Ever since its introduction at the Chicago Auto Show in 1989, the Miata has been the apple of Mazda’s eye. This compact sports car breathed new life into the lightweight roadster concept for the contemporary age, amalgamating the finest aspects of British heritage with the acclaimed reliability of Japan. With the automotive industry shifting towards electrification, concerns have arisen about the future of this model, but those worries might be exaggerated. According to a report by Autocar, Mazda seems to have exciting plans lined up for this fun convertible.
Mazda is diligently working on transitioning its vehicle lineup to electric propulsion, with the majority of its models built on a substantial rear-wheel-drive architecture or the smaller front-wheel-drive platform developed by the company. Hybrid and fully electric models are being developed on these platforms as Mazda stays in tune with current trends in the industry.
Contrarily, the Miata doesn’t fall into either group, being a compact two-seater with rear-wheel drive. Constructed on its standalone platform, it remains one of the rare cars in today’s market predominantly available with a manual transmission. According to Joachim Kunz, the head of product development and engineering at Mazda in Europe, the company is content with continuing on a similar trajectory in the future.
“It holds a special place as our brand icon and is always treated with special care,” Kunz stated to Autocar, emphasizing the significance of the Miata in Mazda’s lineup. Regarding the future prospects of the model, he mentioned, “At present, it appears that we will continue with this vehicle indefinitely, maintaining its size, concept, and internal combustion engine. While eventually, electrification will be necessary, our aim is to preserve this authentic concept.”
This stance indicates a positive signal for enthusiasts that the Hiroshima-based company intends to remain faithful to the essence of the Miata. In a world where iconic names like Mitsubishi Eclipse and Ford Mustang have been affixed to SUVs, it is heartening to witness an automotive legend that retains its original character. While building the Miata on a specific platform entails higher development and manufacturing costs, it is essential to uphold the spirited and athletic nature of the vehicle, which would otherwise be compromised if it were shifted to Mazda’s conventional front-wheel-drive platform to save costs.
The Miata, also known as the MX-5, typically follows a lengthier lifecycle compared to most mainstream cars. Kunz remarked, “Having a single generation span a decade is not an issue for us,” suggesting that a new Miata, likely designated as the “NE” model, may still be a few years away, considering the release of the ND Miata in 2016.
In the future, it’s probable that the Miata will leverage Mazda’s advanced gasoline engine technologies, such as Skyactiv-X, to comply with increasingly stringent emissions regulations in the forthcoming years. Notably, Mazda’s patents for hybrid powertrains tailored for small rear-wheel-drive applications offer insights into the potential power unit for the upcoming NE model.
In any case, this news demonstrates that Mazda not only comprehends the unique appeal of the Miata but is also committed to preserving that essence for the foreseeable future. While the phase-out of internal combustion engine vehicles looms on the horizon, one day the Miata will need to adapt, but for now, enthusiasts can rest assured that the legacy of the Roadster is in good hands.
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