Mazda Is Asking Enthusiasts How to Build the Next Miata

Mazda Opens the Door

Several reports about the development of the next-generation Mazda MX-5 Miata have already emerged, but concrete details remain scarce. More recently, Motor1 sat down with Mazda Italia to discuss its progress, and one interesting takeaway is that the automaker is welcoming opinions and ideas from Miata community groups and enthusiasts in Italy.

That makes sense, given that the Miata is often seen as a people’s sports car, so gathering structured feedback from the people who know it best could help Mazda create a more fulfilling final product. Roberto Pietrantonio, managing director of Mazda Italia, told the publication that Japanese engineers recently visited Italy to speak with these groups. That is notable, given that Italy is considered one of the brand’s most important markets for the sports car model, along with Germany and the U.K.

“The MX-5 is a global car, and the dialogue involves customers worldwide, from the United States to Australia,” Pietrantonio said.

Preserving the Magic

But despite opening up the development process, Mazda has indicated that the next-generation MX-5 Miata will retain its DNA. That likely means keeping a lightweight structure while preserving its balanced driving feel. As such, electrification remains a question because batteries and motors could complicate the vehicle's core characteristics. Still, the brand is not ruling it out entirely, with any change likely depending on future policies and regulations.

The current-generation model, known as the ND, has been around for a little over a decade, so a major overhaul is likely overdue. The U.S.-spec model is equipped with a front-mounted, naturally aspirated 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G four-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower. Power is sent to the rear wheels through either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission, a layout also seen in roadsters like the BMW Z4.

Betting on Enthusiasts

Whatever the final specs turn out to be, Pietrantonio said the MX-5 Miata will still “put a smile on a driver’s face, even when cars can fly.”

There is no concrete timeline yet for when the new model will arrive. Still, it will be interesting to see how the nameplate performs in a landscape where roadsters have largely fallen out of favor, and crossovers and SUVs dominate. That’s where feedback from enthusiasts could come in handy.

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