Next-gen Mazda MX-5 to have an EV option

Mazda CEO Masahiro Moro has all but confirmed the next generation of MX-5 will include a battery-electric powertrain somewhere along the lines, having told Auto Motor und Sport the new model “must also be ready for a scenario without a combustion engine.”

Rumours of the MX-5 adopting electrification have been swirling for years now, but this is the first time we’ve received confirmation of an electric powertrain for the iconic convertible sports car.

That’s not to say it’ll be electric-only; it’s thought the next-gen MX-5 will be offered in multiple forms spanning internal combustion, some sort of hybrid and now, obviously, battery-electric.

Electrification obviously adds weight to a vehicle, but Moro made direct reference to internal development goals for the new model.

“The challenge for us is to make the basic structure lighter without using exotic materials like carbon-fibre,” he said before revealing the development team is targeting a kerb weight of “just under 1000kg and 1200kg”.

“And I believe we can achieve that.”

Details of the new MX-5 are predictably few and far between at the time of writing, but previous reports have pointed to a new collaboration between Toyota and Mazda which will see the former leverage its next-gen GR86 from the latter, with the current ND platform to serve as the starting point.

Word is the MX-5 will retain its smaller two-seat roadster configuration alongside the bigger GR86’s familiar 2+2 coupe recipe, with the latter set to sit on a longer wheelbase.

How much aid Toyota’s providing on the EV side of things is unclear, but it’d make sense if Mazda leant on its bigger commercial partner for assistance.

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