Is This Cool Idea with Butterfly Doorways the Subsequent Mazda Miata?

• Mazda immediately teased a sports activities automotive idea known as the “Imaginative and prescient Examine Mannequin” that we hope hints at a future Miata EV.
• The attractive coupe idea options butterfly doorways, bulging fenders, and proportions that seem Miata-esque.
• The “Imaginative and prescient Examine Mannequin” was proven as a part of Mazda’s presentation on its up to date electrification plans via 2030.

The considered an all-electric Mazda Miata may peeve purists, however there’ll certainly come a day when it is a actuality. Whereas it is nonetheless too quickly to say when the primary MX-5 EV will arrive, Mazda immediately revealed a three-phase technique that prioritizes electrification main as much as 2030. Together with its up to date plans, the corporate teased the “Imaginative and prescient Examine Mannequin,” a surprising coupe idea that we hope previews the long run design of the enduring two-seater sports activities automotive.

Final yr, Mazda confirmed to Automobile and Driver that the next-generation Miata shall be electrified not directly. We count on that to imply some type of hybrid setup, which corresponds with a part of the corporate’s second part. Nonetheless, we would not be stunned to see a completely electrical Miata by the top of the last decade. We additionally would not be shocked to see an EV model that appears much like the idea proven in press pictures in addition to in clips of the video on Mazda’s official YouTube channel (the idea first seems on the 34:55 mark).

Within the minutes main as much as the idea’s first look, we see quite a few photographs of individuals fortunately driving totally different Miata generations, which additional fuels our hypothesis that there is a connection between previous MX-5s and the Imaginative and prescient Examine Mannequin.

Our first have a look at the idea is seen via an iPhone display, with its uncovered chassis that includes what seems to be a T-shaped battery pack. The automotive’s physique then drops on high and we see its passenger-side butterfly door open up.

Whereas the loopy doorways are one of many idea’s defining options, we do not count on them to be a part of a manufacturing mannequin. We do count on future Miatas to take care of a convertible physique model, though a fixed-roof variant just like the idea would not be a primary, as Mazda did provide the uncommon JDM-only NB-generation coupe.

The remainder of the imaginary sports activities automotive appears to be like doable, albeit ultra-dramatic. Its large hips, peaked entrance fenders, and low cowl are all exaggerated traits of the present ND Miata. The illuminated Mazda brand mounted low on the idea’s nostril and the slim, protruding entrance lighting parts are different neat touches.

After all, we notice Mazda’s Imaginative and prescient Examine Mannequin may not preview a future Miata EV in any respect. We’ve flashbacks of the visually arresting four-door Imaginative and prescient Coupe idea the corporate revealed again in 2017 that has not come to fruition. Nonetheless, its aspirational styling did go on to affect the model’s design language, so maybe the Miata-esque idea will do the identical. A minimum of we are able to dare to dream.