The current styling of the Mazda MX-5 could well be described as just a bit boring with very round corners that play it safe. Mazda would like to change the image of its iconic little roadster and revised styling is certainly on the way. We have an early shot of the changes courtesy of the interwebs and, while they are a welcome refresher, the design team didn't quite go far enough. The only real changes visible to the naked eye are in the front fascia, which sports styling inspired by tweaks made to the latest rotary-powered RX-8. Front and center is a gaping grill that features five distinct corners instead of the old oval opening. Flanking that new mug are angled fog light surrounds and swept-back headlights above. The changes are mostly design elements seen on Mazda's latest batch of concept cars, though overall it's a safe update for an already safe design – and very close to what we were expecting – but we're still hoping for more from the next-gen MX-5.

The Chevy Volt is unique in that its engine is really just a generator that produces electricity for the batteries, which then power an electric motor that turns the front wheels for propulsion. While the Volt powertrain is pretty spectacular, it may not be unique for long. British car site AutoCar is reporting that Mazda is not only interested in a similar setup for a future plug-in hybrid, but it already has a working prototype on the road. Mazda engineers told AutoCar that a battery pack charged by a rotary engine is already being used in a Mazda5 mule, and that management is encouraged by the early results but wants to see battery costs go down before proceeding.

If Mazda is working on a series hybrid like the Chevy Volt, that means its owner, Ford, would have direct access to the same technology. We do, however, find it odd that Mazda would use a rotary engine in this setup. While the Wankel engine is very compact and light, it's not very efficient and sucks oil, at least in the RX-8.

Mazda pulled out all the awkwardly executed stops for the reveal of the Kazamai concept, including four sets of dancers, guys in neon-pink shorts on roller skates and a 40-man Russian singing troop in Soviet-style dress. We couldn't make this stuff up if we tried, but what better way to kick off our coverage of the Moscow International Auto Salon.

Despite the strange theatrics, the Kazamai is one of our favorite Nagare-themed concepts since the Furai and Kabura. Then again, we're suckers for two-door crossovers. The Kazamai blends the "flow" theme we've seen on several other concepts with a more aerodynamic body and a slightly toned-down demeanor. Could this be a hint at the future of the CX-7? Don't count it out. But if it does head to production, we'll take it in a three-door package equipped with the MS3's drivetrain... and all-wheel-drive.