What Is It?
Mazda Kabura
What's Special About It?
The "no-brainer of the show" award goes to Mazda for building the car every enthusiast wants — an inexpensive, lightweight, rear-drive coupe. Remember when carmakers sold these cars in the United States? Neither do we, but we're pretty sure it wasn't that long ago and we're pretty sure that if it's done right it will be a scorching success.
Mazda can do it right.
And it can be done using parts that already exist, which enormously increases the likelihood it will get a thumbs-up for production. The fundamentals are already in place on the concept: RX-8 underpinnings including double-wishbone suspension up front and a multilink layout in the rear. The engine and transmission, a 2.0-liter four and six-speed manual, come from the MX-5.
The big news is the weight. When asked about a weight target, Moray Callum, general manager of Mazda's Design Division, said it's possible the Kabura could weigh less than the MX-5 (2,498 pounds).
The Kabura already looks right. It's got Mazda's signature front wheel arches and there's certainly some RX-8 in its nose and greenhouse. But we're convinced it would sell because of its formula for cheap, fast driving fun. Looks, in this market, come second.
As a bonus, the Kabura has some smart interior features which make it usable enough to function as an only car for the low-bucks buyer. Mazda calls its seating arrangement a 3+1 layout. The unique design puts a full-size rear seat behind the front-passenger seat. Moving the fuel tank under the other rear seat makes room for three adults to sit comfortably while the folding jump seat is reserved for smaller passengers. It's also a hatchback which makes it even more utilitarian.
What's Edmunds' Take?
"We can build the Kabura with existing parts," Callum said.
Do it. — Josh Jacquot
Mazda Kabura
What's Special About It?
The "no-brainer of the show" award goes to Mazda for building the car every enthusiast wants — an inexpensive, lightweight, rear-drive coupe. Remember when carmakers sold these cars in the United States? Neither do we, but we're pretty sure it wasn't that long ago and we're pretty sure that if it's done right it will be a scorching success.
Mazda can do it right.
And it can be done using parts that already exist, which enormously increases the likelihood it will get a thumbs-up for production. The fundamentals are already in place on the concept: RX-8 underpinnings including double-wishbone suspension up front and a multilink layout in the rear. The engine and transmission, a 2.0-liter four and six-speed manual, come from the MX-5.
The big news is the weight. When asked about a weight target, Moray Callum, general manager of Mazda's Design Division, said it's possible the Kabura could weigh less than the MX-5 (2,498 pounds).
The Kabura already looks right. It's got Mazda's signature front wheel arches and there's certainly some RX-8 in its nose and greenhouse. But we're convinced it would sell because of its formula for cheap, fast driving fun. Looks, in this market, come second.
As a bonus, the Kabura has some smart interior features which make it usable enough to function as an only car for the low-bucks buyer. Mazda calls its seating arrangement a 3+1 layout. The unique design puts a full-size rear seat behind the front-passenger seat. Moving the fuel tank under the other rear seat makes room for three adults to sit comfortably while the folding jump seat is reserved for smaller passengers. It's also a hatchback which makes it even more utilitarian.
What's Edmunds' Take?
"We can build the Kabura with existing parts," Callum said.
Do it. — Josh Jacquot
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