Miata’s Light Future

A Tribute to the Miata

Now, picture this: in an era when performance cars like the BMW M and Audi RS are bulking up and often losing manual gearboxes, the Mazda Miata stands out. It’s like a refreshing breeze in the world of sports cars. Despite tighter regulations and cost-cutting measures taking over, the Miata keeps its charm as an affordable, lightweight sports car that enthusiasts adore. The folks at Mazda seem determined to ensure the Miata continues enthralling drivers for years to come.

Keeping it Light

The Mazda Miata shines by mastering the art of balance, price, and sheer driving joy, but above all, it’s about being light. According to Ryuichi Umeshita, Mazda’s Chief Technical Officer, the Miata’s essence boils down to its lightweight structure. Umeshita suggests in an interview that the future Miata might even shed some weight compared to the current model, potentially dropping below a ton.

For perspective, today’s Miata, the ND-generation, ticks the scales at about 2,366 pounds. Shaving off 150 pounds or more isn’t something to be taken lightly, if you pardon the pun. Umeshita didn’t spill the beans on how Mazda plans to achieve this, but betting on more aluminum and carbon fiber use doesn’t sound too far-fetched.

A Glimpse Ahead

When discussing what keeps the Miata in solid standing, its weight comes up with real importance. Due to its relatively modest 181 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque, every pound counts. While a new 2.5-liter engine is set to replace the 2.0-liter, don’t expect massive power boosts. This switch is more about meeting emissions standards without losing the car’s zesty character.

There’s another element true gearheads consider sacred to the Miata legacy: that manual transmission. Umeshita calls it crucial for ensuring the driver feels at one with the car, a sensation he describes using the Japanese term “jinba ittai,” referring to the unity between horse and rider. Offering a manual is a nod to those who cherish that direct connection with their machine. As to whether we’ll see an electric Miata soon, hints suggest that traditional combustion might stick around for a while.

Final Thoughts

It’s not every day that automotive enthusiasts get good news like this. Mazda appears committed to preserving the core fun and feather-light character of the Miata, fueling hope for future sports cars. It’s heartening to know that Umeshita himself is a Miata enthusiast, driving one daily and even partaking in endurance racing—talk about taking passion to the next level!