Mazda’s commitment to internal combustion will extend to the next-generation MX-5, which is set to receive the Japanese manufacturer’s newest and most advanced petrol-engine technology rather than a plug-in hybrid or battery-electric powertrain.
Mazda last year launched its first BEV, the MX-30 crossover, but just a year before that ushered in its innovative Skyactiv-X petrol engine technology, which uses spark-controlled compression ignition (SPCCI) to improve efficiency and performance.
This could enable some petrol-powered Mazdas to remain on sale as their respective rivals go electric. The MX-5 in particular is a likely candidate, given that its relatively low sales volumes have a negligible impact on Mazda’s European fleet- average CO2 emissions.
The manufacturer has previously confirmed that a Skyactiv-X engine will be used only in all-new models that have been designed around it and its associated mild-hybrid hardware.
The first cars to gain a Skyactiv-X engine were the3 family hatchback and its CX-30 sibling, and Mazda has previewed a new straight six that could appear in the next- generation 6 executive car.
Skyactiv-X technology is now offered in various European-market models without a turbocharger (the 3 is available in the US with a 2.5-litre turbo engine), making it highly likely that the MX-5 can stay trueto its naturally aspirated roots in its fifth generation.
A small supercharger does feature as part of a Skyactiv-X engine, but only as a means of pressurising the air inside when it’s running on spark- controlled ignition (in so doing avoiding the accelerative lag caused by a turbocharger).
Upgrading to the latest iteration of Mazda’s petrol-burning technology could make the next-generation MX-5 a substantially more potent proposition, as the firm claims that the 2.0-litre four-cylinder Skyactiv-X engine produces some 30% more torque than the same-sized Skyactiv-G unit (used by the current, top-rung MX-5). This would take output from 151lb ft to nearer 200lb ft and most likely bring the 0-62mph time below 6.0sec.
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"maintain driver focus with petrol power" Speaks more about Autocar writers denial of an EV future. And that EV's cant be driver focused - of course they can. Once myths about weight, charging, grid and child mining are dismissed. The only bastion of foot dragging and probably climate deniers is the lack of manly 'brum-brum' noises. And for testers having to drop earned skills in matching peaky ICE engines to gears.
Driver focus is about handling. MX5 is about handling. An EV MX5 with same or lower weight would be brilliant. With a range of 120 miles between fast charges a lower weight is entirely feasible - check out all the Ferrari, Lotus 'Elon' and 911 conversions, lighter, much faster, better balanced - all without 'look at me' loud exhausts.
I could not have said it any better. MX5 ICE car is a lost opportunity for Mazda to offer a BEV Electric hot sports car and increase revenue and stature of the brand name. Now, they will be stuck watching the Chinese brands come out with a MX5 BEV clone. Mazda get off the fence and release credible BEVs now.
Crazy. They need to go EV asap or they are just going to lose sales. This is going to be a Kodak or Nokia moment for Mazda if they don't change ther ways. Porsche is going electric with the next Boxster and Cayman and that is the right decision.
I am delighted to hear the MX5 will survive at least until the ICE ban in the UK. I just hope they can afford to sell them here with the crazy average CO2 numbers getting tougher over the years. I hope they make it slightly bigger though, its just a bit too small for me to fit in comfortably.
As for making it EV, why give up all your sales in the rest of the world to pick up a few in Europe. Going EV is bound to add to its cost, which is surely one of the real plus points of the car. As for a comparison with Lotus and Alpine (where the sales are mainly in Europe) it will remain half the cost of them once electrified.