The Mazda MX-5 is a Driving Enthusiast favourite, as it bucks the trend of heavier cars by being lithe and engaging to drive. News of the fifth generation, NE MX-5 is starting to circulate, indicating its engine may grow to 2.5L.
Road & Track magazine sat down with Mazda CEO Masahiro Moro, CTO Ryuichi Umeshita and head designer Masahai Nakayama to eke out details about the upcoming roadster. Apparently the lightweight formula will still be paramount to the car’s philosophy, with a previously-considered EV version being ruled out on weight grounds. CTO Umeshita said:
“What defines the MX-5? I would say the most important thing is that it is lightweight, and that the second most important thing is that it is lightweight. That is the key – whatever the future MX-5 is, it must be very light.”
The next-generation of engines, in the form of the 2.5-litre Skyactiv-Z , which will focus on higher thermal efficiency and leaner operating (Lambda:1) than today’s Skyactiv-X. The first application is set to be the next-gen CX-5 hybrid, which will share some technologies with Toyota but for the MX-5, mild hybridisation at the most is likely.
This engine will pass Euro 7 emissions standards. “If we go to Lambda:1, then naturally power will go down,” admits Umeshita. “But in order to avoid that, we have defined the displacement to be 2.5 litres. So the power is very good, and the fuel economy will be very good.”
Power should be commensurate with today’s 135kW ND3, or greater, with a key focus on fuel effiency, but we may have to wait until 2027 to see the new car. Bring it on.
