A new Mazda MX-5 is on its way and it’s going to revolutionize the series with the adoption of a hybrid powertrain
6 hours ago
by Josh Byrnes
This article features speculative illustrations that are not related to or endorsed by Mazda.
Few cars with a cult following stand the test of time, with many hitting glorious runs, only to fade into the automotive oblivion hall of fame. Mazda’s iconic Miata (or MX-5 for those outside North America) is one example of bucking the graveyard trend.
Hiroshima’s lightweight answer to obtainable sports car motoring is currently well into its fourth-generation lifespan, with plans coming to light that its successor will embrace the electrified revolution – partially, at least.
Hungry to know more? Let’s crystal ball-gaze further with an illustrated design study and explore everything else we know.
A Design Formula That Works
The Miata’s success story partly comes down to its strong design ethos; over successive generations, Mazda’s team of talented sculptors have maintained its appeal by staying true to the Miata’s classic sportscar proportions and keeping excessive design elements to a minimum.
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Intriguingly, it appears Mazda teased the new car in a recent presentation outlining the automaker’s electrification strategy out to 2030. The “Vision Study Model” was briefly shown as a hardtop sporting butterfly doors, a wraparound windshield, svelte sheet metal surfacing and prominent fenders.
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So how would it translate into production? Quite impressively, it seems. Our study (illustrated in RF hardtop guise) employs the best elements of the Vision Study Concept, along with a powerful axle-to-dash ratio, low cowl, pumped front fenders and muscular rear haunches. Realistically, the butterfly doors and pop-up headlamps are unlikely to make the cut, yet we’re forever hopeful they will.
A Premium Outlook
The current Miata is no plebeian driving experience with a nicely crafted, if slightly compromised, cabin layout. With the automaker’s premium aspirations, the cockpit will receive richer materials, improved occupant space and a much-needed overhaul on the infotainment front.
We’ll likely see a fully customizable digital instrument cluster, a larger infotainment screen with improved graphics and wireless charging. Cable-free Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability will be offered, alongside a full suite of i-Activsense semi-autonomous safety assists.
E-assisted Performance
In a move that will upset purists, electrification will factor into the Miata’s powertrain play for the first time. Now, before your coffee migrates to your monitor, remember that Mazda’s ethos is about keeping weight to a minimum to aid performance and the MX-5’s smile-for-every-mile handling dynamics.
More: Mazda Teases Miata-Like Vision Concept As It Plans To Drop $11 Billion Into Electrification
Mazda teased the Vision Study coupe with butterfly doors in late 2022
So, what does this mean? Rather than a full battery-electric setup, the next Miata will likely use 48-volt, mild-hybrid technology in conjunction with a reworked, 2.0-litre four. Power will continue to be fed to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual or a new 8-speed multi-clutch automatic borrowed from the CX-90.
Sure, Mazda’s ambitions to reach carbon neutrality by 2050 will mean full electrification down the track is a fait accompli. However, until the industry moves away from heavy lithium-ion battery chemistry, the Miata is safe – for now.
The Alternatives
The Miata has some great rivals in the form of Toyota’s 86/Subaru BRZ twins. Yet when it comes to roadsters, Mazda’s two-seat best-seller has the show floor all to itself.
The fifth-generation roadster will likely debut around late 2025, most probably as a 2026MY in North America, whilst minor updates will keep the current car fresh until then.
What would you like to see in the next Miata? A rotary? More power (a given)? We’d love to hear your views in the comments below.