The next Mazda MX-5 will be electrified

Representatives of the Japanese brand have confirmed that the next generation of the Mazda MX-5 will carry an electrified engine.

This is news that should turn fans of the famous Japanese roadster in the eye, even if to be expected. Emblematic model of the Hiroshima brand, the Mazda MX-5 had so far managed to keep a purist engine, with atmospheric blocks connected to a manual gearbox, without any trace of electrification. But that is unfortunately about to change. And this information, which obviously does not make anyone happy, was confirmed by spokespersons for the brand during an interview with the Japanese magazine Kuruma. However, no further details were given by the officials of the firm, who are still vague on the subject. What prolong the suspense, to the chagrin of the purists, who have feared for years such an announcement. At the moment, all options are still on the table, while no reveal date has yet been announced for this future generation.

As noted by Japanese journalist Kenji Momota, who conducted the interview, Mazda representatives have yet to confirm or deny the arrival of a variation. 100% electric of the MX-5. But as much to say that such a variant would risk angering for good the customers of the roadster, and is undoubtedly not privileged, for technical reasons. And for good reason, adding batteries would skyrocket the weight of the little sportswoman, it currently barely exceeding a ton. An overweight which would then be felt on the conduct, even if the instantaneous torque certainly made it possible to gain in dynamism. But rest assured, even if such a version were to see the light of day, the firm has nevertheless confirmed that the roadster will indeed retain a thermal motor. This would then be supplied by synthetic fuel, without too many details being given on this subject for the time being. A 12 or 48 volt hybridization could also be added, but again, this is all theoretical for now.

Launch in 2023

This possibility seems in reality the most probable, whereas it is on the other hand difficult to imagine the establishment of a plug-in hybrid powertrain, which would again weigh down the car too much and which would not necessarily be essential. Anyway, let’s hope that the spirit of the original Mazda MX-5 is preserved with this new generation, the launch of which is planned in dealerships in the course of the year 2023. Nothing has been mentioned as to his style, which should again evolve, without details being announced.

As a reminder, the current generation was launched in 2015 and available in several versions. At its inception, the ND was indeed offered in two versions, developing 131 and 160 horsepower, subsequently replaced by the Skyactiv-G 1.5-liter 132 and 2.0-liter 184 horsepower, combined with a six-speed manual gearbox.