Currently reading: Mazda MX-5 gets lighter

The next-generation Mazda MX-5 will be lighter and cleaner

The next-generation Mazda MX-5 will be re-engineered as a lightweight, sub-one tonne two-seater, most likely powered by a down-sized petrol engine.

"The next MX-5 needs to be much lighter," said program manager Takao Kijima. "And we also need to get CO2 levels down to the B-car [Mazda 2] level."

Kijima said the next MX-5 must weigh less than 1000kg, a cut of around 120kg compared to today's 1120kg car. That's a similar weight to the original MX-5, which weighed in at 945kg.

Mazda's target is a 10 per cent "minimum" weight reduction, which will also apply to all of its new models from 2011.

The MX-5 will stick with its front-engine/rear-drive layout and a steel body and platform. "Alloy is out of the question, as it's too expensive," said Kijima.

Mazda is also targeting a dramatic reduction in tailpipe emissions of carbon and is aiming for 120g/km, a 40g/km cut on today's 160g/km.

As well as the weight saving, more efficient engines are part of Mazda's plan. "I am sure a downsized engine will be necessary," said Kijima.

That most likely means 1.6 and 1.8 engines in place of today's 1.8 and 2.0 units, although it could also mean a highly efficient, possibly turbocharged, 1.4-litre unit.

Julian Rendell

Advertisement

Read our review

Car review

The Mazda MX-5 is still great fun, and more grown up in its third generation. For pure driving fun, little gets close

Join our WhatsApp community and be the first to read about the latest news and reviews wowing the car world. Our community is the best, easiest and most direct place to tap into the minds of Autocar, and if you join you’ll also be treated to unique WhatsApp content. You can leave at any time after joining - check our full privacy policy here.

Join the debate

Comments
3
Add a comment…
stopitjon 10 October 2008

Re: Mazda MX-5 gets lighter

The Apprentice wrote:
160g/km is the 'Base' CO2 level, before adding on the drivers hairspray gas emissions.

Controversial... yet funny.

I'm glad they are taking the right route with the MX-5. It's been getting heavier and more powerful for a while now, moving further away from its core values. Perhaps they should introduce an MX-6 or 7 as a heavier, faster, less focussed alternative? They can cover both bases then.

The Apprentice 10 October 2008

Re: Mazda MX-5 gets lighter

160g/km is the 'Base' CO2 level, before adding on the drivers hairspray gas emissions.

dgs 10 October 2008

Re: Mazda MX-5 gets lighter

Autocar wrote:
Mazda is also targeting a dramatic reduction in tailpipe emissions of carbon and is aiming for 120g/km, a 40g/km cut on today's 160g/km.

Where does the 160 g/km figure come from, as the current MX-5 emissions range from 174 to 193 g/km depending on which engine/model you choose?