2019 Mazda MX-5 Could Get the Horsepower Bump We've All Been Waiting For
If a document filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is accurate, the 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have more horsepower.
According to Road & Track, a new VIN filing with NHTSA on February 27 indicates the MX-5’s 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine has 181 horsepower, a bump from the current 155-hp figure. That’s about a 17 percent improvement in performance, but Road & Track‘s Bozi Tatarevic is a bit skeptical. That’s because the most powerful SkyActiv-G engine Mazda currently offers is found in the overseas version of the Mazda3, with 162 hp. A possibility is that Mazda will use the SkyActiv-X engine in the MX-5 Miata, but the automaker has said in the past that the MX-5 wouldn’t receive the new compression-ignition gasoline engine anytime soon.
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But since the SkyActiv-X engine isn’t heading into the engine bay of the convertible sports car in the near future, it makes sense that Mazda is giving the current MX-5’s engine a boost in performance. Don’t expect forced induction, however, as Mazda has been adamant that adding a turbocharger and its requisite components would add too much weight to the MX-5 – something it doesn’t want to do.
Tatarevic reached out to Mazda for a comment but received the standard reply that Mazda won’t speculate on future products. He did point out that while this is a common response, the automaker didn’t immediately point out that the figure in the document is a mistake.
It gives us hope, even if it’s little, that the upcoming refreshed MX-5 will be a tad quicker.
[Source: Road & Track]
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Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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I actually don't think it needs it, but I'll never say no to more power.
Now Toyota and Subaru need to add more power to the twins.