Mazda Wants Next MX-5 to Be Turbocharged, Weigh 800 Kilos

We have to admit that things aren’t looking to good for the successor of the RX-8, with reports suggesting bizarre combinations of a rotary developed together with Audi and lasers that take care of the ignition instead of the usual plugs. The MX-5 is a completely different story - despite being a little long in the tooth, the current generation is still selling well and doesn’t really need reinventing.

One thing the little Miata could do without right now is its engine lineup, which is pure in but a bit dated. The next-gen MX-5 will reportedly offer up a new small-capacity turbocharged four with lightweight engineering for improved efficiency and handling.

Autocar reports that the two-seater is coming in 2012 or 2013, and Mazda’s engineers have been tasked with the daunting job of cutting 275kg (606 lbs) from the 1075kg (2369 lbs) empty kerb weight it currently enjoys. 800 kilograms (1763 lbs) for a modern car with airbags and a stereo sound a bit too ambitious, but no one will complain if they actually pull it off. It’s not yet clear if Mazda will remove the hard-top version from

Under the bonnet, the current generation offers either a sluggish 1.8 or a 2.0-liter, but the next MX-5 will use a direct-injection four-cylinder turbocharged engine of around 1.5 liters. Mazda also has a number of new SKYACTIV technologies that can be installed, including variable cam phasing, low-friction pistons or a more efficient exhaust.

No power ratings are available at the moment, but a reduced-friction manual gearbox is sure to be installed, while a paddle-shift version might also be available.