...

That being said if it was beefier in the engine department I would get one...it suits my forced type of personality....BITCH ON WHEELS is what I'm known as on the track...that would scream it..!! LOL However I don't think we'll see it sometime soon though...

Styling looks like the Alfa Brera...and that caused chaos within the Alfa fraternity....

 

Some bits of it are remarkably like a 350Z or a Fairlady - some Nissan genes in there I reckon!

 

Do tell BoW. What didn't they like about it and why (permission to go OT here ).

 

Off topic reply.....the guys here looked at
1. Crash test results....all that glass
2. Sunburn potential
3. Affordability which I think negates 1 & 2
4. Re-sale which is always an issue.....

I liked it wouldn't buy it but hey it's out there......

But really ask yourself on a 40 degree day or even 30 degree that little puppy will get a might hot in the sun!!!

 

There's an interview with Moray Callum (Mazda's chief designer) in the May issue of Wheels (pp26-27).

It's a wishy washy interview but he touches on the Kabura.

Reading between the lines, I wouldn't be holding my breath for a significant upgrade to the 8. Seems they've got a full plate with the new CX7, CX9 and replacements for the 2, 6 and 3. He also noted the 8 was "not the most logical business decision to make" but at least Mazda did it anyway.

 

What about this 2-door RX-8....



Not too radical is it.......lol

 

The wheel is nice.

Why is there a rear mirror when there is no rear seat? I think fill it up looks better.

 

Why does everyone look at a concept car and bitch about visibility, windshield, seats, dash, etc. Do you honestly think they will release something like that for production?

 

Please tell me this is simply the vomitings of a drunk photoshopper.

Either that or I may have to review my stance on the reintroduction of the death penalty because that is a crime of the highest magnitude.

 

Err, Tirminyl (cute spelling), the common purpose of concept cars is to stimulate discussion.

And lately yes, manufacturers ARE releasing models that are very close to concepts displayed at carshows and the like.

 

I think we'll assume Photochopped, and sleep soundly at night

 

Great discussion it is about where the design of a car is going. My complaint is when people complain that the designer did this or that on a concept vehicle as if it is suppose to be production product.

RX8 targa FTW.

 

The ever-climbing petrol price is going to play a concomitant ever-increasing role in the planning of car makers. Apropos sports cars at Mazda and RX-8 replacements: EITHER it will be an electric/rotary hybrid along the lines of the Senku concept, OR Mazda will drop rotaries altogether, and the Kabura concept starts to make sense. Don't forgo the possibility of a conventional 4-stroke/electric hybrid sports car either.

I think a letter writer in today's The Australian hit the nail on te head: what are the local car makers (Holden, Ford. Mitsubishi) thinking about making heavy 6 cylinder cars (and plan to go on making them for years to come) when one thing is for certain: the price of petrol will always increase and never decrease.

 

They'll do a QnD diesel option...I'll put good money on it!

Interesting to read recently (and this is for us more..er... experienced chaps, labrat ) that the new Toyota Yaris 4 dr sedan is more powerful, has more interior and boot space, performs better and is substantially more economical than the 1964 EH Holden -- so who needs the big Aussie six??

 

I think the discussion can include more minor details as well as broader themes. Quite often it's the details that make a car as much as the overall shape.

And if you think manufacturers aren't also gauging reaction to details, you're kidding yourself. Besides obvious flights of fantasy, there's not much on more conservative concept cars that isn't there for a reason.

I'm not clear on your concluding comment - "FTW"?