Mazda confirmed the design goals for the next-generation MX-5: weight under 1 ton, equipped with Skyactiv-Z

[PCauto] In an era where even small hatchbacks can easily exceed 1.5 tons and electric vehicles often start at 2 tons, discussing lightweighting has become something of a luxury.

The Next Generation MX-5 Will Be Lightweighted to Below 1 Ton

Recently, Mazda's Global Sales and Marketing Manager, Manabu Osuga, promised during an interview with GoAuto that the next-generation MX-5 will continue to push physical limits. One of its development goals is to keep the curb weight under 1,000kg (1 ton).

He explicitly mentioned that the next-generation model will continue the "Gram Strategy" of weight reduction, which gained significant attention during the ND generation.

During the development of the current ND generation, Mazda even went so far as to redesign the length of bolts or punch holes in the internal structure of sun visors just to save a few grams of weight.

The current ND generation has already achieved the pinnacle of lightweighting, with the Japanese domestic version of the 1.5L model weighing only 990kg.

However, to meet the global market's demands for power and safety, the ND3 versions currently sold in North America and Australia (equipped with a 2.0L engine) mostly weigh between 1,050kg and 1,100kg.

If the next-generation model, which we will tentatively refer to as the NE, can achieve the goal of having all variants weigh below 1,000kg, it would mean it will be even lighter and more agile than the current generation.

But this is almost an impossible task in the face of increasingly stringent safety collision regulations.

Potentially Equipped with Skyactiv-Z

Interestingly, lightweight construction is not the only challenge.

To meet the upcoming Euro 7 emission standards, Mazda is fully committed to developing the next-generation four-cylinder internal combustion engine technology, known as Skyactiv-Z.

According to currently leaked technical details, Skyactiv-Z aims to achieve extreme combustion efficiency, which often means sacrificing some power output while pursuing low emissions.

To compensate for this loss, sources suggest that the NE MX-5 may abandon the current 2.0L engine in favor of a larger displacement 2.5L naturally aspirated engine.

Although a larger displacement implies a heavier engine block, this seems to contradict the goal of "below 1 ton."

Nevertheless, thanks to Mazda's breakthroughs in aluminum alloy material applications and structural design, the additional 500cc displacement is intended to provide linear and environmentally-friendly power response without relying on a turbocharger (and the associated weight and thermal management burden).

MX-5 Rejects Electrification

Another piece of news that will reassure MX-5 enthusiasts is that Mazda is still fighting to preserve the manual transmission.

While it is widely speculated that the next-generation MX-5 will inevitably adopt some form of electrification to comply with standards, current indications suggest that Mazda is striving to avoid using heavy PHEV systems.

If the NE can ultimately feature a 2.5L Skyactiv-Z engine paired with a lightweight body without adding heavy battery packs, it will continue to enjoy the reputation of being a "civilian supercar."

The existence of the Mazda MX-5 is a miracle

While everyone else is pursuing screen sizes, autonomous driving, and range mileage, Mazda is worrying about how to reduce those few hundred grams of weight on the MX-5. This stubborn adherence to the philosophy of “Jinba-Ittai” (horse and rider as one) is precisely what makes the Mazda brand so captivating.

The next-generation MX-5 is expected to officially debut around 2027. For those still hesitating whether to purchase the current ND3 model, perhaps you can wait a bit longer, as Mazda seems to be preparing some new surprises.