Next Generation Mazda MX-5 could use carbon fiber to cut weight

The Mazda MX-5 should continue to get even lighter in future generations, with downsized three-cylinder engines likely to power them.

Expected to take the segment by storm after 2021, the open-top model will retain its compact size but go through a diet.

One might question the need for a weight loss program, yet Autocar reports Mazda is going down that road with extensive usage of carbon fiber. It might be too costly at the moment, but is bound to get more affordable by the time the fifth-gen Miata is due.

“The size is right, but in the future, lightweight materials will be very important and will be used in this car. Now carbon fiber is very expensive, but we have in development affordable carbon fiber, to the MX-5 will be lighter in the future”, said the car’s program manager, Nobuhiro Yamamoto.

Apart from sticking to a severe diet and that it’s believed to still offer downsized three-cylinder engines, not much is known about the fifth generation Mazda MX-5, as Yamamoto continued to talk about the Speedster and Spyder versions of the roadster, stating that they are not feasible for production.

“We have dreams, our customers have dreams. An open car is very emotional, and you have a good feeling driving this. But it’s not feasible and is a very difficult car [to make]. It’s a dream car”, the Japanese official added.

Agencies/Canadajournal