HIROSHIMA, Japan — Mazda is about to spring a few surprises on its all-new MX-5 roadster, the car that replaces the much loved Miata.

In addition to the standard 2.0-liter gasoline engine, Mazda is planning to add a high-performance diesel option. A Mazda spokesman told U.K. magazine Auto Express: "There are people working on high-revving diesel engines at the moment, and I can see us using one in the MX-5."

A souped-up gasoline version is also under development, though that won't be powered by Mazda's rotary engine from the RX-8. "There's no reason why we shouldn't build a high-performance MX-5," added the spokesman. "This car deserves a more powerful variant." The 2.3-liter engine from the Mazda 6 is the most likely candidate.

The new MX-5 goes on sale in Europe in November and in the U.S. early next year. Mazda is planning a special numbered launch edition of the car to kick off sales.

What this means to you: Miata lovers, fear not — your car by any other name will hum as sweet. Packaging a bolder moniker with increased performance will make a good thing better.

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...cleId=106546#2

 

diesel miata?? I dunno about that. I've not needed a miata to tow a boat before. Diesel is nice and all but it's not like a as engine. I think they are merely speculating at this point.

I see the 2.0L being standard fare....2.3L being "GT" and Renesis being Mazdaspeed.

anything less and mazda is skimping out.

p.s. the 2.3L GT could be the same as the MS3 with 240bhp or hell even 200bhp would be better.

 

Atleast somebody in a car company is looking at things the way the consumer might want one! I've always liked the Miata they just needed a little more power, and maybe they'll finally get it!

 

MSM's are a lot of fun to drive and they have a LOT of potential but there's no way Mazda could make a miata faster than an rx8. It would kill their rx8 sales.