Iconic Future: Mazda CEO Confirms Next-Gen Miata to Retain Weight, Embrace EV Power

Mazda is actively developing the next-generation of its iconic MX-5 Miata, with significant details emerging regarding its design philosophy and future capabilities. Confirming earlier reports, Mazda’s global CEO, Masahiro Moro, has indicated that the upcoming Miata is projected to maintain a weight comparable to the current model, while also being engineered to accommodate non-combustion powertrains, signaling the potential for an electric variant.

In an interview with Germany's Auto Motor und Sport, CEO Moro articulated the company's vision for the successor model. He stated that the new Miata "must also be ready for a scenario without a combustion engine," emphasizing a crucial shift towards future-proofing the beloved roadster. Moro also highlighted a significant engineering challenge: to achieve a lighter basic structure without resorting to expensive, exotic materials such as carbon fiber. Despite this, he set an ambitious weight target for engineers, aiming for the vehicle to fall between "just under 1,000 and 1,200 kilograms."

Mazda USA has corroborated these remarks, providing a statement to MotorTrend that confirms the ongoing consideration for the next-generation MX-5's development. The company acknowledged that a weight target of 1,000 kg to 1,200 kg is indeed being explored, a crucial factor in preserving the "Jinba ittai" driving experience—a core Mazda philosophy translating to "horse and rider as one"—which defines the Miata’s unique appeal. Furthermore, Mazda USA affirmed that various powertrain possibilities are being investigated, taking into account evolving regulations and other market factors.

Translating the CEO's weight target, 1,000 to 1,200 kilograms equates to approximately 2,200 to 2,650 pounds. This range is notably consistent with the weights of recent current-generation Miatas. For instance, a 2024 Club Sport soft-top convertible weighed in at 2,352 pounds, and a RF Club Sport hard-top convertible at 2,454 pounds. This suggests that the forthcoming generation, codenamed NE, is intended to have a curb weight that is roughly equivalent to, or perhaps slightly heavier than, its predecessor. This target aligns with previous statements, as Mazda’s Chief Technical Officer, Ryuichi Umeshita, had expressed a goal of achieving a weight below 2,200 pounds last year.

It is important to note the nuance in Moro's statements. While he discussed both the weight target for the next-generation car and its readiness for diverse powertrains, these appear to be presented as two distinct considerations. The implication is that the weight goal primarily pertains to the fundamental structure, and it does not explicitly guarantee that every potential powertrain configuration, particularly an electric one, would necessarily remain within the 2,650-pound upper limit. The company's strategic approach underscores its commitment to evolving the Miata while preserving its essence.