The front and rear of the top-secret prototype may look familiar - but in this case, the two halves don't quite add up, for these are the first pictures of the all-new Mazda MX-5.
And although this so-called mule is heavily disguised, sporting the nose of an RX-8 and the tail of the current car, there's no hiding the fact that it's based on the platform of Mazda's eagerly anticipated new roadster. The rear-wheel-drive machine will go on sale in 2006, replacing the current MX-5, which was introduced nearly 15 years ago.
Sources in Mazda have been keen to keep the car's specification secret, but Motors has learned that the roadster is set to go back to basics with a modem, driver-oriented package that's expected to include a metal folding roof.
Our source confirmed the design will take its inspiration from the Ibuki concept, which debuted at the Tokyo Motor Show last autumn. However, key differences will be introduced to soften its lines, while the headlights will also be reworked to give the car a more distinctive "face".
Engine choices are likely to include 1.8 and 2.3-litre four-cylinder units, although using the manufacturer's rotary engine has been mooted. That would explain the presence of the RX-8 nose - it's currently the only Mazda production car whose front end has been engineered to support the revolutionary motor.
Photos: Automedia