Anatomy Of A Rumor: There Won't Be A Diesel MX-5

Derek Kreindler
by Derek Kreindler

God bless the blogosphere. All it takes is one throwaway remark for something to become a widely reported rumor heard ’round the world.

Autocar, a UK magazine that is fond of publishing sketches, conjecture and other wild-ass rumors in the best tradition of Fleet Street, published another piece on the upcoming Mazda MX-5 that included this paragraph

A diesel option is being considered, but the lightweight and high-revving capabilities of a petrol engine are more desirable to Mazda. There are also concerns over the market viability of a small diesel roadster, which might prove difficult to sell.

And that should be it, right? Autocar themselves basically debunked this ridiculous notion. Nope! Not wanting to be left behind in the race to the bottom to “get it first” the blogs picked it up en masse and reported it as fact. A Google search for “MX-5 Diesel” returns 2,200 results, which is 2,200 too many.

It should be obvious that this rumor is absolute bovine manure. A diesel engine is heavier than a gasoline engines, does not rev as freely and has a completely different character. It is everything that Mazda does not want in a lightweight sports car. Aside from the characteristics of the engine itself, the car would have to be engineered to carry a much heavier engine from the get-go, something that would have a negative impact on weight and handling targets.

A diesel may have been briefly considered at some point in the development process, but believe me, it is not happening. If it does, we won’t see it in North America. We’re more likely to see an army of automotive bloggers who aren’t ruled by the all-mighty click before we see an oil-burning MX-5.

Derek Kreindler
Derek Kreindler

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  • Speedlaw Speedlaw on May 09, 2013

    Silly, but BMW does makes some thunderous diesel cars...not impossible. Just short shift and you are fine.

  • Greaseyknight Greaseyknight on May 09, 2013

    If we are talking about an overboosted, overfueled, black smoke spewing, way to much horsepower, 2 seater roadster then sign me up (in 5-10 years when they get cheap) otherwise there really is no point. People who buy a Miata aren't looking for any of the benefits of a diesel, and sure don't want any of the drawbacks

  • Canadian_driver Canadian_driver on May 09, 2013

    I am surprised Derek was so easily drawn in by the old thinking on diesel. "A diesel engine is heavier than a gasoline engines, does not rev as freely and has a completely different character." The current (and last) generation of the VW Jetta have had the SAME weight between the N/A motor (2.5L) and the diesel (2.0L). The Turbo 2.0L Petrol weighing in at almost 60kg HEAVIER. Darn those heavy diesels and their torque-y ways!!! Europe has had diesel convertibles for while now (http://www.convertiblecarmagazine.com/buyers_guide/car_type/diesel/) so why shouldn't Mazda go that route? It is not like the current Miata has a massive power output that putting a diesel in it would be a handy cap. The current Miata (Mx-5) only has 170hp and 140lbs-ft, earlier versions barely had 140hp. Imagine an MX-5 with 200-300lbs-ft of torque but a similar weight to the current car. So it does not rev as high, most driving is done in the lower revs anyway... why not have the power where people are likely to USE IT? I mean people who actually buy Miatas, not internet trolls who cry blue murder at the mere thought of changing a car they have never owned, nor would, because it is a "hair dressers car".

    • See 5 previous
    • Juicy sushi Juicy sushi on May 10, 2013

      @redav I remember reading it in a UK review, but haven't been able to find it since. I did notice on Honestjohn's website that the gross weight listed for the equivalent diesel is 100kg or so more than the equivalent gas model. (1935kg vs 2055kg for SE Hatchback models)

  • Tosh Tosh on May 09, 2013

    I happen to know the diesel rumor is just a smokescreen for the shooting brake Miata they're working on.

    • Redav Redav on May 09, 2013

      Don't be silly. They're putting a rotary in the Miata.

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