Mazda Ibuki Sports Car Concept

Ibuki

• Mazda Ibuki borrows advanced front-midship engine layout of Mazda RX-8
• Mazda Ibuki is powered by a new 1.6-litre MZR, four-cylinder engine
• Ultra lightweight design assures Mazda fun-to-drive spirit

Mazda unveiled the ultimate open-top, lightweight sports car concept at Tokyo Motor Show last week, impressing the crowds with its radical design and advanced front-midship engine layout borrowed from the new Mazda RX-8.

The name Ibuki comes from a Japanese word meaning "breathing new energy into" and "adding vigour" reflecting Mazda’s 1989 sports car origins in a simple and clean design. Extremely short front and rear overhangs define the overall vehicle proportions, while the 18-inch wheels and run-flat tyres accentuate the wide stance and the radically curved windscreen gives occupants of Mazda Ibuki a wide view.

"We aimed for a sports car that offers fun from being in control of driving. With Mazda Ibuki our main aim was to take Mazda’s own sports car values to the absolute extreme. Mazda Ibuki is the ultimate statement of the kind of roadster Mazda could be building before long," explains Isao Tohda, a key member of the Ibuki and Mazda RX-8 development teams.

Powered by an MZR 1.6-litre, four-cylinder engine, the super front-midship layout places all critical powertrain and components within the wheelbase and allows for substantial weight reduction.

Thanks to this front-midship layout yaw inertia moment has been greatly reduced and straight-line handling has been greatly improved, enhancing the pure fun and driveability and emphasising the connection between car and driver that has been central to Mazda’s ongoing success.

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