Chicago Auto Show Leaks MX-5 Horsepower, Mazda Denies it

2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata (Credit: © Mazda)

One of the more drawn out reveals in recent years has to be the 2016 Mazda MX-5. Not only did Mazda tease the model like crazy, but it proceeded to reveal it in one of the most annoying and least-informative reveals I have ever seen, and then proceeded to keep the U.S.-spec horsepower numbers a secret for months. The latter may no longer be a mystery, as we may have received the confirmation on its output that we’ve been wanting, courtesy of the Chicago Auto Show.

According to a report from AutoBlog, the windy city’s main automotive show of 2015 mentioned that the 2016 MX-5 has a 2.0-liter, SkyActiv, four-cylinder engine with 155 horsepower. AutoBlog reached out to Mazda for confirmation, but the Japanese automaker’s representatives said they “aren’t sure where they got that number.” So that means one of two things: CAS posted internet rumors as fact, or CAS’ leak is accurate and Mazda is trying to cram the toothpaste back in the tube.

I have my reservations about that output, as I totally understand that the ND Miata is around 200 pounds lighter than last year’s model, but that still seems a little too low for a modern sports car. In Europe and Japan, 155 ponies may be plenty, but in the U.S., I think buyers would expect at least 160 horsepower – a two-horsepower bump over the 2015 model.

Then again, being a Miata fan and owner myself, I do understand that the small roadster marches to its own beat and is more about zippiness than power.

Regardless of how much truth there is to this leak, we will find out soon enough what the ND MX-5 has to offer, as we are getting closer and closer to its reveal date. Stay tuned for more details.