Mazda MX-5 to remain a "proper sportscar"

The creator of Mazda’s latest MX-5 says the next-generation model will remain true to its lightweight sportscar roots. 

MX-5 program manager Nobuhiro Yamamoto told motoring.com.au at this week’s Australian launch of the facelifted MX-5 that 'lightweighting' was a key part of the fourth-generation MX-5 development program. He said the next-gen MX-5 would shed a significant amount of weight, despite adding safety and luxury equipment when it emerges in less than two years.

“Next MX-5 will be much lighter,” he tolding motoring.com.au at this week's launch of the facelifted roadster.

“Proper sportscar needs to be lightweight.” Mr Yamamoto opined.

The program manager confirmed the Mk4 MX-5 -- which will emerge in 2014, before the all-new Alfa Romeo Spider that shares its platform is revealed the same year -- will undergo a weight reduction of similar proportion to the CX-5 and upcoming Mazda6. Both of those models are based on Mazda’s all-new SKYACTIV platform and the body and chassis of both cars is about 100kg lighter than the vehicles they replace.

Mazda’s iconic MX-5 has grown in both size and weight with each generation since it debuted in 1989, when the original weighed just 990kg. In fact, the MX-5’s kerb weight increased by more than 20 per cent over the next two generations launched in 1998 and 2005. Given the latest MX-5 Roadster Coupe weighs at least 1167kg (and 1140kg for the soft-top version no longer sold here), a 100kg-plus weight reduction would see the next MX-5 weigh close to 1000kg.

The reduction will be despite improved crash performance to meet stricter occupant and pedestrian protection legislation, and the fitment of more standard equipment including (finally) USB and Bluetooth connectivity and a telescopic steering column.

Combined with a new 2.0-litre SKYACTIV-G 2.0-litre petrol engine -- which in the CX-5 produces slightly less power than the current MX-5 (114 v 118kW) but more torque (200 v 188Nm) -- expect the next MX-5 to offer more performance and better fuel consumption.

While the current MX-5 consumes 8.1L/100km, the 2.0-litre petrol CX-5 returns just 6.4L/100km, despite weighing at least 1443kg (about 300kg more than the existing MX-5) so Mazda’s next roadster could consume as little as 5.0L/100km.

Mazda currently offers a 1.8-litre MX-5 in Europe, but is yet to reveal a suitable replacement for it between the new 1.3 and 2.0-litre SKYACTIV-G petrol engines.

Mr Yamamoto said the next MX-5 will employ a rear-wheel drive version of the SKYACTIV platform that underpins the CX-5 and new Mazda6. He would not reveal further details.

However, it’s likely the all-new model will be smaller than the 2012 MX-5, which now measures 4020mm long, 1720mm wide, 1255mm high and rides on a 2330mm wheelbase.

“It will be based on new SKYACTIV platform, but reconfigured to rear-wheel drive layout,” said Yamamoto-san. “Next MX-5 will stay true to original model.”

It is not clear whether the new model will continue with the current MX-5’s powerplant frame (PPF) design, which forms a rigid link between the transmission and rear differential, but given the new Mazda6 body is 30 per cent stiffer than before, expect its open-top bodyshell to make similar strides in rigidity.

It’s also uncertain if Mazda will ditch the MX-5’s conventional hydraulic power steering system in favour of a more fuel-efficient electric motor-driven set-up,.

But the fact that 60 per cent of all MX-5s sold are manuals (80 per cent in Australia) will guarantee that six-speed manual and automatic (torque converter, not dual-clutch) versions will continue to be available.

The MX-5 soft-top may be discontinued in Australia, but because 40 per cent of all examples sold globally still feature a fabric roof, the 2014 model will also be available with both hard and soft tops.

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