Engineers go to the source
Eight engineers and designers from Mazda’s Hiroshima headquarters, responsible for developing the next-generation MX-5 Miata, made a public appearance at MiataCon this past weekend at Lime Rock Park. The annual event draws Miata owners from across the country to celebrate the lightweight sports car that has connected generations of drivers for nearly four decades.
While MiataCon is primarily a fan-focused gathering, the engineers’ visit offered a unique opportunity to see the MX-5 through the eyes of its most devoted owners. From first-generation NAs to the current NDs, the engineers observed the variety of Miatas on display and witnessed the dedication of the community that has kept the car relevant for decades.
One Lime Rock official even spoke with a racing team at the event to arrange for a Mazda engineer to sit in the passenger seat of one of their race-spec Miatas during a race. Their presence underscored Mazda’s interest in understanding what makes the MX-5 special to drivers around the world.
Keeping the Miata true to its roots
Mazda leadership has been clear about the goals for the next MX-5: it will remain small, light, naturally aspirated, and available with a manual transmission. Designer Masashi Nakayama and CFO Jeff Guyton have emphasized that the Miata’s defining qualities — low weight, balanced performance, and a pure driving experience — will continue to guide its development.
Elijah Nicholson-Messmer
Mazda’s chief technical officer, Ryuichi Umeshita, highlighted that the ND Miata is lighter than its predecessor despite increasingly strict crash regulations. He said the next MX-5 must remain “very light,” and there are no plans to introduce a turbocharged engine or fully electric powertrain unless external regulations make it unavoidable. The focus remains on the connection between car and driver, following the Japanese philosophy of Jinba Ittai.
Manual transmissions will remain a central feature. Umeshita explained that the MX-5’s promise of driving dynamics and oneness between car and driver relies on a naturally aspirated engine paired with a stick-shift gearbox, preserving the core experience that has defined the Miata for more than 30 years.
A promising partnership
The engineers’ trip to MiataCon comes as Mazda is reportedly collaborating with Toyota on the next generation of the MX-5 and the GR86. According to Best Car magazine, Mazda engineers have been working in Toyota City on a shared sports car platform.
While specifics remain unconfirmed, the partnership could blend Mazda’s lightweight design expertise with Toyota’s technical resources, potentially introducing subtle updates without compromising the Miata’s ethos.
Final thoughts
Even as Mazda explores new possibilities for the MX-5, the engineers’ visit demonstrates the company’s commitment to listening to the community that has supported the car for decades. Four decades in, the Miata’s mission remains unchanged: deliver a lightweight, engaging, and accessible driving experience. By showing up in person, Mazda’s next generation of engineers made it clear they intend to preserve that mission while steering the car into the future.
