2024 Mazda MX5: Is There A New Shape Mazda MX5? The Mazda MX-5 Miata of the current generation has been on the market for a considerable amount of time. In 2014, for the 2015 model year, the ND generation was introduced, and now we are getting our first glimpse at what should be the NE model.
However, you shouldn’t focus your attention on the disguised face even if it seems to be smiling. As we have reason to assume that this is a test mule dressed in a modified ND body, the main activity seems to be taking place under this skin.
We have to give respect to Mazda for being very astute in this regard. At first sight, it would seem that this is a prototype that has been given a little makeover. However, as far as we can tell, this Miata’s gleaming front clip has not been altered in any way.
Although it is definitely not unusual for manufacturers to cover a whole nose with camouflage wrap for even minor adjustments, this Miata’s front clip seems to be the same. The headlamps, tiny corner vents, and that happy-go-lucky grille all seem to be the same as they were before.
The times that we are living in are just insane. In other automotive news, Ferrari has unveiled an SUV, while Dodge is getting ready to end production of its V8 muscle vehicles.
Despite this, the well-known Mazda roadster will continue to be produced. The development of the 2024 MX-5 Miata has already started, and here at Car and Driver, we have all the details you need to know about the fifth generation of the legendary Japanese sports car.
At the beginning of this month, Mazda started doing road tests for the next generation of the Miata. The fact that a test prototype was uncovered in Germany indicates that development has really been going on for a little bit longer. The MX-5’s home remains in Japan, however Germany is where the prototype was found.
The latest iteration of the ND model was released in 2015 and was an instant success owing to the fact that it has compact dimensions and a straightforward approach to cutting down on weight.
It wasn’t until a few years later that Mazda gave it an upgrade that incorporated a more powerful 2.0-liter engine, and it’s expected that the NE Miata would debut for the 2024 model year.
In terms of the overall design, the test prototypes didn’t show all that much. On the other hand, it was believed that Mazda would employ the chassis from the previous generation and will maintain the same wheelbase. This should not come as a surprise given that, in comparison to other current cars, the ND is quite lightweight.
However, the rear wheel arches on the prototype were far larger than those on the production model. There is the possibility of three benefits resulting from this. To begin, the increased width of the vehicle’s rear track may provide improved weight transfer while turning, which contributes to increased high-speed stability.
In addition, Mazda might be aiming to boost performance by using rear tires that are a little bit wider, perhaps in conjunction with any (small) increases in power. Additionally, in order to accommodate additional components, sports vehicles often need tracks that are wider.
Redesign Info
The current edition of the Mazda MX-5 Miata was introduced all the way back in 2016, so it shouldn’t come as much of a surprise to learn that the vehicle may receive a facelift in the year 2024. When an automobile is redesigned, the emphasis that is paid to what is unusual about it is often shared between the vehicle’s aesthetic and its performance.
Despite the fact that the engine of the MX-5 Miata seems to be receiving the most of the attention with this makeover, it is possible that other aspects of the vehicle will also undergo modifications.
To begin, it is possible that the outside of the car will be fashioned after the Vision Coupé concept. This idea has also contributed to shape the design of the MX-30, CX-30, and the Mazda3, thus it is possible that the exterior of the new car will also look like these other vehicles.
This would result in an overall straightforward but arresting design, with headlamps that are narrow and angular, as well as a new form for the front grille. If this is the path that they choose to pursue, it is fair to anticipate that they will not adhere to the idea presented in the Vision to an excessive degree.
It is expected that the revamp will extend to the inside as well. We anticipate that in order to help bring the MX-5 Miata into the modern era, the infotainment systems may be upgraded, digital dials may be used, and the switchgear may receive a smoother design; all of these changes, along with a newer dashboard, will be made in order to complete an updated transformation.
Engine
Instead of converting to a battery powertrain or hybrid system for the engine, Mazda has chosen to employ a gasoline engine in the next iteration of the MX-5 Miata, which is a decision that has taken some people by surprise. Many people anticipated that the carmaker, which launched its first battery electric vehicle (BEV) the previous year, the MX-30, would continue down the same path that other automakers are now pursuing.
According to Autocar, Mazda has confirmed that they will continue to use Skyactiv-X technology in some new vehicles that have been built specifically for these engines. This is despite the fact that Mazda introduced its Skyactiv-X technology for gasoline engines in the year 2020 and seems to want to stick with it.
Mazda states that the spark-controlled compression ignition utilized in Skyactiv-X increases performance and economy. As a result, certain models destined for the European market do not have turbochargers in order to prevent a potential delay in the vehicle’s acceleration.
It is said that a 2.0-liter four-cylinder Skyactiv-X engine, such as the one that is anticipated to be used in the MX-5 Miata, provides around 30% more torque than a Skyactiv-G engine of the same capacity. This might bring the time from 0 to 60 mph down to less than six seconds.
Mazda seems to be optimistic that it will be able to manufacture automobiles that meet the company’s emphasis on great performance at a reduced weight while still being ecologically sensitive if it makes use of this new technology.
In order to accomplish this goal, Mazda has fitted these engines with a belt-driven mild-hybrid system. This technology is designed to somewhat reduce CO2 emissions while maintaining a reduced vehicle weight than electric motor-equipped vehicles.
The encouraging news is that Mazda, while confirming that the Miata would be electrified, has said that it will make every effort to keep the vehicle as lightweight and reasonably priced as possible.
This suggests that the revamped car would most likely have a straightforward mild-hybrid arrangement, as opposed to anything more advanced like the plug-in hybrid technology that Mazda will introduce to its array of crossover vehicles.
A mild hybrid system is essentially a starter motor that can also function as a generator to recover energy when the vehicle is coasting or braking. This recovered energy is then stored in a small battery and can be used to power ancillary features and, in some cases, to assist the engine when it is under heavy load.
As with the present vehicle, the remainder of the powertrain configuration should consist of a low-emission four-cylinder engine, rear-wheel drive, and the option to choose between a manual or an automatic gearbox.
Pricing & Release Date
There has not been any official announcement made about a release date or pricing range for the forthcoming MX-5 Miata at this time. On the other hand, taking into consideration the regular upgrade timetable, it’s possible that we won’t see this model until 2024.
The Ford Mustang, the Chevrolet Camaro, and the MINI Convertible are three cars that might be considered potential rivals for the Mazda MX-5 Miata. Be remember to keep checking back for updates as we get closer to the public presentation of the model, as we will most likely provide further specifics at that time.
