THE ELECTRIC MAZDA MX-5 MIATA IS COMING: HERE'S WHAT TO EXPECT

Since its 1989 debut, the Mazda MX-5 Miata has been a gearhead favorite. In fact, this automobile is the best-selling two-seat sports cars globally. The reason for the Miata's ascension to worldwide reverence isn't coincidental, as it wields great reliability, a rock-solid and lightweight chassis, and a cost-effective price point. And guess what? Mazda isn't done milking its cash cow for the foreseeable future; well, this assertion is backed up by an interview where the CEO of Mazda Europe — Martijn ten Brink — made this statement: "I think [the MX-5] will continue to exist forever and it will have to go with the times. That’s a super challenge, and people are passionate about this car in Mazda. Of course, as you can imagine, people have opinions on which direction it should go. So I’m very curious where it will end up, but it will definitely remain part of the line-up."

With the automotive industry tilting towards electrification, Mazda has decided to induct the revered MX-5 Miata into its ever-expanding fleet of electrified nameplates by 2026. Although there's nothing cut in stone concerning the powertrain and other add-ons that'll take precedence on the fifth-generation MX-5 Miata, here are some attributes we expect the electric car to feature when it makes its debut. Let's go!

A Peppier Powertrain On The Cards

All 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miatas feature a rev-happy four-cylinder 2.0-liter engine that belts out 181 galloping ponies alongside 151 lb-ft of torque, just enough to do a 0-60 MPH sprint in a mesmeric 5.7 seconds. Although these numbers might seem quite inconsequential when compared to high-performance cars offering incredible value, the Miata's lightweight chassis paves the way for full-blown agility and seamless handling on prepped tarmacs.

Although Mazda has kept its lips sealed concerning the electrification class the Miata will fall under to tally Euro 7 emissions regulations that'll become active in 2025, there's a chance that the electrified MX-5 will be a plug-in hybrid just like the 2023 CX-60. However, in a bid to retain its nimbleness, the upcoming Miata should feature a less powerful engine alongside an electric motor. These attributes combines will most likely propel the electric Mazda Miata to push out a minimum of 220 to 240 horsepower.

But there might be an issue! Electric cars are known for being heavier than their ICE-only counterparts because of their batteries. The MX-5 Miata, since its inception, has resonated with numerous gearheads for its lightweight structure that aids smooth handling and swift acceleration; as such, this automobile becoming heavier might see it lose an appeal that has spanned over three decades.

The current Miata is insanely light, with a gross weight of 2,745 pounds. With huge electric batteries weighing over 300 pounds, we expect Mazda to inculcate a smaller battery. If the automaker does this and can mimic the 50:50 weight distribution set-up evident on the Maserati GranTurismo Folgore, the Miata electric's performance will eclipse the metrics mated to the fourth-generation iterations.

2023 MX-5 Miata Performance Specifications

RELATED: Why A New Mazda Miata EV Would Raise The Bar For Electric Sports Cars

Could Make Range Anxiety A Thing Of The Past

Although Mazda has reiterated its commitment to a fully electric lineup by 2030, the automaker's first electric automobile — the MX-30 — had numerous chinks in its armor. However, the most notable revolved around range, with the 2023 variant boasting a measly 100-mile range on a full charge. And with the median electric vehicle range for 2023 approaching the 300-mile mark, it's unsurprising that the MX-30 nameplate will bow out after its 2023 model year due to dismal sales.

If Mazda wants to compete favorably in the saturated electric vehicle industry, it must showcase a range value that surpasses the Mazda MX-30. Given the range offered by top electric sport coupes like the Deus Vayanne (310 miles) and Maserati GranTurismo Folgore (240 miles), we expect the Mazda Miata electric car billed for 2026 to make range anxiety a thing of the past with an overall range value of 230 to 240 miles.

But that's not all! If the electric Miata debuts with a range value tallying our predictions, chances are it'll host a 75-kWh battery pack. And to ensure fast-charging remains the order of the day, the EV will most likely be compatible with a 200 kW Miata electric supercharger that'll deliver a 70% charge within 20 minutes.

RELATED: This 2026 Mazda Miata EV Concept Render Proves The Answer Is Still And Always Miata

Should Host An Array Of Revolutionary Features

The Miata's electric conversion by 2026 will be a milestone for Mazda. And to commemorate this feat, the MX-5 will most likely host a decent array of state-of-the-art functionalities not evident in today's Mazda Miata.

With most automobiles (ICE and electric) fielding an extensive array of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), we expect the electrified Miata to host top-tier ADAS add-ons such as:

• Rear Cross Traffic Alert
• Blind Spot Monitoring
• Lane Departure Warning System
• Driver Attention Alert
• Traffic Sign Recognition System
• Ultrasonic Rear Sensors
• Adjustable Speed Limiter

If the ADAS features we've highlighted come as standard on the upcoming Miata, there's a chance that it could score perfect safety scores from the stables of the NHTSA.

But that's not all! Besides the safety functionalities and driver aids expected to debut on the electric Miata, we expect that Mazda will make its interior practical. How? By fitting a touchscreen-enabled infotainment system that simplifies navigation with several knobs and buttons on both ends. That said, the Miata's interior should also wield a nine-speaker Bose sound system to deliver high-fidelity sounds. Furthermore, since electric cars typically require fewer components, the upcoming MX-5 Miata could feature more legroom and headroom, thereby aiding comfy rides for the driver and occupant.

Interior Specifications

Expected To Feature An Aerodynamic-Friendly Exterior

Since the Mazda MX-5 Miata came into the scene in 1989 at the Chicago Auto Show, one aspect that has remained evergreen is its well-sculpted design. Now in its fourth generation, Mazda's architectural boffins ensure to curate Miata designs that depict its sporty and sleek foundations, relegating unnecessary design additions to the background.

Late last year, Mazda released a video outlining its electrification strategy till 2030. During the 35-minute-long presentation, it seemed like the automaker teased the electrified MX-5 Miata via a Vision Study Model that depicted a hardtop coupe featuring scissors doors, prominent fenders, pop-up headlights, and a wraparound windshield. What's more? There are no tailpipes, meaning that the next-generation Miata will most likely tick most EV boxes. These attributes denote the design ethos paired to the current Miata; as such, you can expect the 2026 Miata to have less drag and retain the nimbleness that has been associated with the nameplate for decades.

Notable Exterior Elements On The Concept Electric Mazda MX-5 Miata

• No tailpipes
• Scissors doors
• Prominent fenders
• Pop-up headlights
• Wraparound windshield

Will Most Likely Have A Budget-Friendly Price Point

It's not everyday you encounter a nameplate that delivers an unfiltered driving thrill alongside a cost-effective pricing scheme for financial mortals. However, the Miata realizes this somewhat rare combination; little wonder it has managed to maintain a massive following since its 1989 inception.

The 2023 Miata starts around $28,050 (Sport) and rises all the way to $36,300 (Grand Touring RF). These MSRPs won't bore a glaring hole in your finances. As such, we expect that Mazda will place an affordable sticker on its first-ever electric Miata, invariably giving patrons the opportunity to key into the nameplate's heritage of race-day nimbleness at a budget-friendly price point.

Although there's nothing cogent concerning the electric Miata's MSRP, we'd like the automobile to field a price tag that doesn't exceed $40,000. If Mazda realizes our wish, it'll retain its spot as the best-selling sports coupes of all time!

2023 MX-5 Miata Pricing

2023-09-18T18:41:48Z dg43tfdfdgfd