Mazda Says The Electrified Miata Will Still Be Lightweight

Despite being electrified, Mazda is claiming that the next-generation MX-5 Miata will still be lightweight. Those two things seem diametrically opposed, but that is seemingly the plan for the future MX-5, according to the automaker.

This started when Mazda CEO Masahiro Moro made comments in an interview with Auto Motor und Sport, that the next MX-5 will weigh somewhere between “1,000 and 1,200 kilograms” which (when converted to freedom units) works out to 2,200 and 2,650 pounds. Considering that the next MX-5 will be electrified, that is a wild statement to make. MotorTrend followed up with Mazda and the automaker responded with the following statement:

“We are currently considering the development of the next-generation MX-5. It is true that we are considering a weight target (between 1,000 kg and 1,200 kg) to realize the “Jinba ittai” driving experience that is the MX-5’s appeal. Regarding the powertrain, we are also exploring various possibilities while considering regulations and other factors.”

Ah, things become a bit clearer. So, Mazda is not specifically saying that an electrified MX-5 will weigh under 2,700 pounds, only that the next model will start within that weight range. The new MX-5 will probably not be exclusively electrified and instead have several powertrain options, including a non-electrified combustion engine. With that in mind, the target weight doesn’t seem so far-fetched.

However, the question becomes, “why would MX-5 buyers be attracted to an electrified model?” It seems highly unlikely that there would be a pure EV MX-5, so then we are talking about a hybrid system, which still adds weight but is supposed to bring efficiency as the trade-off. Does that make sense with such a small, light car? Or is there another angle?

Stay with us here, but consider hypercars like LaFerrari, technically a hybrid, but the electric motor only existed in that car to provide a bit of torque and power, not for driving range. In that configuration, the battery and motor would be relatively small, thus not adding an exorbitant amount of weight. Perhaps Mazda is planning to do the same with the next MX-5? There is still some time before we find out, but consider us interested.