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Mazda RX-Vision convertible unlikely


Drop-top version of production RX-Vision is not part of the plan, according to Mazda. 

The situation is as predictable as night following day. A car manufacturer reveals a sexy new coupe concept that hints at a future production model, and the media discussion quickly turns to the likelihood of chopping off the roof to create a convertible. 

Most of the time the eventual answer is yes, given the evergreen demand for such ironically seasonal models, which can inevitably be sold at a hefty premium over their coupe basis. 

However, car brands tend to leave us hanging ‘til some time into the coupe’s model life, or at least after its production debut to comment on the potential of a soft or folding hardtop version. 

Mazda has made similar demand-based decisions before, including the folding hardtop version of the previous-generation MX-5.

Not so with the Wankel-engined Mazda RX-Vision concept shown at this week’s Tokyo motor show, with global research and development boss Kyoshi Fujiwara frankly dismissing the idea of a convertible as part of their plan for a new flagship sports car.  

“MX-5 is enough I think,” he said before reminding us that the customer is always right by adding; “If huge volume I consider.” 

Mazda has made similar demand-based decisions before, including the surprise arrival of the heavier but ultimately more successful folding hardtop version of the previous-generation MX-5 twelve months into its model life. Incidentally, Mazda is known to be working on a return of a folding hardtop version of the new ND MX-5, but thankfully retained the purity of the soft-top for the new model’s debut. 

Mazda also produced a convertible version of the rotary-powered RX-7 between 1987 and 1992, but were hardtop-only for the FD-generation RX-7 and the RX-8.

 

Would you like to see an RX-Vision convertible? Tell us in the comments below.