Mazda Australia managing director Vinesh Bhindi stated that customers are not requesting an electric version of the MX-5 Miata. Instead, current owners are asking for a pure analog experience in the next generation of the roadster.
The company is developing the Skyactiv-Z engine, a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter unit. This engine is expected to debut in the CX-5 with a hybrid powertrain next year and is likely to be used in the future Miata.
Engineers aim to keep the curb weight of the next-generation roadster at approximately 1 000 kilograms or less. Achieving this goal is challenging due to stricter emissions regulations that may require some form of electrification.
The company is considering a mild-hybrid system to maintain the manual transmission and rear-wheel-drive configuration. A plug-in hybrid is considered unlikely due to the weight of the battery and packaging constraints.
The next-generation MX-5 is likely at least two years away from production, as no spy shots of prototypes have emerged. Meanwhile, the current ND generation remains on sale, though the 2.0-liter engine was discontinued in Europe due to emissions rules.
