What Is It?
Mazda Ibuki Concept
What's Special About It?
Looking something like a first-generation Miata and an Audi TT, the Ibuki took the center spot at the Mazda exhibit in Tokyo — and with good reason. Out of all the gas/electric hybrids trying to be sports cars on the show floor, the Ibuki has the most realistic shot at production. Why? Because it takes a simple formula — a lightweight roadster with a lively personality — and adds a self-regenerating electric motor and an automatic engine shut-off feature (to reduce fuel consumption at idle). The resulting roadster doesn't need to make tremendous amounts of power to be worthy as a sports car, since it doesn't weigh much to begin with. With the Ibuki, Mazda is shooting for approximately 177 horsepower at 7,500 rpm and 132 pound-feet at 6,000 rpm.
Alongside that, the company has deviated from two generations of Miatas and used a front-midship engine layout as in the RX-8 — such that the new 1.6-liter gas engine's center line resides behind the front axle. Engineers opened up a space for the engine by locating the air conditioner behind the seats. The result is a car with less weight over its front wheels and better at-the-limits handling than the current Miata. The engine is paired with a six-speed manual transmission with reinforced synchronizers to assure shift quality that is equal to or better than that of any Miata past or present.
Additionally, the Ibuki adopts the RX-8's twin-backbone body frame, which gives the roadster a level of rigidity comparable to that of a closed-top car while keeping curb weight in check. The use of lightweight materials like reinforced plastic, aluminum and carbon fiber aids in this task as well. The 18-inch wheels are magnesium alloy, and they're fitted with run-flat tires.
The Ibuki incorporates a rollover sensor that would activate a four-point rollover bar in the event of a rollover. Noteworthy convenience features include dual-zone climate control and keyless entry by ID card.
Why Should You Care?
The word ibuki has to do with "breathing new life into" something or "adding vigor," and Mazda is up front about the fact this concept is a possible direction for the next Miata. Although gas/electric hybrid drivetrains have yet to achieve widespread acceptance or even availability in the U.S., a shapely, sharp-handling Miata could be a sure route to many a heart, mind and bank account. — Erin Riches
Mazda Ibuki Concept
What's Special About It?
Looking something like a first-generation Miata and an Audi TT, the Ibuki took the center spot at the Mazda exhibit in Tokyo — and with good reason. Out of all the gas/electric hybrids trying to be sports cars on the show floor, the Ibuki has the most realistic shot at production. Why? Because it takes a simple formula — a lightweight roadster with a lively personality — and adds a self-regenerating electric motor and an automatic engine shut-off feature (to reduce fuel consumption at idle). The resulting roadster doesn't need to make tremendous amounts of power to be worthy as a sports car, since it doesn't weigh much to begin with. With the Ibuki, Mazda is shooting for approximately 177 horsepower at 7,500 rpm and 132 pound-feet at 6,000 rpm.
Alongside that, the company has deviated from two generations of Miatas and used a front-midship engine layout as in the RX-8 — such that the new 1.6-liter gas engine's center line resides behind the front axle. Engineers opened up a space for the engine by locating the air conditioner behind the seats. The result is a car with less weight over its front wheels and better at-the-limits handling than the current Miata. The engine is paired with a six-speed manual transmission with reinforced synchronizers to assure shift quality that is equal to or better than that of any Miata past or present.
Additionally, the Ibuki adopts the RX-8's twin-backbone body frame, which gives the roadster a level of rigidity comparable to that of a closed-top car while keeping curb weight in check. The use of lightweight materials like reinforced plastic, aluminum and carbon fiber aids in this task as well. The 18-inch wheels are magnesium alloy, and they're fitted with run-flat tires.
The Ibuki incorporates a rollover sensor that would activate a four-point rollover bar in the event of a rollover. Noteworthy convenience features include dual-zone climate control and keyless entry by ID card.
Why Should You Care?
The word ibuki has to do with "breathing new life into" something or "adding vigor," and Mazda is up front about the fact this concept is a possible direction for the next Miata. Although gas/electric hybrid drivetrains have yet to achieve widespread acceptance or even availability in the U.S., a shapely, sharp-handling Miata could be a sure route to many a heart, mind and bank account. — Erin Riches
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