Mazda may be a relatively small Japanese automaker, but it has long been a favorite among enthusiasts thanks to innovations like the rotary engine, the SkyActiv platform, and its striking Kodo design language. It has also made a significant impact in motorsport, even securing victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1991 with the rotary-powered Mazda 787B.
To stay competitive in the ever-evolving global automotive market, Mazda has often formed strategic partnerships. From 1974 until the late 2000s, Ford held a major stake in the company, leading to numerous collaborations. Over the years, Mazda also partnered with Toyota, Nissan, Isuzu, Suzuki, and Kia.
One of the most notable results of the Ford-Mazda partnership (1974–2015) was the shared development of vehicles like the Mazda B-Series (later BT-50) and Ford Ranger. Another joint effort, which is particularly relevant here, was the creation of the Ford Probe and Mazda MX-6. Built between 1987 and 1997, these front-engine, front-wheel-drive coupes were mechanically identical and produced in joint-venture factories in both the U.S. and Japan.
While the Mazda MX-5 Miata remains the brand’s most famous sporty model, the MX-6 had its own appeal. Sharing its underpinnings with the Mazda 626 Coupe, the MX-6 took a more traditional styling approach compared to the more experimental Ford Probe. While the Probe gained greater recognition, the MX-6 built a small but loyal following. Notably, Mazda re-trademarked the MX-6 nameplate in Japan back in 2018, hinting at the possibility of a revival.
Now, thanks to the imagination of digital artist Jim, known as jlord8 on social media, the MX-6 has been reborn—at least in the virtual world. His latest rendering envisions a modern Mazda MX-6 based on the current Ford Mustang platform, bringing the two brands back together in an intriguing way.
At first, the idea of a Mazda Mustang might sound unusual, but there’s some logic to it. The seventh-generation Ford Mustang (S650) has struggled with sales, and a collaboration with Mazda could offer Ford a way to recoup development costs while giving Mazda a sleek, rear-wheel-drive coupe to expand its lineup.
Could this digital concept ever become a reality? While nothing is official, it’s certainly an interesting thought. Would you welcome a new Mazda MX-6 based on the Ford Mustang?