Mazda believes it can build the new-generation electrified MX-5 with a weight of less than 1000kg to keep the ethos of the sporty model alive in the EV era.
Speaking to CarsGuide at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show, Mazda MX-5 Program Manager Shigeki Saito, revealed the current goal for the NE-series drop top is to keep it below one tonne in a roundabout way.
Asked whether the wheel stud pattern on the NE MX-5 will be four, like the NA, NB and current ND, or five, like the NC, he said it all comes down to the overall weight of the car.
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"It really depends on the weight of the vehicle, in the case of the NC, the stud pattern is five and its over one tonne – about 1100kg," Saito said.
"Then this [the ND] is one tonne, so four [stud pattern].
"It is whether [the NE] will be heavier than one tonne – so if it's heavier, it's going to be five, less, it's going to be four.
"We are aiming to keep it light, so it's going to be four [stud pattern]."
When probed about how Mazda can produce an electric sports car lighter than any other EV on the market, Saito cited the advancement in battery technology as the key.
"We can release a Roadster (MX-5) that is less than one tonne because EV battery [technology] is evolving every day, right? So, we are thinking that batteries will become lighter and smaller."
"That's why we're thinking we can make the car lighter than one tonne."
For reference, the Mitsubishi i-MiEV is one of the lightest EVs produced to date, tipping the scales at 1200kg, while the MG Cyberster convertible weighs just shy of two tonnes.
Asked when he expects the technology to mature to a point of putting it into a production MX-5, Saito-san said the next-generation Mazda convertible could arrive before 2028.
"We're not really sure, but if we look at the trend of battery size and weight, maybe in like less than five years it's going to be a very small and very light battery would be available to use," he said.
"We don't have any specific timeframe."
Either way, Saito is acutely aware that delivering a bantamweight EV is a tall order, but is adamant about keeping the kilos off the next-generation MX-5.
"We think that one of the important lessons in making a car is lightweight, and we are sure an EV will fit the bill," he said.
"When we think about making cars, and especially the MX-5, and then thinking about an EV future, we still think lightweight is the most important lesson, so how can we put our technology into a lightweight EV? We think it's a very high hurdle."
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