Mazda has officially confirmed that the next-generation MX-5 will be available with an electric powertrain, marking the first time the company has publicly committed to an EV version of its iconic roadster. The announcement came from Mazda CEO Masahiro Moro during an interview with Germany’s Auto Motor und Sport.
While the confirmation signals a major change for one of the world’s most celebrated lightweight sports cars, Mazda says preserving the MX-5’s character remains its highest priority. The company is targeting a curb weight of between 1,000 and 1,200 kilograms, even for the electric model.
The next MX-5 is also expected to continue offering internal combustion power, reflecting Mazda’s commitment to a multi-powertrain strategy rather than an EV-only future. A hybrid variant also remains under consideration if it can meet the company’s strict weight and driving targets.
Moro also revealed that Mazda is looking beyond the MX-5 by exploring a flagship “hero car” positioned above the roadster. Rather than chasing high sales volumes, the proposed sports car would serve as a halo model showcasing the brand’s engineering and design philosophy.
Mazda Wants the MX-5 Ready for an Electric Future
Speaking with Auto Motor und Sport, Moro said the successor to today’s MX-5 must be prepared for a future where internal combustion engines may no longer be viable because of changing regulations.
“The successor must also be ready for a scenario without a combustion engine,” Moro said. He added that the engineering challenge is reducing the weight of the vehicle’s underlying structure without relying on expensive materials such as carbon fiber.
That statement represents a significant change in direction. Until recently, Mazda executives had repeatedly suggested that battery-electric power would fundamentally alter the proportions, balance, and lightweight nature that have defined every generation of the MX-5.
Keeping an Electric Roadster Light
Mazda’s weight target may be the most ambitious part of the project. Moro said engineers are aiming for a finished vehicle weighing somewhere between just under 1,000 kilograms and 1,200 kilograms.
If achieved, an electric MX-5 would weigh roughly the same as today’s gasoline-powered models despite carrying a battery pack and electric drivetrain. That would help preserve the agile handling and driver-focused dynamics that have made the roadster successful for more than three decades.
Achieving that goal without resorting to costly carbon-fiber construction will likely require extensive work on the vehicle’s platform, battery packaging, and structural design.
Gasoline Power Isn’t Going Away Yet
Electric power is only one part of Mazda’s plan for the next MX-5. The company has already confirmed that its new Skyactiv-Z 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine is intended for the upcoming generation.
The naturally aspirated engine is expected to produce around 180 horsepower while incorporating Mazda’s latest combustion technology. Hybrid assistance also remains a possibility, although company officials have previously said electrification will only be adopted if it improves efficiency without compromising the MX-5’s lightweight character.
That approach gives Mazda flexibility as emissions regulations continue to evolve across global markets. Rather than committing to a single powertrain, the company appears to be preparing multiple solutions for different regions and future regulatory requirements.
Don’t Expect It Before 2028
Despite the new details, buyers will need to be patient. Multiple reports indicate the next-generation MX-5, widely expected to carry the internal NE designation, is unlikely to arrive before 2028.
That means the current ND-generation MX-5 will remain in production for well over a decade. Introduced in 2015, it has already become the longest-serving generation in the model’s history.
Its longevity has allowed Mazda to continuously refine the platform while maintaining one of the lightest and most engaging sports cars currently on sale.
Mazda Wants a Flagship Sports Car Too
The next MX-5 is not the only enthusiast model on Mazda’s drawing board. Moro also expressed his desire to create a flagship sports car that would sit above the company’s affordable roadster.
“I want a ‘hero car’ for Mazda, a true flagship model that perfectly embodies our brand values,” he told Auto Motor und Sport.
Rather than becoming a high-volume product, the proposed model would serve primarily as an image builder for the brand. Moro even suggested it could be largely handcrafted, reinforcing its role as a showcase for Mazda’s engineering and craftsmanship.
Although no technical details or launch timeline have been announced, the comments suggest Mazda remains committed to enthusiast-focused vehicles even as the industry transitions toward electrification.
Would you welcome an electric MX-5 if Mazda can keep it as light and engaging as today’s car, or should the legendary roadster remain gasoline-powered? Let us know where you stand.