Is This Cool Concept With Butterfly Doors The Next Mazda Miata?

• Mazda today teased a sports car concept called the “Vision Study Model” that we hope hints at a future Miata EV.
• The handsome coupe concept features butterfly doors, bulging fenders and Miata-esque proportions.
• The “Vision Research Model” was shown as part of the presentation of Mazda’s updated electrification plans until 2030.

The thought of all-electric Mazda Miata may annoy the purists, but the day will surely come when this will become a reality. While it’s still too early to say when the first MX-5 EV will arrive, Mazda today unveiled a three-phase strategy that prioritizes electrification by 2030. Along with its updated plans, the company teased the “Vision Study Model,” a stunning coupe concept that we hope shows the future design of the iconic two-seater sports car.

Mazda confirmed last year Car and driver what The next-generation Miata will be electrified in some way. We expect this to mean some kind of hybrid setup, which corresponds to part of the second phase of the campaign. However, we wouldn’t be surprised to see an all-electric Miata before the end of the decade. We also wouldn’t be shocked to see a version of the electric car that looks similar to the concept shown in press photos as well as music videos video on Mazda’s official YouTube channel (the term first appears at the 34:55 mark).

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In the minutes leading up to the concept’s first appearance, we’re seeing tons of footage of people enjoying themselves behind the wheel of various Miata generations, further fueling our speculation that there’s a connection between past MX-5s and the Vision Study model.

Our first look at the concept is seen through the iPhone’s screen, which appears to have a T-shaped battery on its exposed chassis. The body of the car then drops up and we see the passenger side butterfly doors open.

While the crazy doors are one of the concept’s defining features, we don’t expect them to be part of the production model. We expect future Miatas to retain the convertible body style, though a fixed-roof variant similar to this concept won’t be the first, as Mazda offered a rare JDM-only NB-generation coupe.

Otherwise, the imaginary sports car looks doable, if very dramatic. Its wide hips, pointed front fenders, and low hood are all exaggerated features of the current ND Miata. An illuminated Mazda logo mounted low on the concept’s nose and slim, protruding front light elements are other neat touches.

Of course, we’re aware that the Mazda Vision research model may not show the upcoming Miata EV at all. We have flashbacks the visually stunning four-door Vision Coupe concept the company showed back in 2017 that it did not come to fruition. However, its coveted styling went on to influence the brand’s design language, so perhaps the Miata concept will do the same. At least we can dare to dream.

This content was imported from YouTube. You may be able to find the same content in a different format, or you may be able to find more information on their website.