Long live the MX-5

Mazda says its MX-5 roadster could one day be powered by hybrid technology or synthetic fuels to avoid getting sidelined in the electric-car era. As the automotive industry accelerates towards the modern electric-car era, the question remains whether a sporty petrol-powered vehicle such as the Mazda MX-5 will still exist in an electric car era. However, Mazda says it plans to keep the MX-5 as part of its future line-up. 

Mazda recently introduced its first battery-electric vehicle, the MX-30 Electric – and will launch its first plug-in hybrid later this year. The company is also exploring advanced technologies such as synthetic fuels to bridge petrol-powered cars and solely-electric models. Mazda also plans to improve the internal combustion engine with their SkyActiv-X petrol engine technology and combine it with a relatively lightweight form of electrification. 

Mazda’s SkyActiv-X engines use a mild hybrid system. They are designed to allow internal combustion engine technology to reach new heights, pairing the efficiency of a diesel engine with the capabilities of a petrol engine, producing more torque but with better economy figures. 

Mazda will unveil the all-new MX-5 in 2024. Therefore, it is likely to receive this newer and more advanced petrol-engine technology rather than a plug-in hybrid or battery-electric powertrain. Using this hybrid technology will mean that MX-5 can keep its lightweight ethos and continue for a long time to come.

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