For 35 years, Mazda’s MX-5 has followed a philosophy that emphasizes balance rather than focusing solely on engine output. This well-known lightweight sports car is about to receive a major update. The next-generation model, expected in 2027, will have a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine, replacing the current 2.0-liter version. Mazda clarified that the larger engine isn’t meant to increase performance but to meet stricter emissions standards. This 2.5-liter inline-four engine represents a significant change from the U.S. version currently rated at 184 horsepower (or 200 horsepower in Japan’s Spirit Racing edition).
Pushing the Limits of Lightweight Design
Mazda Has a Clear Weight-Loss Strategy
Perhaps more shocking than the engine upgrade is Mazda’s ambitious weight target. The company’s design chief revealed a goal of under 1 ton (2,205 lbs) for the next-gen MX-5. This would make it over 70 kg (154 lbs) lighter than the current lightest U.S. model, the Sport trim, which weighs 1,073 kg (2,366 lbs), and nearly as light as the Japan-only 990S variant, which weighs 990 kg (2,183 lbs).
Mazda plans a comprehensive approach to achieving this weight reduction. This includes minimizing sound insulation, reducing the weight of the brakes and wheels, and simplifying the infotainment system. A manual transmission will continue to be standard equipment. Although hybrid technology has not been confirmed, the SkyActiv Z platform is compatible with electrification, making future hybrid options a possibility.
The Last of the Pure ICE Sports Cars?
Manual Transmission Survives
As the auto industry rapidly shifts towards electrification, the MX-5 may become one of the last examples of pure internal combustion engine sports cars. While Mazda has indicated interest in electrification through concepts like the Iconic SP, the company still believes that a gasoline engine remains the most effective way to maintain the MX-5’s lightweight design principles.
The next-generation MX-5 is more than just an engine upgrade. Mazda aims to maintain the core elements of a traditional sports car—compact size, low weight, rear-wheel drive, and a manual transmission—while adapting to a new regulatory environment. As EVs become more common, the MX-5 continues to stand apart with its internal combustion engine approach.
The Enduring Appeal of the MX-5
It’s Never Been About Outright Speed
The MX-5 has always been valued for its handling and overall driving experience rather than high horsepower. Mazda prioritizes accurate steering, quick response, balanced weight, and driver engagement. Even with the upcoming 2.5-liter engine, Mazda emphasizes that the goal is not higher speed.
The MX-5 isn’t just another sports car. It’s a unique proposition that balances cutting-edge technology with driving emotion, all while resisting industry trends. The 2027 MX-5 revisits a familiar question: What truly makes driving enjoyable? Mazda’s upcoming model aims to deliver a clear and compelling response.
