Mazda to unveil two-seat sports car concept at 2003 Tokyo Motor Show

Oct 14, 2003 – At the Tokyo Motor Show Mazda will be revealing the two-seat Ibuki concept, which showcases Mazda's current efforts in both design and technology as the development team works to further refine the lightweight, open-top Roadster/MX-5. The Ibuki concept (the name comes from a Japanese word that refers to "breathing new energy into" and "adding vigor") reaches back to the car's 1989 origins in its simple and clean design, and hints towards one possible approach for a future Roadster/MX-5 model. The lamp and front intake shapes reflect the character of the original MX-5, while modern touches include more structured body forms, a frameless windscreen, and indicators integrated into the A-pillars.

Powered by a 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine, the Ibuki concept uses 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 this 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 will also be showing the Kusabi concept, first shown at the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show, the 'Washu' concept from the 2003 North American International Auto Show, and the Roadster Turbo concept. Joining the concept vehicles on the stand are environmental technologies being developed by Mazda such as the new Renesis hydrogen rotary engine, and the company's latest production models, including the new Mazda Axela (Mazda 3) and the limited edition Roadster Coupe.

	Mazda to unveil two-seat sports car concept at Tokyo Motor Show
	Mazda Ibuki concept. Click for larger images Mazda Roadster Coupe	Oct 14, 2003 – At the Tokyo Motor Show Mazda will be revealing the two-seat Ibuki concept, which showcases Mazda's current efforts in both design and technology as the development team works to further refine the lightweight, open-top Roadster/MX-5. The Ibuki concept (the name comes from a Japanese word that refers to "breathing new energy into" and "adding vigor") reaches back to the car's 1989 origins in its simple and clean design, and hints towards one possible approach for a future Roadster/MX-5 model. The lamp and front intake shapes reflect the character of the original MX-5, while modern touches include more structured body forms, a frameless windscreen, and indicators integrated into the A-pillars. Powered by a 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine, the Ibuki concept uses 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 this 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 will also be showing the Kusabi concept, first shown at the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show, the 'Washu' concept from the 2003 North American International Auto Show, and the Roadster Turbo concept. Joining the concept vehicles on the stand are environmental technologies being developed by Mazda such as the new Renesis hydrogen rotary engine, and the company's latest production models, including the new Mazda Axela (Mazda 3) and the limited edition Roadster Coupe.