A day after Mazda released a teaser photo of its Vision concept vehicle it plans to show off at the Japan Mobility Show later this month, speculation about what’s coming is all over the map.
Mazda’s Vision teaser has some wondering if there is a new RX-7 coming at the Japan Mobility Show later this month — like the 2015 RX-Vision did.
It’s a car; it’s a crossover; it’s … well, you get the idea. What we can see from the image is whatever is coming, it’s got four doors. It’s also got a sloping rear roof line, which means … any number of things. Let’s start with the best idea: a new RX-7.
Mazda’s been showing new RX-7 concepts for decades since it closed down the marque in 2002 with the limited edition Spirit R run at the end of its life. However, the fans of what is the brand’s most popular model after the little MX-5 Miata convertible hold out hope the RX-7 returns.
Return of the RX-7?
While slow sales doomed the RX-7 in the early part of this century, a loud, proud group of aficinados — many inside the company — have pushed, cajoled and begged for a new model. They almost got their wish about six years after the last one rolled off the line.
The RX-Vision caused a big buzz about the potential return of the RX-7, which was discontinued in 2002.
The 2007 plan called for two vehicles to be developed off a new front-engine, rear-drive platform: the MX-5 Miata and a new RX-7. However, the economy went south in 2008 and the new version of the RX-7 was shelved.
Since then, several concepts tagged with the RX-7 moniker have been shown at events around the world. Perhaps the one garnering the most attention was the 2015 Mazda RX-Vision Concept. Long and low with a massive front hood, the cherry red concept turned heads. And a look at the teaser photo shows a similar-looking roof line.
However, with four doors, it’s unlikely this is the new RX-7.
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New crossover?
Mazda could be looking at a new coupe-style crossover offering. It’s certainly not immune to tweaking what it already has in the stable — look at the CX-5 and CX-50 — to create a new offering. Luxury brands first rolled out coupe-style crossovers and SUVs, but now they’re abundant.
Mazda says it’s focusing on sustainability during the upcoming Japan Mobility Show.
The company says in its release that the new concept offers a look at “the vision for future Mazda vehicles.” If you take a close look at the picture, you not only see the long, sloping roof, but also smooth surfaces, frameless windows and some broad, angular shoulders. However, the cabin reveals some interesting-looking headrests as well as a side mirror that is actually a camera.
However, there isn’t much more to pull from the pictures than that. What we don’t know is how long the vehicle is or how tall it may be. A little height would be necessary for it to be a functional crossover.
What it could be?
Most automakers aren’t introducing new sedans, but plenty are rolling out new crossovers or other types of utility vehicles. Which means it’s likely the Vision concept is some form of utility vehicle. However, what it is may be just as important as how it’s powered.
Mazda ended production of the RX-7 in 2002, and fans have been calling for its return since then.
Mazda says its theme for the show is “The joy of driving fuels a sustainable tomorrow.” Toward the year 2035 when there will be technological innovations and much advanced social infrastructure, the company noted, Mazda aims to contribute to a bountiful planet while responding to people’s passion for cars and driving, and their desire to enjoy driving for as long as possible.
So it’s likely this new concept is some form of electrified vehicle, probably a battery electric. With the brand pointing to the 2030 time frame, the likelihood of some form of fossil fuel-powered engine is minimal. The company is also display it’s proprietary carbon dioxide capture technology, which reduces carbon dioxide emissions the more people drive, as well as algae-derived carbon-neutral fuel.
Separately, the all-new CX-5 will be on display publicly for the first time, although it was premiered in Europe earlier this year. In addition to the focus on sustainability at the show, the company says it will “continue to pursue the ‘Joy of Driving’ under its core value, ‘Human Centric,’ as well as aim to deliver ‘Joy of Living’ by creating moving experiences in customers’ daily lives.”
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