Next Mazda MX-5 previewed with wild concept

Mazda has given us our first glimpse of what the next-generation 2024 Mazda MX-5 might look like with the release of an all-new concept designed to publicise its shift to electrification.

Clearly drawing plenty of inspiration from the curvy FD-generation Mazda RX-7 (1992-1997), the new concept was revealed as part of a 36-minute-long presentation of how the Japanese car-maker will focus on electrification in a huge $US10.6 billion ($A16b) push to increase the number of EVs it sells to 40 per cent of its global volume by 2030.

Unveiling the scissor-door coupe after showing footage of four previous generations of the MX-5, Mazda issued no details to accompany the concept but the video suggests the car will be pure-electric and mount the battery pack in a midship position for optimum agility.

The design study also looks as if the concept will keep the overall tight proportions of the current MX-5 (ND).

Design elements that could appear on the next MX-5 include LED headlights that look like they might partially pop up, an illuminated badge, a floating blade within the grille and a development on the tail-lights of the first three generations of MX-5.

For the production version, expect Mazda to drop the trick doors and swap the coupe body for a traditional roadster.

It’s also worth noting that the traditional sportscar silhouette – with long bonnet and short rear deck – suggests the next MX-5 will still come equipped with the option of a combustion engine, albeit one that will be heavily electrified.

Originally, Mazda predicted that come 2030 just 25 per cent of its global annual volume would be EVs, hence the revised plan.

As part of a three-phase strategy to rapidly ramp up electrification across its line-up, Mazda says it will focus on new tech R&D from 2022-24, then introduce a new hybrid and EVs as part of a “transition period” from 2025-27.

From 2028-30, the company will then roll out its next-generation battery-powered cars globally.

Mazda has declared that by 2035 its factories will be carbon neutral thanks to renewable energy sources and carbon-neutral fuels. By 2050 the entire brand should be carbon neutral.

Next-gen driver assist tech, meanwhile, will ensure that by 2040 Mazda will achieve its aim of zero fatal accidents involving its vehicles.

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