2003 Mazda Ibuki Concept

The torquey electric motor provides the initial kick in the pants to deliver quick acceleration, before dumping some of the load off to the high-revving gas motor. During less enthusiastic driving the electric drive system assists the gas engine, saving fuel and improving emissions. The engine is seamlessly mated to a short-throw, short-ratio 6-speed manual transmission for optimal get-up-and-go. Seeing as hybrid power is now being taken seriously by the major manufacturers and consumers alike, and Mazda's parent company Ford has already developed a system that will debut next year in the Escape Hybrid, it could be entirely possible that the next generation Miata is dual-powered.

With its shiny silver trim, similar to the current Mazda 6, the Ibuki's interior is stylish but purposely sparse. (Photo: Mazda)

The Ibuki also breaks from the confines of conventional production cars with its alternative-style interior. The theme of the interior is quite simple - stylish but sparse. Seeming like an extension from the silver strip on the hood of the car, the center console stretches from the windshield rearward, dividing the cockpit in two. Shiny silver trim, similar to the current Mazda6, encompasses pill-shaped, electroluminescent backlit controls for the stereo and climate system. A bare aluminum crossbar runs across the front of the cockpit, where the distinctly notched steering wheel sits in front of a simply laid out assortment of instruments.

Although nobody will know for sure until 2005, many believe the Ibuki is an accurate glimpse at the next generation Miata. (Photo: Mazda)

While the minimalism of the interior strikes an interesting chord, Mazda has also pulled off another clever detail that definitely speaks to the concept car theme. The Ibuki features seats much like Volkswagen's Concept-R roadster, a prototype that features molded seats that look as if 'one size fits all.' Proper headrests stick out from the seatbacks, boasting solid hoops that instantly spring up to protect occupants upon the detection of a rollover.

Eagerly anticipated, the Ibuki is what many believe to be an accurate foreshadowing of the next generation of Miata. Though we'll all have to wait until 2005 to see for sure, when the new car is expected to be unveiled, the Ibuki should satisfy our collective curiosity by yielding impressive technologies not seen in the sports car genre.

Specifications:

• Body Type: 2-door convertible
• Layout: front engine, RWD
• Hybrid Gasoline-Electric Drive System: 180 hp, 133 lb-ft of torque, 1.6-L, 16-valve, DOHC I-4 (electric motor assist)
• Transmission: 6-spd manual
• Brakes (est front/rear): disc/disc (opt ABS)
• Web Site: www.mazda.ca