Next-Gen Miata to Take Lightness to a New Level

2016 Mazda Miata (Credit: Mazda)

Mazda took the Miata down in size with the fourth-generation model. With this reduction in size came a lower weight that allowed Mazda to use a 155-horsepower 2.0-liter engine to create a surprisingly exciting ride. Now, a new report from Autocar indicates that the Miata will continue to get lighter in its next generation.

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That’s right, unlike the previous generations, the Miata will not become more bloated as it enters a new generation. Instead, Mazda will reduce its weight without making the already-tiny Miata any smaller as it’ll pull this off through the magic of carbon fiber.

Currently, the lightweight material is a tad too expensive for use on an inexpensive roadster like the Miata, but Mazda has plans to change that. According to Miata program manager, Nobuhiro Yamamoto, Mazda is working on lower-cost ways to develop the material.

Yamamoto also mentioned that with a lower curb weight will come a reduced need for large engines. Currently, the smallest engine available for the Miata is the 1.5-liter four-cylinder that produces 129 horsepower. This engine is not available in the U.S., but a reduction in weight could bring about a similar engine for American consumption.

After this sweet bit of news, Yamamoto broke the hearts of enthusiasts by announcing that the Speedster and Spyder concepts released at the SEMA show and Goodwood Festival of Speed, respectively, will not be produced. While sad, the cost to produce such cars would likely outweigh the benefits.

We’ll continue to monitor the Miata’s possible move to carbon fiber and bring you updates as they become available.