Mazda recently revealed its Mid-Term Management Plan Update and Management Policy up to 2030, and it looks like the Japanese carmaker is looking to go fully electric. Considering the stringent emission regulations on the rise, it is no wonder that Mazda also feels the need to step up its electric game.

Certainly, by the looks of it, the mystery white car is a coupe and resembles the hallowed Miata. Considering it’s just a rendering, we really have no clear idea of what the final product will be like.

Related: Why The Mazda RX-7 Is One Of The Fast And Furious' Most Underrated JDM's

Is The Mazda Vision Study Model A Sportscar?

Mazda Vision Study Model Concept Image
Via: Mazda

What we can gather is that it has two butterfly doors and has an X-shaped chassis. No information is available on its powertrain. But since Mazda is pushing its EV agenda, we could speculate that it might be all-electric.

The rendering shows us a long hood and short-deck styling which does remind us of many of its past models. We are reminded of the MX-5 when we look at the bulging fenders that are an MX-5 trait. Then the narrow front lights look like a modern twist on the lighting units on the existing ND. The taillights are split into halves and resemble the original designs of the first and second generations of the Miata (the NAs and the NBs). The front grille looks no different from those typically found in Mazda cars. So, could it be a fifth-generation Miata? We shall have to wait and see.

In the thirty-minute video, President and CEO Akira Marumoto talks about the path leading towards carbon neutrality by 2050. The Japanese carmaker joined the EV game only in 2020 with the MX-30, and that too in select markets. And the response was that of disappointment due to its short range. The plug-in hybrid that followed certainly made up for that shortcoming, but then it fails to be the kind of vehicle the EV community is looking at. Perhaps, now Mazda is looking at improving their stance on EV vehicles and are gearing up to be at par with the other big players in the market. In fact, Mazda has claimed to allot $11 billion to make 25-40% of its vehicles to be EVs by 2030. Coming back to the video which serves as the source for all the buzz and speculation, the last five minutes begin with the glimpse of the MX-5 ND, followed by the different generations of the Miata. Finally, we are shown a mysterious white coupe. That is what we understand to be its Vision Study Model.

Related: Here's Why We're Looking Forward To The 2024 Mazda CX-70 And CX-90

The Mazda Miata And Its Legacy

2019 Mazda Miata Roadster Image
Via: Mazda

The MX-5, or the Mazda Miata as it known in the North American market (Mazda Roadster in Japan) debuted at the Chicago Auto Show in 1989. Arguably, it is the best-selling two-seat convertible sports car in history with over a million cars sold. The first generation were the NAs, followed by the NBs in 1999. The car was compact and light while in keeping with global safety requirements. It could comfortably seat two adults with zero wastage of space. The basic layout has a front-midship rear-drive configuration with the engine positioned ahead of the driver but behind the front axle for 50:50 weight distribution. Wishbone or multi-link suspension systems kept all four wheels attached to maximize tire performance, road grip, and dynamic stability. To sharpen throttle response, a power-plant frame provided a solid connection between the engine and rear-mounted differential. The third wave happened in 2006 and were known as the NCs. The existing Miatas or the NDs were road-ready in 2016. So, it does feel like it’s a good time as any for a new generation upgrade to keep with the times. It is really a no-brainer if Mazda wants to replicate that success in an electric format.

Considering the 2017 Vision Coupe Concept did not see the light of day, perhaps we should not be counting our chickens before they are hatched. If indeed this Vision Study Model is an electrification of the Miata, the numbers lining up to get it will be quite a lot. The Miata was (and still is) a beloved model, and who wouldn’t want a newer and spunkier electric version of it? From the EV purists to the roadster lovers to those who just want a really fun car that is easy on the pockets. What we do know for sure is that Mazda is looking to cash in on the ripe market that has eluded it so far. What better way to do that than offer an icon which is in line with a greener future. Now, that’s what we call ‘electric’.