MAZDA IBUKI TWO-SEAT SPORTS CAR CONCEPT

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WOWS THE CROWDS AT TOKYO MOTOR SHOW 2003

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.

Advanced Safety

The super front-midship layout assures an adequate crushable zone, making a significant contribution to safety including the protection of pedestrians in accidents. A four-point active roll bar has been installed to improve safety. Under impact the active roll bar instantly lifts up via sensor control to reduce occupants’ injuries in the event of a roll over.

Powerful LED headlamps give improved visibility, and a keyless entry by ID card is provided.

Balanced, responsive engine

The Mazda Ibuki is powered by a new, lightweight and compact 16-valve MZR 1.6-litre inline four-cylinder engine equipped with sequential valve timing and lift for both intake and exhaust valves.

The engine also features an electric hybrid motor boost acceleration from standing start and partly controls engine vibration. When the car is stationary, the hybrid motor automatically stops the engine to save fuel and reduce emissions. During deceleration the hybrid motor functions as a generator, using regenerative braking to recharge the battery.

Mazda Ibuki features a six-speed manual transmission with a decisive yet smooth shift feel thanks to reinforced synchronisers.

Strong body structure and ultra-lightweight design

Mazda engineers developed a twin backbone body structure for Mazda Ibuki, based on the high-mount backbone frame concept employed with Mazda RX-8. This unique construction helps achieve extremely high rigidity, a level of stiffness comparable with a closed body structure.

Practical use of lightweight materials placed at key strategic points keeps overall weight down and recyclable materials were used wherever possible.

Independent left/right rear-mounted air conditioning system

Mazda engineers located the air conditioning system behind the seats allowing the engine to be mounted much further to the rear and enabling improved independent left/right zoning. Spot-cooling zones provide cool air during summer, while a heating zone traps warm air between the occupants ensuring a comfortable cabin environment during open-top driving even on the coldest of days.

MAZDA IBUKI TWO-SEAT SPORTS CAR CONCEPT

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