Synthetic fuel might save the Mazda MX-5 from electrification

Mazda has floated the possibility of future-generation MX-5s running on synthetic fuel to try and save the dainty roadster from the weight, engineering complexity and cost of electrification.

The intel comes fresh out of Europe, specifically from Dutch publication AutoRAI.nl, which interviewed Mazda Europe’s design boss Jo Stenuit and director of research and operations Christian Schultze on the future of arguably the world’s most iconic sports car.

“The simplest way to reduce the MX-5's emissions is to use synthetic fuels,” Schultze said.

“If you look at the technical reality, synthetic, CO2-neutral fuel allows you to continue using the existing combustion engine without having to completely overhaul the car’s concept.

“For a model like the MX-5, which relies so heavily on lightweight construction, balance, and mechanical purity, that’s a very logical route.

“With synthetic fuel, you retain the essence of the car. That’s why I say: if it's the most direct and technically minimal way to make things more sustainable, synthetic fuels are the most obvious solution.”

But while it might be the most obvious solution from a technical point of view, the reality is that electrification may have to feature somewhere along the lines – because synthetic fuel isn’t exactly readily available at a global level.

“The powertrain the car will have isn’t set in stone,” Stenuit said.

“Personally, I love a gasoline engine, but I can also imagine driving through the woods with an MX-5 and not having any engine noise when driving with the top down.

“The MX-5 stands above all for fun, light weight, and affordability. If any of those three aspects are missing, it’s not an MX-5.”

Stenuit added a case study was carried out in 2024 exploring the different powertrain options for the NE MX-5 and revealed that while nothing was set in stone yet, he was “certain” it would feature some form of electrification… but hopefully not mild hybrid.

“Mild-hybrid will be the least of the options.”

While work may be continuing on the next-generation MX-5, the ND model is far from dead or preparing for retirement.

Stenuit revealed a great deal of work was still going into keeping the current MX-5 compliant and therefore kicking for as long as possible despite already being 12 years old.

“Right now, we’re mainly focused on the current MX-5 and how we can best preserve and further develop it,” he said.

“Development of a new generation isn’t finished yet, but it doesn’t need to be.

“We’re trying to keep the current engines running for as long as possible and optimize them to meet future regulations,” he said.

“This means technical adjustments, improvements in combustion, exhaust aftertreatment, and efficiency.”

Previous reports have suggested the next-generation MX-5 is being co-developed with Toyota (for a new GR86) and will utilise the ND platform as its starting point, with rumours of hybridisation swirling around the eventual GR product.

The Toyota is tipped to have a long wheelbase than the Mazda and retain the familiar 2+2 coupe body style whereas the MX-5 will be smaller and, of course, be a two-seater roadster.

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