Mazda has a plan regarding its future 2024 Mazda MX5. Not only the company wants to separate the model from the mainstream models, but they are going to make it fun and exciting. In short, Mazda wants to create something simple yet fun but without sacrificing performance and quality. They want their future MX5 to be excellent and reliable yet fun to control and tackle. Who says a sports ride needs to be serious and all business? Why can’t it be simple and engaging?
The Updated Plan
Mazda has committed to making its sports ride, MX5, fun and engaging. Even with the electrification planning, the company believes it can create a powerful electrified model while expanding the lineup most satisfyingly.
Earlier, the company confirmed that they are going to launch their electrified SUV ranges by focusing on the rear wheel driving system (they have the supporting platform for it). Along the way, they also plan on developing three new electric rides (completely pure electric) on its front wheel driving system (which is also smaller in size). The architecture has been used by their lines, Mazda MX30 as well as the hatchback Mazda 3. However, the company is very limited in providing information about how the roadster MX5 would be included in their strategy.
However, Joachim Kunz, the company’s head of product engineering and development in Europe has somewhat hinted that the 2024 Mazda MX5 would be strong and quite completely different from the other models. They somewhat want to separate the roadster from the other models, which they consider more mainstream because they want to retain the enthusiast appeal. According to them, the MX5 has become their brand icon; thus, special treatment comes along. For now, the car may still hold off its concept, size, and also combustion engine, but everything will change someday. With electrification, everything will change although they will try their best to retain the pure concept.
The Possibility of Switching Platforms?
Mazda isn’t interested in switching to other platforms. They don’t even want to move the next production of MX5 to the small vehicle architecture because they would have to sacrifice the signature style of the rear wheel driving system.
Powertrain and Performance
From Kunz’s statements, there is an indication that Mazda wants to stay true to the vehicle’s driver-focused characteristics. They want to maintain the signature elements belonging to the MX5, including the rear wheel driving layout, internal combustion engine, featherweight nature, and compact footprint. This can be quite a challenge for Mazda’s future development regarding electrification.
The company has created front wheel architecture designed for smaller vehicles and future electric rides along with the rear wheel driving system for the bigger (and also more premium electric variants, such as the CX60). When Mazda wants to develop electric models while still maintaining a similar size or dimension, they may have to struggle with the construction and structure. Previous reports stated that Mazda may think about making use of Skyactiv-X (petrol) unit that would be paired up with mild hybrid technology for their future MX5. The technology is meant to improve torque and reduce consumption without depending on the turbocharger engine. This system is also believed to support mild hybrid technology, which would be perfect for the upcoming roadster’s development.
The details are still unclear. The company seems to still ‘struggle’ with planning and developing strategies. There is also no information about the exact launch date and price tag, so we should wait for Mazda to release further info about their 2024 Mazda MX5.