Mazda Won't Let Electrification Ruin The MX-5 Miata

科尔曼体重经常引用,因为它是至关重要的to the Miata recipe. Even the heaviest RF model only weighs 2,403 pounds, which is lighter than the previous NC generation despite the ND having more power and more technology inside. Unfortunately, batteries are heavy, and integrating them into a car with a lightweight ethos such as the Miata will prove difficult.

"There's a lot of really cool things that you can do with fully electric or electrified powertrains, but the battery mass to do it is a real challenge," admits Coleman. "Where's the sweet spot on a sports car, where you have enough range to enjoy it as a sports car, not as a bragging rights track thing, but as an actual driving enjoyment thing in the real world? And how can we do that with as little battery weight as possible? That's also a real challenge."

"Luckily, 2035 (another date Mazda has tossed about for its commitment to electrification) is soon, but it's not that soon; we have time to sort it out," Coleman joked. "I think the important thing is to understand what the key value points of the Miata are: practicality to enjoy the car in the real world and the unique driving experience you get from a lightweight car."

Coleman wouldn't delve into future product conversations, but we know the next Miata will be a hybrid. We expect the car to adopt a mild-hybrid setup, much like the CX-90 SUV, in order to keep the weight down. No matter what happens, theMiata will always be a part of the plan, and according to Coleman, Mazda will not let electrification change the essence of this amazing sports car.

There's still a way to go before the hybrid MX-5 arrives, though, and Coleman told us there's still lots to come from the ND generation. That, however, is another story entirely.