Supporters of the Mazda MX-5 concept can rest assured the model is in good hands.
Masashi Nakayama, designer of the current "ND" fourth-generation roadster has taken over from Nobuhiro Yamamoto as the project manager for Mazda's MX-5 platform.
Having owned an immaculate first-generation "NA" MX-5 for more than two decades, Nakayama has a clear vision for future models.
And it's all about the past.
"We cannot forget the NA," he says.
"It's very pure, it's very special.
"I personally think the next one should be even lighter.
"It's so difficult to make the car smaller and lighter, but Mazda wants to make the car lighter and smaller - it's good for handling it's good for the environment. We don't want to give up.
"The next MX-5 should be even smaller and lighter. Much lighter."
That won't be easy, as the current car weighs just 1009 kilograms in basic 1.5-litre form.
Nakayama wants to investigate the use of carbon fibre and other composites for the machine, but only if the car remains affordable to enthusiasts.
He says a manual transmission is a must-have, and that Australian customers should think twice before paying extra to go with a heavier, more powerful 2.0-litre MX-5 option as opposed to the entry-level 1.5-litre model.
"You don't need a 2.0-litre engine," he says.
"I don't hesitate to say to you 'please buy the Toyota 86 if you really want the power'.
"Mazda really wants to stay lightweight in the future.
"We have to stay in this world - lightweight with affordable costs. Still small but not too powerful."
The designer is frustrated by potential customers who ask for more power and luggage space, yet still claim to love the original MX-5.
His aim is to keep future models true to their core appeal - simple open-topped cars that offer raw driving appeal.
"If you were on an island and nobody else was there - if you can't show off because there is nobody else there - in that situation what do you want to drive? Maybe you will select an MX-5," he says.
"That's our goal."
11 Comments
DJM61 | 2017-01-25 21:46:17
If the MX-5 Miata doesn't need more power then why are USA sales figures so poor compared to earlier generations? I suspect what is needed is more low down torque. 200NM @ 4600rpm is barely enough for a six speed auto. Every second car on a drivers road in the States is a Mustang or Camaro.
OliverWong20 DJM61 | 2017-01-26 00:52:11
More power does not equate purity in driving? Must be warped Japanese logic. Indeed they should drop their 2.5 engine into the MX5.
OliverWong20 DJM61 | 2017-01-26 00:52:13
More power does not equate purity in driving? Must be warped Japanese logic. Indeed they should drop their 2.5 engine into the MX5.
Selector 2 | 2017-01-26 23:45:10
Huh? One of the major complaints about the 86 was lack of power.
Dobbo89 | 2017-01-27 02:24:31
Really? If you want Purity buy a caterham 7! Flying Miata (texas?)have been shoehorning Chevy LS V8 motors in these things while maintaining a 52/48 front/rear weight ratio and with only a few hundred pounds weight penalty- Imagine what a company with the resources of Mazda could do with the 3lt V6. But the real game changer- One that would set the MX-5 above all others, Masashi Nakayama- put your hottest rotary in it! then take my money.
ygo Dobbo89 | 2017-01-27 21:26:18
People in here talking about LS conversions and comparing it unfavourably to a Camaro? Citing US customer preferences as evidence that the MX5 needs more power? Possibly the most heroic missing of a point in history and further evidence that Australians generally just don't understand lightweight, moderate powered cars. Nakayama-san seems single minded enough not to be swayed by cheeseburger munching dullards in the west, though, which should ensure that the MX5 remains a great car. One can only hope that Tada-san is similarly single minded and we get another 86 along the lines of the AE86 & ZN6 in a few years.
Selector 2 | 2017-01-27 04:00:26
Really Dobbo, what did they do about the body roll with a heavier donk?
HW | 2017-01-27 07:08:26
Remember the Lotus Elan... Mazda does.
Selector 2 | 2017-01-27 21:57:09
Haha HW, back to the future of 1962?
HW | 2017-01-29 11:26:55
Yes selector2 - the Elan was at least 20 years ahead of its time, and Colin Chapman's approach to 'purity' is still the benchmark for the MX5 to emulate: it is all about power-to-weight, grip, chassis response, and torque/gearing. Caterham (a Lotus 7 copy, remember....) tried, and lost it completely when they went for power, 'purity' never being a big thing for them. ygo and I (and many others) get that, and a early MX5 will be top of my list when I give up my Alfetta GTV.
Mr Majestyk | 2017-01-29 22:39:51
Poor old Porsche they have it all wrong, I'd be much happier if the Cayman GT4 only had 100kW and had marshmallow suspension to make it feel like I was going fast at 60km/h as I rolled through a slow corner and had no power to punch out that corner.