Stylized Reverie - There’s something magical about concept cars — those rare moments when designers let imagination drive faster than practicality. Every now and then, one of these dream machines gets so close to reality that car lovers can almost hear the engine roar. The MINI Superleggerais one of those near-mythical creations. Often nicknamed the “MINI Ferrari,” this striking roadster stood as proof that even a brand known for its cute, city-friendly cars could flirt with the spirit of Italian performance and style.
The MINI Superleggera was an all-electric, open-top two-seater that broke away from MINI tradition, trading boxy charm for sculpted aluminum curves, a long bonnet, a swept tail, and subtle fins that echoed classic roadster elegance. (Picture from: Carbuzz)
Back in 2006, Anders Warming, then BMW Group’s creative lead, had an idea that would simmer for years before taking form. MINI, by then firmly under BMW’s wing, had built its reputation on small, playful hatchbacks. But Warming thought it was time to give the brand a new kind of sparkle — something that could sit beside the greats and show that MINI could be sexy, too. Inspired bythe BMW Z8, he imagined a smaller, more charming counterpart that carried the same emotional punch. That idea eventually evolved intothe MINI Superleggera, though it wouldn’t make its public debut until nearly a decade later.
The MINI Superleggera blended a futuristic electric core with classic MINI DNA, retaining the signature hexagonal grille and circular F56 headlights that honored its heritage. (Picture from: BMWBlog)
Fast forward to 2014, at the elegant Villa d’Este Concorso d’Eleganza — the perfect stage for a design masterpiece. Adrian van Hooydonk, BMW’s design boss, reached out to the legendary Italian coachbuilder Touring Superleggera, a name synonymous with timeless beauty and craftsmanship. Together, they envisioned something that would merge British character with Italian artistry. The result was breathtaking: an all-electric, open-top two-seater that looked nothing like any MINI before it. Smooth, sculpted aluminum curves replaced the brand’s usual boxy charm, while details like the long bonnet, swept tail, and subtle fins gave it the elegance of a classic roadster.
The MINI Superleggera is a near-mythical creation, often dubbed the “MINI Ferrari,” proving that a brand known for city-friendly charm could also embrace Italian-inspired performance and style.(Picture from: BMWBlog)
Despite its futuristic electric heart, the Superleggeracarried the DNA of MINI’s heritage. The front grille kept its signature hexagonal shape, and the circular F56 headlights proudly reminded everyone where it came from. The rear lights, designed in the shape of the Union Jack, would later become a signature feature on production MINIs — a small reminder that the concept left a lasting mark even without a production run.
The MINI Superleggera showcases a minimalist yet elegant interior, blending brushed aluminum surfaces, warm leather tones, and a modern circular digital display in an open-top cockpit.(Picture from: Carbuzz)
Interestingly, the Superleggerawas born under the code name “i4,” not to be confused with BMW’s later electric sedan. The name reflected how it was designed to parallel the relationship between Porsche’s 911 and Boxster — with BMW’s i8 playing the role of the 911, and the MINI Superleggeraserving as the smaller, equally thrilling sibling. The car combined the spirit of grand touring with electric innovation, long before such a mix became mainstream.
The MINI Superleggera was developed under the “i4” code name to mirror the 911–Boxster dynamic with the BMW i8, blending grand touring character and electric innovation well before it became mainstream.(Picture from: BMWBlog)
BMW was serious about making it happen. A second prototype was even built, and discussions were held with motorcycle manufacturers to explore limited production possibilities. Everything seemed lined up for this little “MINI Ferrari” to make its way to the streets. Yet, fate — and timing — had other plans. When the Superleggera was ready, BMW’s electric roadmap wasn’t. The company’s EV strategy was still in its infancy, and MINI’s lineup was already crowded with multiple variants of the classic hatchback. Adding a hand-built, low-volume roadster didn’t fit into the business equation.
The MINI Superleggera introduced Union Jack–shaped rear lights that later became a signature on production MINIs, leaving a lasting design legacy despite never reaching production.(Picture from: Carbuzz)
So, the dream was parked. The MINI Superleggera never went into production, and what could have been one of the most charming electric sports cars of its era became a symbol of what might have been. Today, looking back from an age where electric convertibles are finally starting to gain traction, the Superleggera feels like it was a decade too early — a vision ahead of its time. Its blend of British quirk, Italian elegance, and silent electric power would fit beautifully in the current era of stylish sustainability. | PdxXTddf5Y0 |
Maybe, just maybe, MINI will one day revive that spark. After all, the Superleggera wasn’t just a design study; it was a love letter to creativity, collaboration, and the idea that even the smallest carmakers can dream big. For now, it remains a legend — a reminder that sometimes, the most beautiful journeys are the ones that never quite reach the finish line. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | TOURINGSUPERLEGGERA | BMWBLOG | CARBUZZ ]
Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.
Retro Ingenuity - Sometimes the automotive world surprises us with machines that feel less like products and more like ideas made tangible—snapshots of what designers and engineers were dreaming about at a particular moment in time. The mid-1980s were full of that kind of experimental energy: wedge shapes, bold door mechanisms, and a willingness to treat even compact platforms as canvases for something exciting. Within that creative atmosphere emerged the Mitsubishi Colt Mirage Spyder Concept of 1986, a car that seemed built to stretch the imagination rather than fill showrooms.
The 1986 Mitsubishi Colt Mirage Spyder Concept, a car that seemed built to stretch the imagination rather than fill showrooms. (Picture from AllCarIndex)
Mitsubishi based the concept on the second-generation Mirage, a modest, sensible hatchback known more for efficiency than theatrics. Yet the transformation into the Spyder was dramatic enough that the origin was almost unrecognizable. The designers carved the car into an open-top, speedster-style roadster with a profile so low it looked ready to slice through the air. Adding scissor doors—a feature usually reserved for high-end exotics—gave the prototype a futuristic flair, and the overall shape suggested a playful rebellion against the norms of its era. While surviving documentation about the interior is limited, the exterior alone indicated a focus on sensation as much as function. It was the sort of design crafted to spark a reaction before you even approached it.
The 1986 Mitsubishi Colt Mirage Spyder Concept was shaped as an open-top speedster with an ultra-low profile that looked ready to cut through the air. (Picture from AllCarIndex)
Technical specifics were never the core purpose of the project, and Mitsubishi kept the details close. However, the concept likely borrowed from the Mirage’s familiar mechanical lineage. That would mean a 1.5-liter 4G15 inline-four resting under its sculpted panels, probably in the single overhead cam configuration common at the time. Engines of that type produced around 94 horsepower at the crank, more modest than muscular, but sufficient for a lightweight experimental roadster. For a car built primarily to showcase styling and possibility, the powerplant served more as a dependable companion than a headline feature.
The 1986 Mitsubishi Colt Mirage Spyder Concept featured scissor doors typically seen on exotic cars, reinforcing its futuristic flair and playful defiance of 1980s design norms. (Picture from AllCarIndex)
The Spyder’smost visible moment in the spotlight arrived not on a motor show floor but on film. It made an appearance in Jackie Chan’s 1986 movie Armour of God, where its unusual silhouette and theatrical doors made it immediately memorable. For many viewers, this fleeting role became their only encounter with the car, reinforcing its status as something rare—almost mythical.
The 1986 Mitsubishi Colt Mirage Spyder Concept likely drew from the Mirage’s mechanical roots, using a 1.5-liter 4G15 SOHC inline-four producing around 94 horsepower to suit its lightweight, experimental nature. (Picture from AllCarIndex)
Like many concept vehicles of its time, the Colt Mirage Spyder was never meant for mass production. It lived as a one-off prototype, a design experiment that existed long enough to leave an impression and then quietly fade into Mitsubishi’s archives. Yet its legacy feels surprisingly current. Today’s automotive landscape, with its revived interest in compact sports cars, retro-influenced styling cues, and the blending of the practical with the playful, echoes some of the spirit that shaped the Spyder decades ago. Even its audacious door design resonates with modern brands that use dramatic openings as part of their identity. | X6xQyx4NQNY |
What remains most compelling about the 1986 Colt Mirage Spyder Concept is the way it captures a moment when imagination outran expectations. It took a humble platform and reimagined it as something adventurous, cinematic, and almost whimsical. That kind of creative leap is why concept cars continue to fascinate; they remind us that automotive design isn’t only about engineering constraints or market demands, but also about daring to shape metal into ideas. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | STORY-CARS | ALLCARINDEX | CCDISCUSSION ]
Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.
MonoStream - The late 2000s marked a moment when the automotive world began seriously questioning how performance, sustainability, and design heritage could coexist in a single vision. It was within this shifting landscape that the Italdesign-Giugiarro Quaranta emerged—not as a forecast of a production car, but as a deeply reflective concept. Revealed to the public at the 2008 Geneva International Motor Show, the Quarantawas created to celebrate forty years of Italdesign Giugiaro’s work in automotive styling and technological research, distilling decades of experience across everything from compact city cars and MPVs to super sports cars, luxury flagships, SUVs, and even commercial vehicles developed alongside leading global manufacturers.
The Italdesign-Giugiaro Quaranta concept was conceived as an extreme yet environmentally conscious super sports car, pairing four-wheel drive with an advanced hybrid system enhanced by solar energy. (Picture from: 7Christine in Facebook)
Conceived as an “extreme” yet environmentally conscious super sports car, the Quarantacombined four-wheel drive with an advanced hybrid system enhanced by solar energy. Its layout challenged convention by placing a central rear-mounted engine within a single-volume body, while still offering space for three adults and one child, plus a surprisingly generous luggage compartment. This unusual packaging echoed the spirit of the 1968 Bizzarrini Manta—one of the earliest single-volume, mid-engined concepts—reinterpreted through contemporary technology and enriched by Italdesign’s four decades of research and experimentation.
The Italdesign-Giugiaro Quaranta concept used an unconventional cabin entry with a single large upper door integrating the sides, opening upward by button and aligning with a rear door for engine and luggage access.(Picture from: Supercars.net)
Visually, the Quarantastood out through its flat, compact proportions and a continuous body line stretching from its sharply cut nose to the tail, aided by an almost horizontal windscreen rake.Cabin access was equally unconventional: a large upper door incorporating the side sections opened upward at the press of a button, guided by proximity sensors, and aligned with a second upper rear door that provided access to both the engine bay and the boot. Integrated into the roof and front bodywork were solar panels forming a distinctive opaque central strip, capable of generating up to 250 watts—enough to power cockpit climate control and recharge the electric battery.
The Italdesign-Giugiaro Quaranta concept stood out visually with flat, compact proportions and a continuous body line flowing from its sharp nose to the tail, emphasized by an almost horizontal windscreen rake.(Picture from: Supercars.net)
Aerodynamics shaped nearly every surface. The absence of a traditional front grille made room for side air inlets positioned above the headlights, doubling as front stabilizers, while sharp rear edges enhanced airflow separation. At the back, a precisely molded spoiler worked in tandem with a lower wing inspired by modern Formula 1 solutions, compensating for the lack of a conventional upper stabilizer. Along the sides, expansive glazing ran from the front fenders to the tail, integrating air vents and water-cooling ducts into the sill area. One of the most radical details was the “negative” contour line along the shoulder—an unconventional feature rarely seen on super sports cars, even today.
The Italdesign-Giugiaro Quaranta concept featured a flat-floor interior enabled by its electric four-wheel-drive system, allowing a central driving position and seating for two adults and a child behind the driver.(Picture from: Supercars.net)
Inside, innovation was just as bold. The flat floor, made possible by the electric four-wheel-drive system and the absence of a traditional transmission tunnel, allowed a central driving position and flexible seating for two adults and a child behind the driver. The multi-control steering wheel eliminated traditional stalks, placing all driving functions on the spokes—an idea previously explored in Italdesign’s 1980 Medusa concept. The dashboard adopted a clean, modern sporting aesthetic with instruments arranged on two levels: upper screens for side and rear camera views, including a dedicated left-side overtaking aid, and a lower section for vehicle management, complemented by an X-ray night-driving visor. Dark leather and Alcantara upholstery underscored the refined Italian character of the cabin.
The Italdesign-Giugiaro Quaranta concept combined a precisely molded rear spoiler and F1-inspired lower wing with expansive side glazing that integrated air vents and water-cooling ducts into the sills.(Picture from: Supercars.net)
Technically, the Quarantawas built around a carbon-fiber monocoque frame combined with aluminum and special steel components, while the windscreen and roof used laminated glass with UVA filtering. Power came from an electronically controlled four-wheel-drive system featuring a small electric motor at the front and a combined thermal-electric unit mounted centrally at the rear, with electronic management developed in cooperation with Toyota. Solar-powered batteries were positioned between the cockpit and engine bay, supported by a 60-liter double fuel tank integrated into the frame, enabling a potential driving range of up to 1,000 kilometers. Ride height was adjustable between sporty and raised settings, reaching an impressive 230 mm of ground clearance—exceptional for a super sports car and suitable for varied terrain.
The Italdesign-Giugiaro Quaranta concept was engineered with centralized mass between the axles, including forward-mounted mufflers, leaving only the radiator and a large overhanging luggage compartment outside.(Picture from: Supercars.net)
Weight distribution was carefully engineered so that nearly all mechanical mass sat between the axles, including mufflers placed ahead of the rear wheels, leaving only the radiator and a large overhanging luggage compartment—capable of holding two golf bags—outside the central zone. The suspension system reflected Italdesign’s fascination with motorsport engineering: front suspensions inspired by Formula 1 featured a central mono-shock and a sophisticated linkage system simulating a multilink setup, with components designed entirely in-house using special steel and Ergal. | mQbW0-ahDjs |
Entirely developed and built at Italdesign Giugiaro’s Moncalieri facilities, the Quarantaembodied the company’s full-service philosophy—uniting design, engineering, safety, ergonomics, and mechanical development into a single, forward-looking statement that still resonates in today’s conversations about performance, sustainability, and intelligent automotive design. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ITALDESIGN.IT | GIORGETTOFABRIZIOGIUGIARO.IT | CARROZZIERI-ITALIANI | SUPERCARS.NET | ULTIMATECARPAGE | 7CHRISTINE IN FACEBOOK ]
Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.
Bubble Odyssey - In an era when automotive design often feels carefully optimized and predictably polished, there is something irresistibly charming about creations that dare to wander outside the lines. Custom car culture has always thrived on that spirit of rebellion, blending personal imagination with mechanical curiosity. Against this backdrop, one particular machine stands out not only for its bold visual presence but also for the story behind it: the 1975 Saab 96 known as the WaSaabi, a remarkable project brought to life by Marco and Mico Hämäläinen of Orimattila, Finland.
The 1975 Saab 96 “WaSaabi" by Marco and Mico Hämäläinen. (Picture from: Moottori.fi)
At first glance, the WaSaabi looks like it slipped through a time portal from the retro-futuristic visions of the 1950s and 1960s—eras that worshipped chrome rockets, wild color palettes, and dreamlike bubble-topped concepts. Marco and his son set out with far more modest intentions, planning a traditional custom by chopping the roof of their recently acquired Saab 96. It was supposed to be a straightforward father-and-son project: disassemble the car, rebuild the engine, adjust the bodywork, give it a fresh personality. But the moment the roof came off, the project changed course entirely. With nothing but sky above the cabin, new ideas began to collide, reshape themselves, and multiply faster than either of them expected.
The 1975 Saab 96 “WaSaabi" by Marco and Mico Hämäläinen. (Picture from: RollingArt in Facebook)
The centerpiece of this transformation became the bubble top—a dramatic, transparent dome that completely redefines the Saab’s silhouette. Instead of sourcing specialty materials from afar, the pair looked locally and found exactly what they needed in an unexpected place: a large roof window intended for factories and industrial halls. Cut, shaped, and adapted to fit the car, it became the defining visual signature of WaSaabi. Suddenly, the once-practical Scandinavian sedan now radiated an exuberant sci-fi presence that captured the imagination of everyone who saw it.
The 1975 Saab 96 “WaSaabi" by Marco and Mico Hämäläinen. (Picture from: RollingArt in Facebook)
Color played just as vital a role in its reinvention. Mico, long before the car was even purchased, had already chosen the exact shade he wanted it to wear. True to his vision, he painted the vehicle himself in a vivid green Metalflake finish that sparkles aggressively under light, punctuated by gleaming gold details. The process took about a year of steady work—disassembling “into atoms,” as they put it, tinkering, redesigning, refining, and fueling the car with fresh waves of enthusiasm. By the spring of 2021, the WaSaabi was complete, shimmering like a jewel from a retro comic book.
The 1975 Saab 96 “WaSaabi" by Marco and Mico Hämäläinen. (Picture from: Thingies in Facebook)
Its debut came on July 31, 2021, at Malmi Airport in Helsinki, a fitting place for a car that seems almost ready for liftoff. And in case the bubble top didn’t emphasize its space-age character enough, the rear end certainly completed the mood: a faux thruster paired with a central fin and twin 1959 Cadillac taillights, giving it the posture of a small starship waiting for clearance to take off. The modifications weren’t merely for show; they were playful expressions of the creative freedom that inspired the build from the moment the roof was cut away.
The 1975 Saab 96 “WaSaabi" by Marco and Mico Hämäläinen. (Picture from: Thingies in Facebook)
What makes the WaSaabi especially captivating today is how it bridges multiple eras. It is undeniably rooted in mid-century American custom culture, yet it was constructed in modern Finland using a Swedish car from the 1970s, guided by the imagination of a father and son who grew up in an entirely different automotive landscape. In a world where high-tech electric cars dominate headlines, this handcrafted experiment in creativity serves as a reminder that car culture is as much about personal expression as it is about engineering advancement. Projects like the WaSaabi preserve the joy of building, dreaming, and reinterpreting history through fresh eyes.
The 1975 Saab 96 “WaSaabi" by Marco and Mico Hämäläinen. (Picture from: RollingArt in Facebook)
The WaSaabi doesn’t try to blend in. It wasn’t built to follow trends or chase perfection. Instead, it stands as a rolling snapshot of shared curiosity—a family project that expanded far beyond its original blueprint, embracing spontaneity and celebrating the wildness of imagination. As it sits gleaming under the sun, its bubble top catching reflections like a floating glass helmet, it continues to inspire anyone who sees it to imagine what else is possible when creativity is allowed to run just slightly out of hand. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MOOTTORI.FI | KUSTOMRAMA | ROLLING ART IN FACEBOOK | THINGIES IN FACEBOOK | QUIRKYRIDES IN X ]
Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.
Unfinished Brilliance - The 1960s were a restless chapter in automotive history, marked by bold experimentation and unexpected collaborations. In that climate of creative risk-taking, TVR introduced a concept that hinted at a broader future for the brand. Unveiled in November 1966 at the Turin Motor Show, the TVR Tina Convertible Concept—also known as the Tina Spyder—stood as a quiet yet confident statement of ambition, blending British engineering logic with Italian design finesse.
The TVR Tina Spyder Concept by Fissore was introduced at the 1966 Turin Motor Show following revisions to its front-end design.(Picture from: Autoevolution)
The foundation ofthe Tina Spydercame fromthe Hillman Imp, reflecting TVR’s long-standing habit of using donor components to keep development realistic and flexible. This approach had already shaped the company’s early identity and reputation, allowing it to focus resources on innovation rather than large-scale manufacturing. In the Tina, that philosophy supported a new direction rather than limiting it. The naming of the car became part of its charm. Lilley wanted something quickly, and since racing driver Gerry Marshall—an important figure at the Barnet Motor Company—was closely involved, the team chose to name it after his daughter, Tina.
The TVR Tina Spyder Concept by Fissore is pictured in its first iteration, featuring the original front-end design before revisions were made to meet U.S. safety regulations. (Picture from: AllCarIndex)
Designed as a compact 2+2 convertible sports car, the Tinacarried a distinctly modern character for its time. The styling was the work of Trevor Fiore, whose design balanced clean lines with a light, contemporary feel. Its body shell was crafted by Carrozzeria Fissore in Italy, giving the car a subtle elegance and reinforcing its cross-cultural identity. The open-top layout further emphasized its relaxed, forward-looking personality.
The TVR Tina Spyder Concept by Fissore was based on Hillman Imp mechanicals, reflecting TVR’s long-standing approach of using donor components to keep development practical and flexible. (Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani)
One of the most unusual aspects ofthe Tina Spyder prototypewas its construction. Unlike TVR’s typical fiberglass-bodied cars, the prototype used a steel body shell. This choice was driven by practicality rather than philosophy, as TVR lacked the facilities for steel pressing at scale. Had the Tina moved into production, reinforced fiberglass would almost certainly have replaced steel, maintaining consistency with TVR’s established manufacturing methods.
The TVR Tina Spyder Concept by Fissore used a steel bodyshell, a practical decision driven by TVR’s lack of large-scale steel pressing facilities rather than design philosophy. (Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani)
The version shown in Turin was already a revised design—the second
iteration of the Tina Spyder. Its front end had been updated to comply
with U.S. safety regulations, clearly indicating TVR’s intention to
reach beyond the domestic market. This adjustment demonstrated an
awareness of global standards and an ambition to position the Tina as
more than a niche British experiment.
The TVR Tina Spyder Concept by Fissore featured an open-top layout that further emphasized its relaxed, forward-looking character. (Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani)
Beyond design, the Tinaalso served as a confidence signal for the company. Martin Lilley insisted that both the coupé and convertible versions appear at the October 1966 London Motor Show. The reaction was immediate and intense. Enthusiastic visitors reportedly offered blank cheques to secure a place on a future waiting list, and TVR’s factory phones rang constantly afterward, suggesting genuine market appetite rather than fleeting curiosity.
The TVR Tina Spyder by Fissore was displayed alongside its Coupé Concept sibling at the 1966 London Motor Show.(Picture from: AllCarIndex)
Despite its strong reception and evident potential, the Tina Spyder never progressed beyond the prototype stage. Yet it did not disappear into obscurity. The convertible prototype was later registered for road use, passed through private ownership, and eventually crossed the Atlantic. Today, it is known to survive in the hands of a private collector, preserved rather than displayed, rarely seen but very much real. In that quiet survival lies the true legacy of the Tina—an unfinished idea that still exists as proof of a moment when creativity, confidence, and collaboration briefly aligned. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARROZZIERI-ITALIANI | AUTOEVOLUTION | ALLCARINDEX | ICONICAUCTIONEERS | CLASSIC CARS & CONCEPT CARS IN FACEBOOK ]
Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.
Conceptual Echoes - The 1980s were a turning point for many automakers, especially in Japan, where bold ideas and experimental engineering began challenging Europe’s long-standing dominance. This era produced machines that felt like glimpses into alternate automotive futures—cars such as Nissan’s MID4 with its advanced all-wheel steering, Subaru’s SVX that carried its concept-car curves into production, and Mazda’s own MX series of experimental studies. Within this creative surge, one project stood out for its unusual flexibility and forward-thinking structure: the Mazda MX-04, a concept roadster that appeared two years beforethe MX-5 Miata and raised the lingering question of whether it could have become Mazda’s defining lightweight sports car.
The Mazda MX-04 Concept. (Picture from Story-Cars)
Mazda’s MX line did not unfold in the numerical order one might assume. It began with the MX-02, skipping MX-01 entirely, then moved to the MX-03, a white GT-style coupé packed with sharp lines and advanced technology powered by a rotary Wankel engine. By the time Mazda reached the MX-04 in 1987, the MX series had become a platform where imaginative engineering met daring aesthetics. The MX-04embraced elements of classic 1960s British sports cars—long hood, compact tail, and open-air spirit—while presenting them through the futuristic lens of late-20th-century Japanese design, including fixed headlights rather than the pop-up units Mazda would later givethe MX-5.
What truly separated the MX-04 from conventional sports-car concepts was its ability to transform. Mazda built it as a multi-purpose machine that could shift between two distinct body styles: an open configuration relying on a sail-like side panel instead of doors, and a version with a solid roof and standard doors that looked far more traditional. Then, in an even bolder twist, Mazda created a second variant stripped of most exterior panels, revealing a raw, race-car-like form with round headlights. This flexible approach allowed the MX-04 to resemble everything from a futuristic roadster to something closer to a Lotus Seven, long before modularity became a common design ambition.
This transformability was possible only because ofthe MX-04’s unconventional construction. Mazda used a separate chassis built around an aluminum-alloy backbone paired with a carbon-reinforced composite floor—an extremely advanced combination for the 1980s. Plastic exterior panels could be removed with relative ease, enabling the two dramatically different looks. In some ways the MX-04 even anticipated ideas later seen on the BMW Z1, which arrived two years after Mazda’s concept with its own removable panels, although Mazda explored the method with lighter materials and a more experimental architecture.
Mazda’s engineering ambitions extended beneath the body as well. Staying true to its identity of the time, the MX-04 housed a compact two-rotor Wankel rotary engine with a total displacement of 1.0 liter and direct fuel injection designed to run on a lean mixture. Rather than relying solely on rear-wheel drive, as might be expected from a roadster inspired by British classics, Mazda equipped the concept with permanent all-wheel drive. Additional features—an engine start button and an onboard mobile phone—seemed almost futuristic for the late 1980s, hinting at the technological direction the industry would eventually take.
Given its debut just beforethe MX-5’s creation, enthusiasts naturally wondered whether the MX-04 served as an early blueprint for the Miata. However, the production MX-5 emerged with a philosophy nearly opposite to the MX-04’s complexity. While Mazda initially considered using a similar chassis-body structure, the idea proved too costly and impractical for the mass production the company envisioned. Other cars using comparable methods, like the BMW Z1 and Lotus Elan M100, ended up priced far higher and built in far smaller numbers. Mazda realized that a simple, traditional, rear-wheel-drive layout resonated more with drivers seeking an affordable, classic roadster experience. | 9aou1uG49yM |
As a result, the MX-04 did not become the Miata—but its existence remains significant. It represents Mazda’s experimental courage during a decade defined by ambitious ideas and rapid technological leaps. Even though the Miata ultimately succeeded by returning to simplicity, the MX-04 captured a different side of Mazda’s creative identity: the willingness to test boundaries, explore alternative possibilities, and imagine new ways a sports car could exist. Its dual-body nature, advanced materials, and rotary-powered all-wheel-drive layout tell the story of a manufacturer unafraid to challenge convention, leaving behind a concept that still sparks curiosity about what might have been. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTO.CZ | STORY-CARS ]
Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.
Maybe, just maybe, MINI will one day revive that spark. After all, the Superleggera wasn’t just a design study; it was a love letter to creativity, collaboration, and the idea that even the smallest carmakers can dream big. For now, it remains a legend — a reminder that sometimes, the most beautiful journeys are the ones that never quite reach the finish line. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | TOURINGSUPERLEGGERA | BMWBLOG | CARBUZZ ] 
