The next-generation Mazda MX-5 Miata will feature a naturally aspirated engine and a manual transmission. According to the company’s leadership, who also “hates weight,” the goal of every new Miata design is to remain small and light. Mazda may eventually offer a wider range of sports cars, even though an electric Miata is not currently planned. The Mazda Miata is not the company’s best-selling car in the United States. We have always been interested in the Miata, but that would be the CX-5. While we were in Japan, we saw many clues about the MX-5’s future. Everyone at Mazda, from designer Masashi Nakayama to moneyman CFO Jeff Guyton, agrees that keeping the Miata in the range is important. This means keeping it light, naturally aspirated, and with a manual transmission, which will make fans happy. During dinner, Guyton reaffirmed Mazda’s dedication to reducing weight, saying that the company “hates weight” and that, unlike other companies, Mazda values speed without adding mass. Nakayama, who was in charge of designing the fourth-generation MX-5, had to fight a market that wanted bigger cabins and more horsepower while still making a shape that pulled Miata forward instead of burying it in history. Nakayama made the eager front fascia of an NA Miata and then the more edgy ND. He said, “I’m confident I made the Miata much cooler than the original,” but he didn’t say anything about the first generation. I used the first design briefings to my benefit. I didn’t want to make something like a Mini or VW that seemed old-fashioned. You can start by going over the original goal. Nakayama said that there was a push to make the car bigger and stronger, but the end goal was to keep it less than one ton and less than four meters (13.12 feet) long. “In our minds, the Miata is like a motorbike. There shouldn’t be any changes in weight. “We’re not going to make the Miata bigger,” I said. He also says that the MX-5’s close quarters are one of its draws. “The driver is an important part of the silhouette, just like a bike or motorcycle.” It could lead to connections. When we asked if he meant with the Miata or with a guest, we just smiled. The company’s designers have every reason to want to keep the Miata small and simple, but a lot of great ideas are thrown out before they even get to market. Chief technology officer of Mazda, Ryuichi Umeshita, said that it would not happen with the Miata. The first and second thing that makes the MX-5 stand out is it’s lightweight. That’s the key. The next-generation MX-5 needs to be very light. That’s all. Yamashita says that the ND Miata is lighter than the NC, even though it is harder to meet crash test standards with a light car. “We looked at the whole history, and with each version, that car got bigger.”Yet, it made us feel like we were taking something away.so that the new model would be smaller, lighter, and more like the first Miata. Umeshita says the next Miata will not have an electric motor or a turbocharged engine unless there are no other options. “If all ICE engines are banned, we will have no choice,” he said with a sad head shake. Of course, our tech team is looking into both sides. There are Miatas with gasoline engines and battery-electric cars. No matter what we do, a car with an internal combustion engine (ICE) is lighter. He also said that Mazda thinks the current power-to-weight ratios are perfect for “Jinba Ittai,” a Japanese idea that says the person and horse should work together to get the most out of the experience. For the same reason, he said, there are no plans to switch to automatic or dual-clutch gears.”When we use a manual transmission, it feels like we’re driving the car by ourselves.”The manual gearbox, lighter weight, natural aspiration, and our promise of driving dynamics and driver-vehicle unity are the most important parts of this mix. Umeshita was asked if Mazda would think about putting Jinba Ittai in a future fast sedan or working with another car company to make something like the Subaru/Toyota BRZ and GR86 if there were no plans for a bigger Miata.”We haven’t made a choice yet, but if we go to the super-sports level, it should be faster and maybe not all manual,” he said. Better engine technology can be used there, but not on the MX-5. Because there aren’t many sports cars on the market, it’s always possible to find partners. If we have a partner, we split the cost. So, we can’t say what will happen in the future, but anything is possible, especially with fast cars.
