2023 Japan Mobility Show: Will the next-gen, electrified Mazda MX-5 NE make an appearance?

The Mazda MX-5 is one of the Japanese carmaker’s most enduring and most well-loved models.

That’s because it offers undiluted driving pleasure – two seats, a folding roof, perfect weight distribution and just enough power to keep you excited. And while the current ND model has just gotten a facelift, the next-generation MX-5 may make an appearance soon.

According to a report from our friends at sister publication WapCar, the MX-5 NE may debut at the upcoming 2023 Japan Mobility Show. Mazda released a teaser of what seems to be a sports car with eye-catching LED taillights and the “MAZDA” badge in red.

The rear end is almost a dead-ringer for the Mazda Vision Study Concept, which is a svelte and sleek sports car that was almost a footnote in a Mazda press statement on its electrification plans.

Mazda has said that the next-generation MX-5 will feature electrification in some capacity, possibly indicating a petrol-electric hybrid or even a full battery-electric version.

Two MX-5s at the show?

While Mazda hasn't outright said that it's the new MX-5, the fact that Mazda’s stand at the show will be an ode to one of its most loved models in keeping with the theme “love of cars” seems to be a strong hint that the concept will shape the new MX-5.

MX-5 development chief Shigeki Saito revealed at the Roadster Karuizawa Meeting on May 2023 that a new MX-5 is currently in development. 

“We are about to make the biggest product improvements on the ND (MX-5),” he said. “We won’t change much on the design but when you see it, you’ll think it’s a new car.”

That means the possibility of seeing two new MX-5s at the show.

Are you excited to see what the future has in store for Mazda’s beloved roadster?

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