Mazda's iconic roadster is about to change forever

For the past 30+ years, the Mazda Miata has established a reputation as an affordable, lightweight, agile roadster in the spirit of the classic British roadster. A key component behind that reputation has been the ever-present manual transmission. Nothing beats the feeling of rowing through the gears through canyon curves, enhancing that connection between man and machine.

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Electrification might threaten the Miata's manual legacy

The current attempt at widespread EV adoption threatens manual transmissions and the enjoyment of the Miata as a whole for some enthusiasts. Mazda promised that its entire lineup will be partially electric by 2030, which means a fully EV, hybrid, or plug-in hybrid configuration. The Japanese automaker has yet to specify outright which one of those configurations will be used in the next Miata, but we’d bet that a fully electric Miata is a long way away.

A hybrid powertrain would be beneficial for the Miata

A fully electric vehicle solely relies on batteries for propulsion, hence the name. EV batteries have a reputation for being heavy, at least with our current technology, which might hamper the Miata’s legendary handling and performance. If Mazda instead opts for a hybrid, the battery can be smaller since it will be paired with a regular gasoline engine. It might add a bit more weight, but lighter materials can help offset it. Carbon fiber might drive the price up too high, but fiberglass à la the Chevrolet Corvette could be another solution.

Could rotary powertrain make a comeback

The Miata may also embrace a hybrid future alongside a new rotary powertrain. The Mazda MX-30 R-EV features a single-rotor engine that drives a generator to charge its batteries rather than being directly connected to the wheels. According to Japanese car magazine Best Car, Mazda filed a patent in August of 2024 for a hybrid system with a rotary engine powering the rear wheels. The return of the Wankel engine would be a legendary moment in automotive history while potentially being a saving grace for the manual transmission.

Mazda’s recent concepts hint at a sleek yet familiar Miata design

Nothing has been confirmed about the design of the future Miata. Mazda revealed a concept car at the end of 2022, dubbed the “Vision Study Model.” It didn’t take more than a glance to see the similarities between it and the traditional shape of the Miata. The slim-line headlights also seemed to feature some retracting mechanism, hinting at a return of redesigned pop-up headlights.

In 2023, Mazda turned that Vision Study Model into a tangible concept car called the Iconic SP at the Japan Mobility Show. The design is identical to the Vision Study Model, complete with pop-up headlights. The interior shot features a slider-powered automatic transmission rather than a manual, but that can always change.

An October 2023 press release mentions a two-rotor rotary EV system, with the rotors serving as battery chargers, similar to those in the MX-30 R-EV. Given the more recent patent filing, though, that plan could have been scrapped.

The future Mazda Miata might at revive the pop-up headlights

There are myriad reasons to be excited about the future of the Mazda Miata. The idea of a Wankel-powered Miata with a manual transmission would keep the dreaded electrification at bay for at least a bit longer and revive a past icon so dearly loved by automotive enthusiasts.

Even if the Miata is electric, we’re confident Mazda wouldn’t ruin its long-held reputation. They have a good track record for keeping one of America’s favorite roadsters alive and well in the face of new regulations and challenges.

And regardless of the powertrain, we could get pop-up headlights again! The Eccentrica Diablo restomod features “pop-down headlights” so motorized headlights are not entirely dead, giving us hope for a revived retro-futuristic design language. Now, if only we could do something about those SUVs.

Final thoughts

The future of the Mazda Miata is full of exciting possibilities. Whether it features a hybrid powertrain or even a revived rotary engine, Mazda is sure to keep the spirit of the Miata alive.

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