Turbo Mazda MX-5 on the way?
Mazda is rumoured to be experimenting with the idea of a boosted Mk4 MX-5
The Mk4 Mazda hasn’t even reached our shores, yet already there's talk of the back-to-basics sportscar receiving a more powerful engine. Currently, the new MX-5 will be available with naturally aspirated SkyActiv engines in 1.5- and 2-litre guise.
Power for the quicker 2-litre will peak at around 165bhp. If a smaller capacity turbo were offered, rumours suggest ouput could sit closer to 200bhp. Whispers that a larger 2.5-litre SkyActiv would also feature in the lineup have faded due to that unit’s heavier weight.
>Read - Mazda MX-5 video: Paris motor show 2014
The new car benefits from a perfect 50:50 weight distribution, something Kevin Rice, Mazda’s Design Director, told evo took the car ‘back to the original [MX-5’s] concept.’ A smaller capacity turbo engine would therefore stand better chance of providing more power without damaging that balance.
If a more potent turbo car were to be released, it’s likely Mazda would match this with tauter suspension and lightly tweaked exterior styling. Mazda’s recent 25th Anniversary MX-5 provides example of this kind of work.
BBR is already developing a turbocharged version of the soon-to-arrive MX-5, with power output projected to be as much as 250bhp. You can read about that car here.
