Topic: Solved - NEH 4221: Mazda MX-5 prototype no. 4 made in Japan with front wheel drive

[Carnut]

What's this. by whom - for 1 point?:

Remember - solving puzzles using 'Google Search by Image' is BANNED on AutoPuzzles!

[Carnut]

Experts?

[wingroad]

Japanese ?

[Carnut]

Japanese ?

Yes.

[wingroad]

Mazda ?

[Carnut]

Mazda ?

Yes!
I'll lock it for you until your next reply to look into further.

[wingroad]

Styling model for the MX-3 Coupe ?

[Carnut]

Styling model for the MX-3 Coupe ?

Not that..

[wingroad]

Coupe/Hardtop version of the Mk 1 MX-5 Miata ?

[Carnut]

Coupe/Hardtop version of the Mk 1 MX-5 Miata ?

Not exactly but you're on the right track with the MX-5, so I'll lock it for you again to dig into further.

[wingroad]

Coupe Version of the Mk 2 MX5

[Carnut]

Coupe Version of the Mk 2 MX5

No, you're getting colder.

[el_monty]

Is it still locked?

[wingroad]

Coupe version of the Mk 3  MX5 Circa 2005

[Carnut]

Coupe version of the Mk 3  MX5 Circa 2005

Even colder still!
I'll give you one more try with your next reply then if you don't get it I'll have to give el_monty a go with his answer..

Is it still locked?

As you can see it's locked for one more try.  If he doesn't get it I'll open it up but please wait until I say it's unlocked before you reply.

[wingroad]

Carnut can you unlock it as I am going around the twist trying to find the answer.

[wingroad]

Could it be a prototype coupe version rather than a hardtop of the Mk1 MX-5/Miata ?
Designed in Irvine California ?

[Carnut]

Could it be a prototype coupe version rather than a hardtop of the Mk1 MX-5/Miata ?
Designed in Irvine California ?

That's much closer to the answer as it was one of the prototypes for the original MX-5, but not designed in California and the fact it was a coupé wasn't the main reason this car was made.  It was a test bed for another reason, but as I promised I'll have to unlock it now for others to have a go but that doesn't stop you continuing if you can find the answer wingroad!

[el_monty]

OK I'm going ahead then
The car in the picture was one of two MX-5 (at the time internal codename P-729) prototypes/full scale models designed by Mazda under Yoichi Sato and Hideki Suzuki in Japan in 1984. This one was the front-engined and front-wheel-drive version. Another one was a mid-engined, rear-wheel-drive version. In the end both were rejected. Mazda North America, from where the idea for the car had originally come, presented a third prototype which was front-engined and rear-wheel-drive, like the 60s Lotus Elan it was inspired by. It was this last car that got the greenlight and eventually became the MX5 we all know and love.

[Carnut]

OK I'm going ahead then
The car in the picture was one of two MX-5 (at the time internal codename P-729) prototypes/full scale models designed by Mazda under Yoichi Sato and Hideki Suzuki in Japan in 1984. This one was the front-engined and front-wheel-drive version. Another one was a mid-engined, rear-wheel-drive version. In the end both were rejected. Mazda North America, from where the idea for the car had originally come, presented a third prototype which was front-engined and rear-wheel-drive, like the 60s Lotus Elan it was inspired by. It was this last car that got the greenlight and eventually became the MX5 we all know and love.

Exactly!
The point was that they were experimenting with front wheel drive with this Japanese-made proto; wisely, especially with hindsight, they chose the RWD option for production.

Well done.

[Carnut]

Here's the original of the puzzle photo plus a rear view of the car; note the US plates and LHD despite the fact it was said to have been built in Japan...

[wingroad]

Thankfully they did not go down that route. Doubt it would have been as successful as the original Miata roadster.

[Carnut]

Thankfully they did not go down that route. Doubt it would have been as successful as the original Miata roadster.

Yes, it's pleasant enough but lacks the genius of the original MX-5.