'Turbocharged or MPS' version of all-new MX-5 in the works, says Mazda

Mazda has this week hinted that a more powerful version of its all-new MX-5 is indeed under consideration.

Speaking to motoring.com.au at this week's "sneak peak" of the fourth-generation roadster in Spain, Mazda's head of global public relations, Kudo Hidetoshi, said a larger displacement engine, or turbocharged power, are under consideration.

"We will have this ND-series model for maybe ten years, which gives us plenty of time to make many variants," suggested Hidetoshi-san. "And yes, a turbocharged or MPS variant is one of the options we will definitely consider."

The comment adds to previous conjecture that the new MX-5 would offer more than the two powerplants already confirmed. Mazda has revealed that the ND-series MX-5 will initially arrive with 1.5 and 2.0 SKYACTIV-G (petrol) four-cylinder units, each specifically adapted for longitudinal application.

It's possible Mazda could offer the 2.5-litre version of its SKYACTIV-G offered in high-grade Mazda3 variants were it to maintain a naturally aspirated line-up. The option would endow the lightweight MX-5 with 138kW of power and 250Nm of torque. But Hidetoshi says the company is leaning towards turbocharged engines, saying that maintaining its hard-fought weight savings and perfect 50:50 weight distribution are of utmost importance.

"[Generally speaking] turbocharging is preferable, even to a V6 now. We can use a lighter engine with the same or more power, and achieve [the] emissions and fuel consumption we need," he said.

Mazda is yet to offer a turbocharged version of its petrol SKYACTIV engine range, and with compression ratios of 14:1, admits significant re-engineering would be involved. However, with the new MX-5's lighter, more compact engine now set lower (-13mm) and further back (-20mm) in the engine bay, there's ample room for the plumbing a turbocharged engine would require.

The current engine line-up for Mazda's upcoming MX-5 sees 96kW and 150Nm on offer in the smaller 1.5-litre model with the 2.0-litre packing an expected 125kW and 200Nm. Both units offer a power-to-weight ratio marginally better than the outgoing model's 118kW / 188Nm 2.0-litre, suggesting a sportier version would return the MX-5 to the glory days of the NB-series' (157kW / 289Nm) turbocharged SP.

Mazda hints at faster MX-5 - motoring.com.au

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