The Mazda MX-5 Miata has long been the benchmark for a pure, lightweight sports car. But 20 years ago, the company almost took the car in a completely different direction. In an interview with Dutch outlet Autorai, Mazda Europe executive Christian Schultze revealed that an internal team once experimented with a V-6 Miata. The idea was to marry an early NC-generation MX-5 chassis with a 2.5-liter six-cylinder, but packaging concerns ultimately got in the way.
The engine’s high position required changes to the hood, which would have resulted in a new look that might not have been desirable. Schultze described the driving experience of the V-6 car as “definitely interesting,” but it’s clear that the brand was hesitant to pursue this idea further. Today, Mazda is focusing on keeping current engines running for as long as possible, including variants like the 1.5, which is not offered in the U.S. market.
While we wait for the next generation of the MX-5, it’s hard not to wonder what could have been. The V-6 Miata would have added weight, which would have impacted the car’s balance and steering response. The Miata’s charm lies in its lightness, and any deviation from this design principle would have altered the driving experience.
For now, we’ll have to content ourselves with the first four generations of the MX-5, each of which has consistently delivered on its promise of a fun, lightweight, and affordable sports car. As Schultze noted, the brand is trying to keep the current engines running for as long as possible, and it’s likely that variants of these engines will continue into the next generation.
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