Mazda is planning a next-generation MX-5 Miata, but the car won’t arrive for several years, and the biggest question is how it will be powered. Executives at Mazda have admitted they’re weighing options between sticking with an internal combustion engine running on synthetic fuels, or adopting a hybrid powertrain.
The Challenge of Synthetic Fuels
The ideal scenario for Mazda would be to continue using a traditional gasoline engine, but powered by synthetic fuels. These fuels are chemically identical to gasoline, but produced in a way that makes them carbon-neutral. This would allow Mazda to avoid major redesigns while still meeting emissions standards. However, there’s a major roadblock: a lack of infrastructure. Synthetic fuel production is limited, and there are almost no places to buy it.
For synthetic fuels to work, refueling stations would need to exist, but stations won’t be built without a demand for the fuel. It’s a classic chicken-and-egg problem. Porsche has experimented with synthetic fuel production, but the technology hasn’t yet scaled up. Mazda, as a smaller automaker, can’t realistically rely on synthetic fuels until the infrastructure catches up.
Hybridization as a Likely Solution
Given the challenges, Mazda is leaning towards hybridization. This would allow them to meet emissions regulations while still offering an internal combustion engine. The downside? Hybrids add weight. The Miata is famous for its light weight, which is key to its handling and fun-to-drive nature. Adding a battery pack significantly increases the car’s mass, potentially ruining the balance.
Mazda is considering mild hybrid systems (48-volt) to minimize weight gain, but executives acknowledge this is just one option among many. The goal is to maintain the Miata’s core identity: fun, lightweight, and affordable.
The Future Remains Uncertain
The next Miata (NE generation) is still years away. Mazda is actively exploring options, but no final decision has been made. Executives are looking for a solution that balances performance, weight, and regulatory compliance. The company is committed to releasing a new Miata, but the powertrain remains the biggest hurdle.
“If any of those three aspects [fun, light weight, and affordability] are missing, it’s not an MX-5.” – Jo Stenuit, Mazda’s head of design in Europe.
The final product will likely involve some form of electric power assistance. The question is how Mazda will integrate it without sacrificing the Miata’s soul.
