MX-5 electric: Mazda drops strongest hint yet
Mazda’s European design head has let slip that a version of the next MX-5 might be completely silent, suggesting a switch to electrification.
Details of the next-generation ‘NE’ MX-5 have been revealed, with a senior Mazda staffer dropping a strong hint that an electrified version could be part of the line-up.
Mazda’s European design director, Jo Stenuit gave one of the most revealing hints yet at what may be in store for the next MX-5, with multiple powertrain options on the table.
In an interview with AutoRAI.nl, Stenuit confirmed that mild-hybrid technology would feature on the next MX-5, and opened the door to a more comprehensive electrified option.
When asked about the next-generation MX-5, Stenuit confirmed behind-the-scene work on a fifth-generation model was underway.
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“Of course, we’re working on it.” He said, before revealing, “The powertrain the car will have isn’t set in stone.”
“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.”
Stenuit’s suggestion that the MX-5 could be available without the noise of an engine suggests that powerful electrification is on the cards, pointing to a potential fully-electric or plug-in hybrid model.
He also confirmed that the next MX-5 would maintain its lightweight philosophy.
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“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.
“Other brands have already tried to build an electric roadster, but that’s a completely different story.”
While talk of an electric version was not fully confirmed, Stenuit gave the first confirmation from inside Mazda that a mild-hybrid version is on its way.
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“Nothing is set in stone yet, but I’m certain that car will be released and that it will have some form of electric power assistance. Mild hybrid will be the least of the options.”
Tempering talk of a fully-electric, Mazda’s director of research and operations for the European region, Christian Schultze, described an electric MX-5 as being at odds with the MX-5’s dynamic foundations.
“For a model like the MX-5, which relies so heavily on lightweight construction, balance, and mechanical purity, that’s a very logical route. The moment you go fully electric, you fundamentally change the car’s architecture.” Schultz said.
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“That means different proportions, different weight, a different balance.”
When asked if an electrified solution that wasn’t fully electric was preferred, Schultz responded, “I honestly hope that in the future we can offer an MX-5 that is electrified, but not fully electric.”
Schultz also said there was no need to be “completely ready” with a replacement for the next-generation MX-5, suggesting that further development of the existing 11-year-old MD generation would see it through for a few more years.
The post MX-5 electric: Mazda drops strongest hint yet appeared first on Drive.
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