might be old.

link-------> http://www.desktopmachine.com/cars/2...allpapers.html

 

...

So anyway, why don't you have an 8 anymore?

 

Mazda needs to cancel that project with the quickness. freakin' hideous.

 

doesnt haul wood and drywall very well for my re-model. and 1 other reason. but hey i still have most of the mazdaspeed stuff collecting dust in my garage.

 

you sold my TRUNK LID!!!

how's AZ?

 

105+ days w/ no rain and a big brown cloud hovering over the city until it does rain.

 

It's a concept... it will either never exist, or probably wont look much like it does now.

 

I disagree that the Kabura is simply a concept - saw it Detroit. Looked very pre-productive to this untrained eye. Built on Miata platform - which is based on Rx-8 platform. Thus I4 engine - 2.0 litre - and turbo version of engine is available off shelf.

As for the unique seating - three full buckets plus a jump seat - is better than many small coupes. The "Suicide Slot" for assess to the passenger rear seat allows the rear seat to be placed further back and with the front passenger slightly ahead of the drivers there is more foot room. The jump seat would be OK for an adult on a short trip but great for a kid.

Kabura is aimed at the entry level such as the MX-3 was. The MX-3 had a small V6 available. The platform being based on the RX-8 indirectly could mate up with a 12B rotary IMHO.

I could see the Kabura developing into a production car rather easily - the sheet metal seems straight forward - and there was a Ford small concept at the show based on the Miata platform too.

My 2 cents

PS I would buy a car based on this concept in a couple of years for my wife - did that kind of thing with the RX-8 - saw it as a concept, then pre-production then bought it in 2003. Just have to decide on colour .

 

They market it against the Civic Si and they will win the teen crowd. What other choices are out there besides the crappy Hyundai Tiburon and Scion TC, which will be overshadowed by the Civic Si. But they need to do it quick before the next generations of whatever come out.

 

Agreed - The teen crowd has $$$ these days but the Kabura also would be a great entry level coupe for young couples with "1 1/2 kids" or as a second car.

The platform is solid and I4, small V6 and 12B compatible. Positioned as the sporty coupe under $20K - perhaps as the SX-5 for small and sporty coupe. it would have a market.

It sure looked sweet in Detroit.

Mazda are you listening ?

 

Oh by the way - it had a crowd around it at the NAIAS most of the time I was there.