For the past few years, Mazda has been teasing us with concept cars seemingly inspired by some of their contemporary models. Each shows a glimpse of curvaceous future Mazdas, clearly futuristic but inheriting the Japanese marque’s current design language.
We wanted to compile all of these concepts in one place for those who have yet to see them and to invite further hypotheses as to what the future holds in store for one of Japan’s oldest automobile manufacturers.
The Mazda RX-Vision hints at a return of the RX-7
Mazda
Back in 2015, a possible revival of the famed RX-7 dubbed the RX-Vision was unveiled at the Festival Automobile International. Much like its predecessor, the RX-Vision would be powered by a rotary engine sending power to the rear wheels in classic sports car fashion.
Mazda
A race version called the Mazda RX-Vision GT3 Concept was made available in Grand Turismo Sport in 2020. The GT3 Concept featured a four-rotor engine although no further powertrain information was released for the regular RX-Vision.
The KAI Concept and Vision Coupe bring elegance to the Mazda 3
Mazda
A year later in 2017, Mazda unveiled the Mazda KAI Concept hatchback and the Mazda Vision Coupe at the 45th Tokyo Motor Show. Both seem to take inspiration from the Mazda 3 sedan and coupe but with a more elongated and elegant form.
The KAI Concept would reportedly be powered by the next-generation SKYACTIV-X gasoline engine and offer a quieter, more comfortable ride. Mazda notes the KAI’s “muscular, solid proportions,” a stark contrast to the Vision Coupe.
With a more elegant, premium look, the Vision Coupe’s design is meant to exude a sense of speed even when standing still. It later went on to win the “Most Beautiful Concept Car of the Year” award at the 33rd Festival Automobile International in Paris, France, and “Concept Car of the Year” at the 11th Car Design Night in Geneva, Switzerland. No drivetrain promises were made for this one.
The Miata takes new form with the Mazda Iconic SP
Mazda
Late last year, the most talked about Iconic SP took the Japan Mobility Show by storm. Clearly inspired by the Mazda Miata, the Iconic SP would reportedly be powered by a two-rotor EV system with the rotors charging the batteries rather than powering the entire car.
The low center of gravity and 50:50 weight distribution further echo the current Miata’s characteristics.
Final thoughts
At the end of the day, these are still just concepts. Mazda has yet to announce any concrete plans for bringing these models into production although their commitment to creating attractive cars with driving fun at their core is very different from that of their competition.
Their powertrain choices are also distinctive, opting for some combination of electrification and a rotary engine rather than a traditional hybrid or full EV. Hopefully, Mazda’s creative decisions mixed with Toyota’s pursuit of hydrogen fuels will bring the environmental benefits of EVs with the driving fun of ICE.
About the author
Gabriel Ionica
Senior Editor, Autoblog