The Mazda MX-5 Superlight. The next generation MX-5 in 2011 could be as light.
The next generation Mazda MX-5 (2011) is likely to be the first to use Mazda’s new range of SKY-G engines.
Back at the Toyota Motor Show Mazda revealed their next generation of engines – SKY-G – which offer more power for less fuel and lower emissions. Which is very hard to argue against. And where are we likely to see the SKY-G engines first making an appearence? In the best-selling Mazda MX-5 when the next generation arrives in 2011, that’s where.
Mazda are aiming to keep the ethos of the MX-5 completely intact for the next generation, but more so. The MX-5 has been such an incredible success because it has stayed as an affordable, light, fun and economical 2 seater sports car. It hasn’t gone the ‘Bloater’ route that many cars have, and its rasin d’etre is to provide open-topped fun and frolics in a way that is reminiscent of the great open-topped British cars of the past.
And when the next generation arrives we can expect to see the MX-5 evolving in to an even smaller car weighing little more than 2,000lbs. Which should make it even more fun than the current MX-5. The new SKY-G engines will add power, but not a ridiculous amount of power. The joy of the MX-5 is the power is just enough to have oodles of fun. It’s not about out and out power but about using the power it has to make the MX-5 a mountain of fun to drive.
So expect the next MX-5 to be lighter, nimbler and even more fun. But it also seems likely that it’s going to be able to achieve anything up to 70mpg with the new SKY-G engines and a combination of Mazda’s i-Stop and regenerative braking.
Which is an enticing prospect.
Source: Inside Line
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