The current Mazda MX-5 has been in the market for over a decade now, and it’s safe to say that it is due for an update. From the looks of it, Mazda is already working on an all-new MX-5 with several reports about what could be expected from the next-generation model.
The latest among the reports surrounding the next MX-5 came from Mazda CEO Masahiro Moro’s interview with German publication Auto Motor Und Sport. Moro shared that the car brand is working on the next-generation MX-5 with the possibility of introducing an all-electric version. However, one of the challenges that Mazda is facing when it comes to an all-electric MX-5 is overall weight issues.
Moro said that Mazda’s engineers are targeting a curb weight around 1,000 to 1,200 kilograms for the next-gen model. Now, integrating the MX-5 with an electric powertrain would put strain on the weight, which will alter Mazda’s roadster overall design since the MX-5 or the Miata is known to be a lightweight sports car.
The weight issue was also pointed out before by Mazda Motor Europe Director, Research & Operations, Christian Schultze. One of the things being considered by Mazda with the next-gen MX-5 is its powertrain. As a lightweight sports car, Mazda intends to keep the MX-5’s identity intact when it introduces the next-gen model. With that, the Japanese automaker wants to maintain the next-gen MX-5 as a lightweight sports car.
Schultze is reportedly on the fence when it comes to employing an electric powertrain for the next-gen Mazda MX-5. He shared that the “moment you go fully electric, you fundamentally change the car’s architecture.” This would mean different proportions and different weight, resulting in altering the roadster’s balance.
With the contrasting comment on the possibility of an electric MX-5, Mazda has also indicated that the next-gen MX-5 will have a 2.5-liter SkyActiv-Z engine, with hybrid technology as a possibility due to the stricter emissions regulations. Another possibility that Mazda is looking into is the use of synthetic fuels as the simplest way to reduce the MX-5’s emissions. Mazda is no stranger to synthetic fuels, as it has been conducting vehicle testing with the said fuel type. In fact, Mazda is in collaboration with Toyota, Suzuki, Subaru, and Daihatsu when it comes to using synthetic fuels.
Autocar’s Take
The MX-5 is arguably one of the, if not the most, important vehicles of Mazda. The said roadster has already become synonymous with Mazda as a car brand. The MX-5 is known for its lightweight design, making it a fun-to-drive roadster. With the dawn of electrification, it is only right to wonder if Mazda would be releasing an all-electric MX-5. Top executives of the brand currently have different opinions about integrating an electric powertrain into the next-gen Mazda MX-5. But if you ask us, Mazda should consider having an all-electric MX-5 so that the said nameplate can survive no matter what happens in the automotive industry. Having more powertrain options would mean having more chances of securing the MX-5’s future.
