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Next-Gen Mazda MX-5 To Get Lighter and Possible Hybrid or Diesel Powertrain

Mazda unveiled the changes to the 2009 MX-5 at the Paris Motor Show. Although the changes were only to the exterior and inside of the roadster, Mazda has some big changes in store for the next-generation MX-5.

According to MX-5 program manager Takao Kijima, Mazda is looking at alternative powertrains for the next model and mazda hopes to cut its overall weight by 10 percent. By alternative powertrains, Kijima is referring to either a diesel or hybrid powered MX-5.

“I would say the chance of a diesel or hybrid engine is more than 50 per cent,” Kijima told Drive.com.au.

The main issue is that a hybrid powertrain would add a lot weight to the MX-5 courtesy of the battery pack. A diesel powertrain would make more sense, since diesels are more fuel efficient than gas powered engines and don't have the significant weight disadvantage that hybrids do. Kijima also stated that the next-generation must have a 50/50 weight distribution, which would be even harder with a hybrid powertrain.

2007 Detroit Auto Show: Mazda Ryuga Concept

The look of this latest Mazda concept is almost as mystifying as its name — pronounced ree-yoo-ga. Following on the heels of the Nagare concept we saw in Los Angeles, the Ryuga continues to show off Mazda’s future design, but the company says this concept is actually closer to what production cars will look like, compared to the Nagare. What?

This is one radical-looking concept; we don’t know any production car that could handle massive gull-wing doors, let alone the wild shapes around the rear. The Ryuga is a stunner and we can’t wait to see it in person, but will real Mazdas really look like this?

Kicking Tires' Coverage of the Detroit Auto Show

More on the Mazda CX-7 Adrenaline Concept

Yesterday we brought you initial information on Mazda’s tricked-out CX-7 crossover concept at SEMA. Today we’ve received official images of the Adrenaline concept and are a bit more impressed by the level of customization. The fade-to-yellow paint job is a bit too wild for our tastes, but we’ll take the customized cargo compartment with matching luggage. We even like the wild interior, complete with yellow inserts in the seat fabric and steering wheel. Keep reading for more images.