Next-Gen Miata Engineers Connect with Enthusiasts at MiataCon to Preserve Lightweight, Manual V6 Ethos

Next-Gen Miata Engineers Connect with Old-School Enthusiasts to Preserve Sports Car’s Purity

As Mazda prepares the next-generation MX-5 Miata, a delegation of eight engineers and designers from its Hiroshima headquarters made a public appearance at MiataCon at Lime Rock Park. The unusual visit underscored Mazda’s unwavering commitment to developing the MX-5 in line with the values of its most devoted owners. Mazda leadership remains dedicated to keeping the next MX-5 small, light, naturally aspirated, and available with a manual transmission, resisting industry trends toward heavier vehicles and forced induction. This effort to connect directly with the community is crucial for preserving the sports car’s core ethos of Jinba Ittai (oneness between car and driver) as it steers into the future.

Engineers Go to the Source: MiataCon

Mazda’s visit to the annual MiataCon event was a direct way for the product development team to gather real-world insights from the community.

• MiataCon: The annual event, held at Lime Rock Park, draws Miata owners from across the country to celebrate the iconic roadster, which has been relevant for nearly four decades.
• Direct Observation: The engineers observed the variety of Miatas on display, from the first-generation NAs to the current NDs, aiming to understand the dedication that has sustained the car for decades.
• Hands-On Learning: A Lime Rock official even arranged for a Mazda engineer to sit in the passenger seat of a race-spec Miata during a race, showcasing the engineers’ interest in the vehicle’s track performance.
• Corporate Philosophy: The presence of the engineers reinforced Mazda’s “One Mazda concept,” that the company’s identity is rooted as much in “relationships as it is in performance”.

Keeping the Miata True to Its Roots: The Core Ethos

Mazda executives are publicly committed to preserving the Miata’s fundamental characteristics, even against industry and regulatory pressure.

• Core Qualities: Designer Masashi Nakayama and CTO Ryuichi Umeshita emphasize that the Miata must remain small, light, naturally aspirated, and available with a manual transmission.
• Weight Goal: Umeshita stressed, “What defines MX-5 is first lightweight, and second, lightweight. That is the key,” with the next generation aiming to come in under 1,000 kg (2,200 pounds). The current ND is already lighter than its predecessor.
• Manual and N/A: The promise of a pure driving experience (Jinba Ittai) relies on a naturally aspirated engine paired with a stick-shift gearbox, preserving the core experience that has defined the Miata for over 30 years.
• Engine Size: The next MX-5 will likely feature a larger 2.5-liter Skyactiv-Z engine (up from the current 2.0L) to compensate for power loss under increasingly strict emissions standards, without resorting to turbocharging.
• Electrification: There are no plans for a turbocharged engine or fully electric powertrain unless regulatory factors make it unavoidable. Mild-hybrid options remain a possibility to meet emissions standards without compromising weight.

A Promising Partnership with Toyota

The Miata’s next chapter may involve a continuation of platform sharing, this time with Toyota.

• Collaboration Rumors: Mazda is reportedly collaborating with Toyota on a shared sports car platform for the next-generation MX-5 and the GR86.
• Engineering Work: Reports indicate Mazda engineers have been working in Toyota City on this new venture.
• Separate Identities: The partnership could leverage Toyota’s resources while maintaining distinct driving personalities; the Miata is expected to remain a pure two-seater roadster, while the GR86 would adopt a 2+2 layout. The final car is likely to be assembled at Mazda’s Hiroshima factory.

Final Thoughts

The visit by Mazda’s engineers to MiataCon demonstrates a deep corporate commitment to listening to the enthusiasts who are the lifeblood of the car. Four decades in, the Miata’s mission—to deliver a lightweight, engaging, and accessible driving experience—remains unchanged. By actively engaging the community and focusing on preserving the Jinba Ittai philosophy in every design and engineering choice, Mazda is making a clear statement that the next-generation MX-5 will carry the essence of the original into the future.

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