For the past 30+ years, the Mazda Miata has established a reputation as an affordable, lightweight, agile roadster in the spirit of the classic British roadster. A key component behind that reputation has been the ever-present manual transmission. Nothing beats the feeling of rowing through the gears through canyon curves, enhancing that connection between man and machine.
Electrification might threaten the Miata's manual legacy
The current attempt at widespread EV adoption threatens manual transmissions and the enjoyment of the Miata as a whole for some enthusiasts. Mazda promised that its entire lineup will be partially electric by 2030, which means a fully EV, hybrid, or plug-in hybrid configuration. The Japanese automaker has yet to specify outright which one of those configurations will be used in the next Miata, but we’d bet that a fully electric Miata is a long way away.
A hybrid powertrain would be beneficial for the Miata
A fully electric vehicle solely relies on batteries for propulsion, hence the name. EV batteries have a reputation for being heavy, at least with our current technology, which might hamper the Miata’s legendary handling and performance. If Mazda instead opts for a hybrid, the battery can be smaller since it will be paired with a regular gasoline engine. It might add a bit more weight, but lighter materials can help offset it. Carbon fiber might drive the price up too high, but fiberglass à la the Chevrolet Corvette could be another solution.
Could rotary powertrain make a comeback
The Miata may also embrace a hybrid future alongside a new rotary powertrain. The Mazda MX-30 R-EV features a single-rotor engine that drives a generator to charge its batteries rather than being directly connected to the wheels. According to Japanese car magazine Best Car, Mazda filed a patent in August of 2024 for a hybrid system with a rotary engine powering the rear wheels. The return of the Wankel engine would be a legendary moment in automotive history while potentially being a saving grace for the manual transmission.
Mazda’s recent concepts hint at a sleek yet familiar Miata design
Nothing has been confirmed about the design of the future Miata. Mazda revealed a concept car at the end of 2022, dubbed the “Vision Study Model.” It didn’t take more than a glance to see the similarities between it and the traditional shape of the Miata. The slim-line headlights also seemed to feature some retracting mechanism, hinting at a return of redesigned pop-up headlights.
In 2023, Mazda turned that Vision Study Model into a tangible concept car called the Iconic SP at the Japan Mobility Show. The design is identical to the Vision Study Model, complete with pop-up headlights. The interior shot features a slider-powered automatic transmission rather than a manual, but that can always change.
An October 2023 press release mentions a two-rotor rotary EV system, with the rotors serving as battery chargers, similar to those in the MX-30 R-EV. Given the more recent patent filing, though, that plan could have been scrapped.
The future Mazda Miata might at revive the pop-up headlights
There are myriad reasons to be excited about the future of the Mazda Miata. The idea of a Wankel-powered Miata with a manual transmission would keep the dreaded electrification at bay for at least a bit longer and revive a past icon so dearly loved by automotive enthusiasts.
Even if the Miata is electric, we’re confident Mazda wouldn’t ruin its long-held reputation. They have a good track record for keeping one of America’s favorite roadsters alive and well in the face of new regulations and challenges.
And regardless of the powertrain, we could get pop-up headlights again! The Eccentrica Diablo restomod features “pop-down headlights” so motorized headlights are not entirely dead, giving us hope for a revived retro-futuristic design language. Now, if only we could do something about those SUVs.
Final thoughts
The future of the Mazda Miata is full of exciting possibilities. Whether it features a hybrid powertrain or even a revived rotary engine, Mazda is sure to keep the spirit of the Miata alive.
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