Mazda patents model with butterfly doors and longitudinally mounted engine (5 photos)

This could be the next-generation MX-5 or a revival of the RX-7.





Mazda has patented design elements of an as-yet-unknown new model. The drawings suggest that the company is developing a rear-wheel-drive car with a longitudinally mounted four-cylinder engine and butterfly doors. This could be either the next-generation MX-5 roadster or a production version of the Iconic SP concept.

The full silhouette of the car, or at least its doors, are not shown in the published drawings. Mazda is only detailing the body reinforcement scheme around the A-pillars. Specifically, they plan to bring them as close as possible to the suspension struts. But the longitudinally mounted "four" is clearly visible in the engine compartment.

The description mentions some "tie-down straps" that could be added to the car to redistribute the load between the suspension and the body pillar. It also describes a front stamped metal brace that connects the front corners of the chassis to the firewall to increase rigidity without significantly increasing weight.