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The Mazda MX-5 is a staple in the sports car segment. For over 35 years and counting, the small Japanese roadster has been enjoying near-legendary status, having perfected the British lightweight roaster formula. With frequent reports about Mazda's flagship rotary sports car coming closer to fruition, and a rear-wheel-drive Mazda sedan also being in the pipeline (again), things in the brand's kitchen are ever exciting.
With the third generation Miata being around for nine years, many wonder when an electrified Mazda MX-5 will arrive. Now, however, we know that the Japanese sports car will remain combustion-powered for the foreseeable future, but new issues arise. As with any iconic car, I was curious what people on Reddit think of the Miata's upcoming generation, and it seems, people aren't as thrilled with everything the future MX-5 could offer.
Mazda's unconventional solution to an annoying issue
In a world of downsized engines and hybrid/ electric powertrains, Mazda is doing the opposite. Instead of opting for smaller turbocharged engines with questionable long-term reliability, Mazda is seriously considering using the 2.5-liter Skyactiv-Z engine in the next generation of the compact roadster.
Due to stricter emissions requirements, the current 2.0-liter unit will not be making as much power. The 2.0-liter ND Miata puts out 184 horsepower (197 in the Sprint Racing variant, available in Japan). So, in a recent interview with Car & Driver, Mazda CEO Masahiro Moro shared that going with a larger 2.5-liter engine that has a lower specific output is how the next-generation MX-5 would cover the latest emissions standard. It is about efficiency relative to the engine's displacement, while not sacrificing horsepower.
Power will not be vastly different according to Moro. Given that the engineers are targeting a weight of under 2,200 pounds, the Mazda MX-5 "NE” is expected to make around 197 horsepower. It will still feature a manual transmission although I hope Mazda would clear any glitches present on the ND Miata's stick shift.
The Mazda MX-5 has always been a tuner's delight, but Redditors are worried about future difficulties
Cybersecurity measures have become a big part in the modern-day automotive industry. Essentially, this ensures no outside “meddling” is done to the car's ECU. It is no secret that all carmakers are switching to proprietary software, and that's only one of the reasons. Among the other reasons is, of course, money (to put it bluntly).
One Redditor remarks: “Even the new ND3 can’t be tuned because of the increased security in the ECU. It will be very difficult to tune these in the future. “
Another Reddit user may be on to something: “Is it possible that they are trying to skirt emission regulations by putting a bigger engine in and then detuning it to a lower output figure that can then, after purchase, be easily re-tuned to have a much higher output?”
In the past, at least in some Euro-spec models, Mazda downplayed the output figures, particularly the horsepower rating, on some engines. Switching to a larger engine with a lower specific output could be leaving room on the table for more performance... if tuners can crack the ECU (which I am sure they will, eventually).
Another member chimes in: “No, they're not skirting anything. It's an engine designed to run at a perfect air-fuel ratio. The problem with that is that a lambda of 1.0 isn't where an engine makes the most power. It's most efficient and the exhaust is as clean as can be, but power output isn't at its peak. So, they're upping the displacement to account for the lower power output relative to displacement.”
Aftermarket comes to the rescue, but at what cost?
The aftermarket has always been and continues to be, a big part of the Mazda Miata scene. The sheer availability of forced induction kits, engine swap options, and chassis upgrades is enough to sustain these cars for a long time.
People are already thinking about engine swapping the "NE" Miata.
“The fact that a bigger engine exist means swapping it would be hopefully easy.
So even if not "legally" available in the EU, nothing is stopping you from buying one from the USA or whatever and swapping it in your EU/JP car.”, one Reddit user commented.
Of course, different regions of the world present different hurdles when it comes to altering any aspect of your vehicle, especially when it comes to sports cars. The Mazda MX-5 will never be the horsepower-packed monster some want it to be, but a larger engine would mean more mid-range punch and performance potential. I think this is a smart solution to a tricky situation.
What do you think of Mazda going with a larger engine for the MX-5? Would you prefer a smaller, high-revving engine or maybe a fully electric one? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
Dimitar Angelov's automotive interests made him an expert in a wide variety of vehicles. Japanese brands like Toyota are closest to his heart, although performance cars in general are his favorite segment, which is why he is constantly on the lookout for the best deals on the market. Dimitar Angelov's car passion and knack for the written word led him to complete a Master of Arts in Media and Communications, and classic car restoration. Dim is happy to get behind the wheel of any car and share his impressions. You can follow Dimitar on X, Linked-in, Instagram, and Facebook.
Image source: 2025 Mazda MX-5 Press kit
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