Report: Next-gen Mazda MX-5 to get bigger engine, arrives 2027

If there’s one brand that has effectively avoided downsizing its engines, it’s probably Mazda. Yes, they now have electrified versions of the CX-30, CX-60, CX-90, and the Mazda3 in the Philippines, but the Japanese automaker outright refuses to join the downsizing trend. Heck, when they launched the CX-60 and the CX-90 in the country, the former is available with either a 3.3L turbo-gas or a turbo-diesel six-cylinder engine, while the latter exclusively gets an inline-six turbocharged gas engine.

Clearly, Mazda knows a thing or two about “rightsizing” its engines to deliver performance without compromising on fuel efficiency. And now, Mazda will reportedly use this philosophy for the next-generation MX-5 (AKA the Miata).

According to a recent report by Road & Track, the all-new Mazda MX-5 will get a bigger 2.5L SkyActiv four-cylinder engine, and it’s set to make its debut in 2027. This was shared by Mazda Chief Technical Officer (CTO) Ryuichi Umeshita, who added they will continue to make the MX-5 as light as possible, as well as make it pass stricter emission laws.

But since it will get a bigger engine under the hood, wouldn’t that make the MX-5 emit more carbon emissions? Umeshita said that the new 2.5L four-cylinder engine will use the upcoming SkyActiv Z technology, which will allow the engine to produce fewer emissions and pass stricter emission regulations like Euro 7.  This will be made possible with the company’s experience in building compression ignition engines that run on lean-burn gasoline.

More importantly, the new SkyActiv Z engines will use the Lambda:1 conditions, which will use a more precise method of delivering optimal fuel-air mixture throughout the rev range. The catch, however, is that using Lambda:1 will result in a lower power output. According to Umeshita, this is where using a bigger 2.5L engine comes into play.

“If we go to Lambda:1, then naturally power will go down. But in order to avoid that, we have defined the displacement to be 2.5 liters. So the power is very good and the fuel economy will be very good,” said Umeshita.

Mazda has yet to reveal the engine output of the 2027 MX-5, although they did say that the current power-to-weight ratio will remain as is, as it’s already more than enough to power the all-new MX-5.

“The current power-to-weight ratio is enough. We don’t think we need more power for the car, because we can fully utilize and enjoy the capability and capacity of the engine already. So my answer is that we are not planning to add more power to that car. Basically, this is the concept that keeps the car very unique,” added Umeshita.

Last but certainly not least, the next-generation MX-5 will continue to be offered with a proper manual transmission. While market demand for such gearboxes is no longer as popular, and the fact that new cars equipped with manual transmissions have a harder time passing stricter emission laws, Umeshita said that having a manual transmission is essential to the MX-5’s heritage.

“Manual transmission has the direct feeling, the sense of Jinba Ittai. It is key for the package, at least for the MX-5,” shared Umeshita.

With Mazda ensuring the MX-5 will continue to live on, enthusiasts need not worry about its future. The only question now is when we can expect Mazda to show teasers of the next-generation roadster.