Upcoming Mazda MX-5 To Share Lightweight Platform With Alfa Romeo And Be Powered With New SkyActiv Engines

The upcoming Mazda MX-5 will use an all-new lightweight platform and will be powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine when it goes on sale next year, a senior engineering source has revealed.

The rear-drive platform has been designed from the ground-up and incorporates learnings from the firm’s SkyActiv programme, specifically with the chassis and body, which underpins its recent model range.

The engine is also a SkyActiv unit, a 1.5-litre normally aspirated powerplant called SkyActiv-G that has just been launched in the new Mazda 3 with outputs of 99bhp and 111lb ft of torque. A 2.0-litre SkyActiv-G engine is also tipped to be launched.
 

freeagent - 3/21/2014 4:58:15 PM

+1 Boost

too bad they wont make a coupe

reaganeatbrains - 3/21/2014 7:24:13 PM

+2 Boost

maybe the brz/frs finally pushes them too.

I'd take the mazda over the alternatives, personally

valhallakey - 3/21/2014 6:45:10 PM

+1 Boost

Maybe a nice hardtop will be optional. They can look good. For example I think the 69-72 Corvette convertible's hardtop looked pretty good.

MattDarringer - 3/21/2014 7:36:35 PM

+3 Boost

Again, Mazda is going with too little power and torque. A 2.0 Turbo should be the minimum engine. The Miata will once again be a car that nail girls buy.

Cali - 3/24/2014 12:10:01 PM

0 Boost

Who doesn't like to nail girls?


well...besides LexSucks

40flash - 3/24/2014 10:24:09 PM

+1 Boost

Maybe they are purposely leaving it a gutless girls car to leave room for an RX-7 replacement. RX-7 coupe with the engine from the Mazda speed 3 instead of another worthless gas hog torqueless rotary boat anchor. I'd consider trading in my BRZ for that.