Mazda's Next MX-5 Goes Electric, CEO Confirms, With a Halo Sports Car to Follow
Mazda's CEO Masahiro Moro announces the next MX-5 will be engineered for electric power, with a target weight of 1,000-1,200 kg, and a new halo sports car is planned.
Key Takeaways
- Mazda confirms the next MX-5 will be engineered for electric power.
- The target weight for the electric MX-5 is 1,000-1,200 kg.
- Mazda’s CEO wants a halo sports car above the MX-5.
- The next MX-5 is expected to use the company’s new 2.5-liter Skyactiv-Z four-cylinder engine.
- A hybrid powertrain is also possible, with a potential output of 220 hp.
What’s Next for the MX-5?
Mazda’s CEO Masahiro Moro has confirmed that the next MX-5 will be engineered for electric power. This move is in response to regulatory roadblocks that may make combustion engines less viable in the future.
The current MX-5, codenamed ND, has been in production since 2015 and is expected to be replaced by 2028 at the earliest.
Targeting a Lightweight Electric MX-5
Moro says the challenge for engineers is to make the basic structure of the MX-5 lighter without using exotic materials like carbon fiber. The target weight for the electric MX-5 is 1,000-1,200 kg.
If achieved, this would mean the electric MX-5 would weigh roughly the same as today’s combustion models or just slightly more.
A Halo Sports Car Above the MX-5
Moro wants a ‘hero car’ for Mazda, a true flagship model that embodies the brand’s values. This new sports car would sit above the MX-5 and would not be expected to chase big sales numbers.
Moro suggests that this mystery machine could be built largely by hand, making it a unique and exclusive offering.
The Next MX-5’s Powertrain
The next MX-5 is expected to use the company’s new 2.5-liter Skyactiv-Z four-cylinder engine. A hybrid powertrain is also possible, with a potential output of 220 hp.
This would be a significant increase over the current hottest US Miata, which produces 181 hp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When is the next MX-5 expected to be released?
The next MX-5 is not expected before 2028 at the earliest.
Q: What is the target weight for the electric MX-5?
The target weight for the electric MX-5 is 1,000-1,200 kg.
Q: Will the next MX-5 have a hybrid powertrain?
A hybrid powertrain is possible, with a potential output of 220 hp.
