Rides : Next-generation Mazda MX-5 to receive a turbocharged 1.3-litre SkyActiv engine

It’s likely that when the next-generation Mazda MX-5 starts selling in 2014, it will be equipped with a turbocharged version of the 1.3-litre, four cylinder SkyActiv petrol engine. The next Mazda MX-5 will come with the smaller direct-injection turbo unit rather than the current model’s normally aspirated 1.8 and 2.0-litre engines. It will get variable cam phasing, lighter, low-friction reciprocating parts, and maybe even a new exhaust manifold design that offers an exhaust gas evacuation that’s more effective. Its transmission will be lighter and its friction will be reduced as Mazda attempts to give the manual shift action the same level of mechanical precision and short throw as the original model.

It’s also likely to have a very efficient paddle-shift torque-converter auto, with a lock-up clutch. The next MX-5 will use a new rear-wheel drive SkyActiv platform that will be dubbed the S-platform. Mazda is hoping for the two-seater to revert to its original agile sports car concept and to accomplish that, it is relying on lightweight engineering.

A source said that Mazda’s engineers were asked to take off 275kg from the 1075kg ‘empty’ kerb weight of the current MX-5 to achieve a total weight of 800kg. This is believed to be a major step forward for a volume-production sports car. The MX-5 was at its leanest when it debuted in 1989 with a weight of 955kg. This was a time before crash testing was done and companies raised the weight with the use of heavy body structures, side-impact bars and airbags, and extensive, luxury specs that were standard.