Read about it here...

 

thanks for the news, Herc.

i was hoping for a glimpse at a new 7. oh well. i like where the NC Miata is going. sort of going back to the NA style, but with some new tricks.

santino

 

Mazda 'Ibuki' concept



The Mazda Ibuki concept clearly showcases Mazda's current efforts in both design and technology as the development team works to further refine the company's famous lightweight, open-top sports car. The Ibuki concept (the name comes from a Japanese word that refers to "breathing new energy into" and "adding vigor") reaches back to its 1989 origins in is simple and clean design and hints towards one possible approach for a future Roadster/MX-5 model.



Powered by a MZR 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine, the Ibuki concept successfully realizes a super front-midship layout (as also found in the Mazda RX-8) that places all major components within the wheelbase. Compared with the layout in the current Mazda Roadster/MX-5, the engine is positioned approximately 400mm further to the rear, while the air conditioner unit is located behind the seats. Thanks to the super front-midship layout, yaw inertia moment has been greatly reduced, enhancing further the level of pure, fun drivability-oneness between car and driver-that has been central to the Roadster's ongoing success.



Mazda Roadster Turbo concept



The Roadster Turbo concept is a new twist on Mazda's best-selling sports car that has been developed as a limited-edition model to give customers a pure feeling of "oneness between car and driver" with additional mid-range performance. The turbochargerd1.8-liter DOHC engine delivers additional power and increased torque to improve acceleration, particularly in speeds from 40 to 80 kph.



The turbocharged engine has been tuned to retain the Roadsters smooth and linear power delivery, with a flat torque curve that offers consistent and strong torque from 2500 to 5500 rpm. Mazda Roadster Turbo also features enhanced drivetrain components including a taller final-drive ratio (now 4.100, up from 3.910) and an upgraded limited-slip differential. The Roadster Turbo's suspension has been upgraded with larger-diameter anti-roll bars, larger tires, stiffer dampers and springs rates 20 percent firmer than normally aspirated models, helping reduce pitch and roll. Overall, the Turbo's body has been lowered by 10 mm compared to the normal Roadsters.



Mazda RX-8 Hydrogen RE (Prototype)
This technological concept vehicle powered by the Mazda RENESIS hydrogen rotary engine is now undergoing running tests. The hydrogen version of RENESIS is the latest example of the company's efforts to satisfy the demand for both environment-friendliness and exhilarating performance. By making the most of the unique rotary-engine technologies, Mazda was able to develop this powerplant as one proposal for alternative-energy vehicle technologies aimed at a future hydrogen-based society.



In addition to direct hydrogen injection into the intake chambers via two electronically-controlled injectors per rotor, the Mazda RX-8 Hydrogen RE features a dual-fuel system allowing one-touch switching between either hydrogen or gasoline, promoting the car's versatility as a hydrogen fuel infrastructure is developed.



Other environmental-friendly features applied to the vehicle include a plant-based plastic for interior parts and an application of three layer wet paint system. Mazda is also presenting advanced technologies including a hybrid system with electric torque assist and start-stop technology, and a turbocharger with electric motor assistance-technologies that will contribute to future enhancement of hydrogen rotary engine performance.

 

The Ibuki looks like the bastard child of an '89 Miata and an Audi TT. Ewww. (Note to automakers: can we pleeease stop making every new car look like the Audi TT and go back to sleek and sexy?)

Also, by "MAZDASPEED RX-8" I'm assuming they simply mean an RX-8 with all the currently available aftermarket parts tacked on, not the actual MPS version.

 

i don't think it looks like the TT. i think it looks real nice. i really liked the looks of the na miata and if this is indicative of the next miata i'm quite happy. i do agree TT is a pretty ugly car. i just saw a 350z roadster the other day w/ the top up. what an UGLY car. THAT looks like a mutated TT

we can only hope the RX-8 MAZDASPEED version is something more. thing is, they've been showing the 8 w/ the mazdaspeed components quite a lot for quite a while, and they're all available, so maybe this'll be a bit different

 

The Ibuki isn't the next (NC) Miata, but it hints at the way the Miata will go - kind of like the RX-Evolv hinted at the direction for the RX-8, but is quite different. The lower weight, reduced polar moment of inertia and smaller size (yet longer wheelbase) are extremely promising. The hybrid drivetrain with the 1.6/electric combo are show car fare, as the NC is likely going to have a 2.0 165 hp motor.

Uh, Herc - aren't you going to be in trouble? The embargo on the pictures and info was only supposed to be lifted at 5:00 pm today - you jumped the gun by a few hours! Mazda knows all... :D

Regards,
Gordon

 

the ibuki has hints of mini cooper to me

 

i thought the tokyo motor show wasn't supposed to start until october 24 . . .or are these just preliminary announcements for what will be there? if it is . . . i hope there is a surprise unveiling of another 2seater. . .

 

those arent actually FROM the tokyo show, just what mazda plans to unveil there come the 24th.

the new concepts seem cool. the ibuki is promising but has to be restyled, the turbo miata seems neat and the other things in that article are cool as well.

anyway, lets all hope that Mazda is keeping something secret from us all untill the 24th...
________
Expert insurance

 

Well, it has all the styling cues of the TT: the high belt line, the same fenders, geometric shapes everywhere. When I think of Mazda sports cars, I think of the classic, curvy and sleek lines of the FD and NB Miata, and even the RX-8 to a lesser extent. I wish they would stick with that look...

 

www.mazda-madness.nl/nieuws/nieuws47.htm << other and more pics

 

nice pics thanks

I love those taillights on the ibuki