Mazda MX-81
| Mazda MX-81 | |
|---|---|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Mazda |
| Production | 1981 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Concept car |
| Body style | 2-door coupé |
The Mazda MX-81 is a concept car designed by Bertone for the Japanese car manufacturer Mazda, presented in 1981. The car was designed by Marc Dechamps.[1]
Overview
The MX-81 is based on the small family car Mazda 323 and was first presented at the Tokyo Motor Show in 1981. According to the factory, this was the first Mazda to use the prefix "MX", which stands for "Mazda Experimental".[2] After many years in a warehouse at the factory headquarters in Hiroshima, around the year 2020 the MX-81 was sent to a workshop near Bertone's premises in Turin, Italy for renovation.[2]
The MX-81 was equipped with a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine and an output of 130 horsepower. The car is characterized by its very special steering wheel, where the instruments are built into the center of the steering wheel.[3][4] The Astina/323F, which came out in 1989, used many concepts of the MX-81. It has also been well received in the European market due to its stylish and streamlined appearance.[2][5]
References
- ^ "Mazda has restored the first ever MX model: the MX-81 concept". topgear.com. 30 April 2021.
- ^ a b c "MAZDA MX: DEFYING CONVENTION FOR 40 YEARS". mazda.co.uk. 8 February 2024.
- ^ "Concept oublié - Mazda MX-81 Aria". fr.motor1.com (in French).
- ^ "Concept Car of the Week : Mazda MX-81 Aria (1981". cardesignnews.com via Internet Archive. Retrieved 17 November 2023.
- ^ "This Fully-Restored Mazda MX-81 Aria Concept Previews A Glorious Past". SlashGear. 4 May 2021.