Word is sweeping across the internet that Mazda might be looking to produce a coupe version of their popular MX-5 roadster.

The story emanates from Japan's Best Car. The coupe would be built on Mazda's current generation NC platform.

Mazda experimented with the idea back in 2003 when they distributed a limited edition MX-5 Coupe only in Japan. Not to be confused with the retractable hard-top version of the car, the straight coupe model was very popular at the end of the MX-5 NB platform product cycle.

Best Car reports that a production model could be launched as early as 2010.

2003 MX-5 Coupe. Sold in Japan only.

I own an MX-5 and get tremendous pleasure from the car. It deserves all the accolades it recently received including one of the 10 Best from Car and Driver.

As a matter of fact since 2000 the Mazda MX-5 has been in the Guinness Book of World Records as the most successful open, two-seater vehicle ever.

One of the great things about the MX-5 is the duel purpose it serves for me. A street car during the week it quickly becomes my SCCA SOLO car on summer weekends. Somehow I couldn't imagine running autocross in a MX-5 coupe though. Something very cool about going topless when you race.