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Is this the first look at an electric Mazda MX-5?
Mazda will unveil an electric sports car concept at the Tokyo motor show later this month – with the Japanese car-maker hinting the production model could be a battery-powered version of its iconic MX-5.
In a media statement, Mazda announced its plans to showcase multiple generations of the MX-5 sports car at its Tokyo motor show stand – alongside a “new concept car designed to symbolise the exhibit theme”.
The car-maker included a dimly-lit teaser image of the sports car’s rear end, showing off its LED tail-lights and red backlit Mazda badge – both of which are akin to the brand’s ‘Vision Study Model’, revealed last year.
As reported in July 2023, reputable Japanese publications have claimed the fifth-generation Mazda MX-5 – also known as the ‘NE’ or ‘NG’ – is due to launch between 2026 and 2028.
“There are various candidates for the power unit that the next Roadster will be equipped with. BEV (battery electric vehicle), HEV (hybrid), PHEV (plug-in hybrid) all possibilities,” read a translation of the Best Car report.
“However as long as the manufacturer has set a goal of ‘everything will be electrified by 2030’ pure-engine [petrol-only] vehicles will be difficult.”
A facelift of the current-generation Mazda MX-5 – which debuted in 2015 – was announced last week, and is understood to be a stop-gap to elongate the existing model’s showroom run before the NE/NG MX-5 launches.
The Tokyo motor show opens to the media on October 25.
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