Photo: Automedia
Automotive rumors usually seem like an open and shut case, but that isn’t actually the case. Most of the time, reports contradict themselves, but this is because the decision as to which road to go on is a hard one for automakers, especially when they are playing the underdog.
But we do, however, like the recent trend for downsizing and reduced weight we’re seeing in some manufacturers. One interesting example is Mazda’s next MX-5 drop-top sportscar, which will be put on a diet that could bring it close to 800 kg (1, 764), which would be a very impressive development.
But choosing the engine is not as simple as deciding on a particular displacement and going with it. According to Road and Track magazine, a number of potential powertrains are being considered. Mazda’s engineers originally wanted a 1.4-liter with Skyactiv tech, but they couldn’t get it to produce enough power, while the existing 2.0-liter could not be modified to meed the consumption and emissions levels they were targeting.
And so the choices have been narrowed down to either a 1.8-liter with Skyactiv or a 1.3- or 1.5-liter with forced induction. Whichever one they go for will have to develop 150 hp and get 10% better mileage that the current car.
But choosing the engine is not as simple as deciding on a particular displacement and going with it. According to Road and Track magazine, a number of potential powertrains are being considered. Mazda’s engineers originally wanted a 1.4-liter with Skyactiv tech, but they couldn’t get it to produce enough power, while the existing 2.0-liter could not be modified to meed the consumption and emissions levels they were targeting.
And so the choices have been narrowed down to either a 1.8-liter with Skyactiv or a 1.3- or 1.5-liter with forced induction. Whichever one they go for will have to develop 150 hp and get 10% better mileage that the current car.
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