The Mazda MX-5 is an icon that, along with the Ford Mustang and Porsche 911, is part of the most popular sports cars in history. The fourth generation of the Japanese roadster is currently in top shape, however, Mazda is already thinking about its eventual replacement. What will the fifth generation of the legendary Miata look like?
The next MX-5 will receive a hybrid version to be able to comply with the new emission regulations. Until now Mazda has been one of the brands that have been most resisted the electrification trend. This news has not sat well among the most purist followers of the firm, who have been totally against this evolution. However, some have been more reassured to learn that the model could finally be launched as a simple mild-hybrid. However, this could be an impediment in the European Union.
The alternative would be to provide the MX-5 sports car with an extremely simple hybrid system to preserve the simplicity of the model. An answer is Nissan's e-POWER system: light rotary motor dedicated to charging small batteries and an electric motor on the rear axle that would actually drive the car.
The downside for more traditional customers would be that with this technology the Mazda MX-5 would lose its characteristic manual gearbox. On the other hand, the use of a rotary engine and small batteries could help improve the roadster's current weight distribution.
In any case, in the future, even the most legendary sports cars will not be able to escape electrification. The clearest examples are found in the Ford Mustang Mach-E and in the future Porsche 911 plug-in hybrid.
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