Mazda bosses are deliberating on the next generation of its existing sports car, the Mazda MX-5, by considering how to improve the popular model while potentially using an electrified powertrain.
Given its relatively low volume, the MX-5 might be one of the few cars that could avoid being electrified for its fifth generation but, either way, maintaining its light weight is crucial.
R&D boss Ichiro Hirose said: “The lightweighting and compact size are essential elements of MX-5, so even if we apply electrification, we have to make sure it really helps to achieve the lightweighting of the vehicle.”
Brand and design chief Ikuo Maeda flagged changing public opinions as a consideration on which powertrain to use. “The preference of people who enjoy driving sports cars might be changing, so we need to think about what direction society is going,” he said. “We want to look at the best powertrain to keep the vehicle lightweight, but because of the diversifying requirements and preference, we need to explore various options.
“I don’t have the answer now but we need to make a vehicle that people can own without worrying that they are not being eco-friendly.”
The current MX-5 continues to enjoy healthy sales, with 4000 units sold in the UK this year. Mazda UK MD Jeremy Thomson describes the model “as an evergreen car that keeps one aspect of the brand alive”, also saying it has “an incredibly passionate following”.
He added: “It wasn’t so long ago that MX-5 was as well known as Mazda overall. We’ve tried to infuse that MX-5-ness into all our cars.”
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@takeitslowly
Yaris 1.5 hybrid is around 3grand more than non-hybrid, so i'd imagine quit a bit less than that as a production cost. Manufacturers never quote these, so how you could possibly expect someone to know is stupid on your behalf. The Prius mk1 had an 80hp (60KW) electric motor. Renault twizy has a 6.1kwh battery which weighs 100kg, and is about the right size, replacement prices that i've found go from 2770 to 3000, this is purchase price from a dealer, not the production line cost. Can't find a price for the prius motor. It has around 6 minutes of full-power capacity, and so should be suitable, especially if the motor isn't actually ran beyond 50hp and the battery output regulated to keep heat down. Obvious longevity things really. R06A engine; can't find a production cost or purchase price. All costs would be subject to economies of scale, so all/any single-item prices i find are significantly highball anyway. Citroen used SMC composite due to low cost of tooling and materials, so it would give a saving when compared to steel/aluminium. Your post was/is both a statement of the obvious and moronic.
Team up with Alfa Romeo...
for a spyder duetto version. Forget about the ungainly looking Fiat 124..