2024 Mazda MX-5 NE Miata Shows Wider Hips in Latest Rendering

We’re living crazy times right now. Ferrari has revealed an SUV, and Dodge is about to stop making V8 muscle cars. However, the famous Mazda roadster isn’t going anywhere. Development of the 2024 MX-5 Miata has begun, and we’ve got the scoop on the 5th generation of the Japanese icon.

Earlier this month, Mazda began road testing for the next Miata. A test prototype was spotted in Germany, which actually suggests development has been going on for a little longer since the MX-5’s home remains in Japan.

The current ND model came out in 2015 and became an immediate hit due to its small proportions and back-to-basics attitude to weight reduction. A few years later, Mazda made it even better with an update that included a more powerful 2.0-liter engine, and it’s believed the NE Miata will come out for the 2024 model year.

The test prototypes didn’t reveal that much in terms of design. However, it suggested Mazda will use the current generation’s chassis and will keep the wheelbase the same. This isn’t surprising, considering the ND is super lightweight by modern car standards.

But the prototype did have a wider set of wheel arches at the back. There are three potential advantages to this. First, the wider rear track could provide better weight transfer during cornering, as in high-speed stability. Also, Mazda could be looking for slightly wider rear tires to improve performance, maybe in combination with some (modest) power gains. Also, sports cars usually need wider tracks to accommodate extra components.

What the Miata rumors say

Japanese scoop website Response.jp, which put together this lovely rendering of the NE Miata, believes that said components come from an MHEV 48-volt system. It’s no secret that simple cars like the MX-5 struggle with emissions targets in some markets, and this mild-hybrid electrical setup could help Mazda’s Skyactiv-G lower its CO2 output while aiding power delivery.

Previous reports from the same source claimed the roadster was going to use a new Skyactiv-X engine, the one with spark ignition, in a 1.5-liter displacement. But at this point, it’s hard to believe this simply because Skyactiv-X isn’t available in the US, the Miata’s main market. Maybe it’s optional, like the current 130 horsepower 1.5-liter which you can get in other markets.

Of course, Mazda wouldn’t install a hybrid system if it could help it because the added weight isn’t what buyers want. But if the battery goes in the trunk area, weight distribution won’t be negatively impacted. About a year ago, Spyder7 reported that Mazda was looking to shave about 155 lbs (70 kg) by using carbon fiber, but that would make the Miata too expensive in our eyes.

Wider tracks also look cool. We don’t know if this rendering is accurate or not, but the virtual 2024 Mazda MX-5 just looks so sexy, like a bright red, lightweight Mercedes SLK. There just aren’t any great roadsters at this end of the market, and Mazda has yet to make an ugly car this decade.

COMMENTS

  1. The grille looks better than the ND, thankyou!
    I love my 09 (but had to swap the NC2 front grin for the NC1 oval) and glad their guppy years are behind them.
    HEY MAZDA, the renderings by Pino Nicola would be a fitting look for a new MX5 with the last ICE. And yes, I WOULD BUY IT if it looked as hot as his.
    It also needs to have a glovebox, 5 stud wheels and as much room as my NC.
    MAZDA, PLEEEEEASE DO THE RIGHT THING!!

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

RELATED