With increasing pressures on internal combustion engines, the rise of EVs, hybrids and all the rest, what hope is there the MX5 will retain its signature naturally-aspirated engine in the longer term?
Accepted wisdom would have it the next MX5 - whether it be a facelifted Mk4 or an entirely new generation - will have to move with the times and at the very least use a downsized engine, possibly turbocharged or with some sort of hybrid assistance. Good for fuel economy and the rest. But a world away from core MX5 values of simplicity, lack of weight and naturally-aspirated zest.
Good news - Mazda's new Skyactiv-X technology has you covered and guarantees a future for the engines We've enjoyed in our MX5s over four generations. Launched recently in the Mazda3, and our man Dan Trent had a go for a glimpse of one potential future for the MX5.
Skyactiv-X is fascinating new technology and typical of Mazda's pioneering spirit. The official title is Spark Plug Controlled Compression Ignition or SPCCI, the clue in the title being this is a petrol engine using diesel-style ignition thanks to an unusually high compression ratio. While the science is deceptively simple and summarised for us by Professor Jamie Turner of University of Bath's Advanced Propulsion Centre as 'squeeze something hard enough and it will eventually ignite' the application is anything but, Turner admitting he never thought he'd see a mainstream manufacturer make it work. For more on how it all works check out this Mazda video, featuring Professor Turner.
In short, that's how a 2.0-litre Mazda3 with a naturally-aspirated petrol engine can deliver diesel economy and hybrid level CO2 emissions, all with the natural revviness, refinement and response You'd expect of a Mazda motor. In the 3 it delivers 180hp and 165lb ft of torque, on a par with the regular 2.0 Skyactiv-G in the updated Mk4 but with sub-100g/km emissions and 50mpg-plus economy. It may be a while before we see it in the MX5 but it's good to know that Mazda has developed technology that guarantees the character and identity can be preserved into future generations with a combination of relative simplicity, decent performance and next-level efficiency.
With special thanks to MazdaUK
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