Mazda MX-5 Miata has always been a bit of an enigma in the automotive world. Its lack of power has led enthusiasts to experiment with various modifications, but the company itself has never quite delivered on the high-performance front. However, a recent interview with Christian Schultze, Mazda's European Director of Research and Operations, shed some light on the company's past and revealed a fascinating story about a V6-powered Miata that never was. According to Schultze, Mazda's engineers worked on a V6 Miata project about 20 years ago, during the development of the NC Miata. The idea was to use a 2.5-liter V6 engine, which was seen as a more powerful alternative to the standard inline-four. The project was purely experimental, and the engineers built a prototype in their spare time to see what was possible. While the project was technically fascinating, it ultimately never made it to production. Schultze explained ...
Mazda MX-5 Miata has always been a bit of an enigma in the automotive world. Its lack of power has led enthusiasts to experiment with various modifications, but the company itself has never quite delivered on the high-performance front. However, a recent interview with Christian Schultze, Mazda’s European Director of Research and Operations, shed some light on the company’s past and revealed a fascinating story about a V6-powered Miata that never was.
According to Schultze, Mazda’s engineers worked on a V6 Miata project about 20 years ago, during the development of the NC Miata. The idea was to use a 2.5-liter V6 engine, which was seen as a more powerful alternative to the standard inline-four. The project was purely experimental, and the engineers built a prototype in their spare time to see what was possible.
While the project was technically fascinating, it ultimately never made it to production. Schultze explained that the reasons were largely due to the Miata’s intended use case and the weight distribution of the V6 engine. “Technically, it was a fascinating project,” Schultze said. “But we realized that it would compromise the handling and balance of the car, which was a major concern for us.”
Despite the project’s demise, it’s interesting to think about what could have been. A V6-powered Miata would have certainly been a departure from the norm, and it’s possible that it could have changed the car’s dynamics and performance. However, it’s also clear that Mazda’s focus on handling and agility has always been a key part of the Miata’s identity.
The conversation with Schultze also highlighted the importance of innovation and experimentation in the automotive industry. While the V6-powered Miata project may not have worked out, it shows that Mazda’s engineers were willing to think outside the box and explore new ideas. This kind of innovation is essential for companies looking to stay ahead of the curve and deliver unique products to their customers.
In the end, the Mazda MX-5 Miata remains a beloved roadster, and its lack of power has become a part of its charm. However, it’s interesting to look back on the company’s past and see what could have been. Who knows? Maybe one day we’ll see a more powerful Miata on the horizon, but for now, it’s fun to speculate about what might have been.
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