- The next generation Miata isn’t coming any time soon.
- Mazda wanted to keep the formula intact by making the car as light as possible.
- Synthetic fuels are considered an ideal solution to pass emissions regulations without adding weight.
While there likely won’t be a new rotary sports car to revive the “RX” moniker, Mazda remains committed to the Miata. However, the fifth generation will not arrive any time soon, even though the current ND model is already 12 years old. The European design chief has revealed that the NE “will take a few more years” before it arrives.
Talking to the Dutch publication Auto RAIJo Stenuit says Mazda still hasn’t decided which powertrain to use. He believes some form of electrification will likely be implemented, to ensure the next Miata meets emissions regulations. Even though mild hybrids have the smallest weight, this type of technology appears to be the “least option” the company is considering.
Separately, said Mazda Europe R&D boss, Christian Schultze Auto RAI that in the best case scenario, the Miata NE will use a combustion engine that uses synthetic fuel. This would avoid the heavy penalties associated with electrification and allow the model to comply with stricter laws. However, this is just wishful thinking at the moment, as there is virtually no infrastructure for CO₂-neutral fuels.
Photo by: Mazda
‘The simplest way to reduce the MX-5’s emissions is to use synthetic fuel. That’s the short answer, really. If you look at the technical reality, CO₂ neutral synthetic fuel allows you to continue using the existing combustion engine without having to completely overhaul the car concept. For a model like the MX-5, which relies so heavily on lightweight construction, balance and mechanical purity, it’s a very logical path.’
Emissions regulations remain a persistent issue for Mazda. Almost two years ago, the Zoom-Zoom company had no choice but to stop production of the 2.0-liter Miata engine in Europe because it failed to comply with EU law. Since then, only the smaller 1.5-litre unit has been available for the continent’s beloved roadster.
Even though the ND has been around since 2014, Mazda apparently hasn’t refined the formula. Schultze said engineers are working hard to modify the 1.5- and 2.0-liter engines to meet regulations. He added that the naturally aspirated four-cylinder unit will undergo “technical adjustments, combustion improvements, exhaust aftertreatment and efficiency.” Hopefully, both larger engines will return to Europe before the ND generation is retired.
As for what comes next, Mazda’s European research and development heads would prefer the lightest form of electrification if synthetic fuels fail to gain traction, which frankly probably won’t happen any time soon. Mazda has previously hinted at its upcoming 2.5-liter Skyactiv-Z engine, but that now seems unlikely. Schultze said that would have a negative impact on balance and steering. Additionally, with Euro 7 fast approaching, he doubts fitting a larger engine will allow the Miata NE to meet the new emissions standards. He admitted it would be difficult for Mazda to satisfy buyers and regulators:
“We looked for a technically sound solution with the right performance, the right weight and full regulatory compliance. It was not an easy task.”
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Motorcycle Pickup1: Mazda doesn’t seem to be in a rush to replace the ND, even though the fourth generation Miata has reached a fairly respectable age. With no prototype sightings so far, it’s likely we’ll be at least another two years away from the car’s official debut, and even longer before it goes on sale. After all, today’s cars are nearly perfect, so why stop them?
While there is still a lot of uncertainty surrounding NE, its continued development should be reassuring to its fans. The Japanese automaker has promised to retain the rear-wheel drive layout and manual gearbox in a lightweight package, so the fifth-generation Miata will be worth the wait.
