Mazda MX-5’s future: Lighter, analog, and eyeing an EV pivot

Despite being nearly a decade old, the current-generation Mazda MX-5 Miata (ND) still feels fresh and beloved by enthusiasts. In an era where new cars tend to get larger, heavier, and increasingly automated, the Miata stands as a rare holdout for purity in driving — small, nimble, and analog. But as the automotive industry inches toward electrification, questions about the Miata’s future are inevitable. Fortunately, Mazda seems prepared, with plans that straddle both tradition and innovation.

Mazda has made it clear that the next-generation Miata will remain faithful to the formula that has made it an icon. According to Mazda’s General Manager of Design, Masashi Nakayama, the goal is to make the future MX-5 even lighter — ideally under 1,000 kg (2,205 pounds). That’s a tall order in today’s world, especially considering the increasing weight demands of emissions equipment and safety systems.

The car will continue to be compact, with a length of less than 157 inches (under 4 meters), similar to the current ND’s 154.1 inches. And for those concerned about automatics taking over, rest assured: Mazda says the clutch pedal is going nowhere. A manual transmission will remain part of the Miata’s DNA.

Powering the next MX-5 will be a newly developed naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder Skyactiv-Z engine, designed to meet stricter emissions regulations in both Europe and North America. Mazda’s Chief Technical Officer Ryuichi Umeshita promises that this engine will deliver “very good” power and efficiency, taking advantage of the lambda-1 combustion principle for optimized fuel-air balance. Despite the larger displacement, the goal is to retain the lightweight, high-revving spirit of previous Miata engines.

While the next Miata will remain gas-powered, Mazda is clearly laying the groundwork for an electric version — when the technology is ready. A recently uncovered patent, filed in October 2024 and published in April 2025, reveals Mazda’s exploration of a unique EV platform designed to preserve the Miata’s renowned handling.

Rather than adopting the conventional “skateboard” battery layout, Mazda’s patent envisions a configuration where battery cells and an electric motor are installed along the car’s central tunnel — the same space occupied by the transmission and driveshaft in a traditional rear-drive layout. This layout is key to preserving the Miata’s low yaw moment of inertia, which enhances responsiveness and cornering feel.

In the proposed design, smaller battery packs are also distributed behind each seat and in front of the passenger to counterbalance the driver’s weight. The single electric motor is positioned behind the seats and connects to a rear differential, keeping most of the car’s mass centralized.

Mazda’s objective is clear: if it builds an electric Miata, it must feel like a Miata. That means minimizing weight, maintaining perfect balance, and ensuring the same kind of driving engagement fans have come to expect.

Although this patented layout may not reach production for some time, it shows Mazda’s seriousness in tackling the EV challenge in a Miata-appropriate way. The company has stated it doesn’t want to release an electric MX-5 until it can do so without compromising the car’s lightness and character — and the new patent hints at a creative solution to that problem.

Meanwhile, the upcoming internal combustion MX-5, expected to debut sometime after 2027 (likely following the Skyactiv-Z debut in a hybrid CX-5), will carry the analog torch forward. Enthusiasts can breathe easy knowing the next-generation Miata will still offer a manual gearbox, rear-wheel drive, and a naturally aspirated engine — with the tantalizing promise of an EV alternative that’s engineered with the same philosophy in mind.

In short: the Miata isn’t just surviving the shift in automotive trends — it’s preparing to thrive in the next chapter.