Next-gen Mazda MX-5 getting naturally-aspirated 1.5-liter engine

2.0-liter engine could also be planned

A senior engineer within Mazda has allegedly announced the next-gen MX-5 will be offered with a 4-cylinder, 1.5-liter naturally-aspirated engine.

Mazda's new Miata will keep the rear-wheel drive layout but the platform has been rethought from scratch and will benefit from a full suite of SkyActiv technologies. Power will come from a 4-cylinder, 1.5-liter naturally-aspirated SkyActiv-G engine also offered in the Mazda3where it puts out 100 HP (74 kW) and 150 Nm (110 lb-ft). However, for the new MX-5 it will be uprated in order to produce more power, while a larger 2.0-liter SkyActiv-G is also being considered.

Sharing platform with an Alfa Romeo roadster (which Mazda will produce), the next generation MX-5 Miata is expected to come with an oval front grille and an updated Kodo design language which will reminiscent the original model. The model is expected to tip the scales at around 2,204 lbs (1,000 kg) and will be approximately 30 percent more fuel efficient thanks to a homogeneous charge compression ignition system.

It is believed the all-new Mazda MX-5 Miata will be introduced sometime next year.

Source: autocar.co.uk