The Japanese automaker wants to extend the life cycle of the current MX-5 Roadster generation to 14 years or so by releasing updates and limited editions, because the technology hasn’t ripened yet for the next generation.
Speaking in an interview, Shigeki Saito, Manager of the MX-5 Project, explained that the company was resolved to electrify the new iteration of the car. He never answered whether it meant making it all-electric or possibly just hybrid.
He emphasized that the main priority was to keep the curb weight below 1,000 kilograms (2,200 pounds). This is the main reason why we haven’t seen the next generation yet: Mazda is patiently waiting for traction battery technologies to evolve sufficiently to yield plenty of range from less physical bulk. According to Saito, the tech may be ready by 2028 or so, provided the R&D progresses as planned.
In the meantime, there will be no new MX-5 generation – just assorted limited editions of the current one. All details will be announced later.