Mazda MX-5 Turbo Video Was Just A Teaser

by Derek Kreindler

September 8th, 2014 2:30 PM

The now-famous teaser video that had the whole world wondering about a possible turbo on the 2016 Mazda MX-5 turned out to be a red herring.

According to our source, the vehicle used for the teaser video is actually a modified NB Miata with an aftermarket turbo kit, hence the audible woosh of a turbocharger. Over at Jalopnik, there’s a picture of the engine taken by Travis Okulski, which appears to show no turbocharger present. If I were a betting man, I’d wager that the next MX-5 will be naturally aspirated.

#2016MazdaMx-5 #Mazda #MazdaMx-5

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7 comments

Kamil Kaluski on Sep 08, 2014

Based on the lessons learned on the BRZ/FRS and their customer knowledge, they should offer two engines; an NA for the repeat buyer and a slightly more powerful, but de-tuned, turbo for the kids and S2000 lovers.

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- JMII on Sep 08, 2014
  
  I love the idea of a turbo MX-5, but Mazda really likes keeping the Miata as "pure" as possible, thus I don't see it happening. Given Subbies history of turbos not putting one in the BRZ/FRS (at least as an option) was a major disappointment.
  
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- HerrKaLeun on Sep 09, 2014
  
  Too few cars to sell to go through the trouble of two engine certifications. Not even to mention to develop or buy a small turbo unless you are suggesting they should recycle one of their pre-skyactive turbos. JMII: given Subaru's history with headgaskets etc. it probably wouldn't be wise to use a charged Subaru if you care for the long term.
  
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Danny on Sep 08, 2014

As much as I'm a fan of n/a cars, I would think an optional turbo model with horsepower numbers close to that of the Genesis coupe would be well-received by enthusiasts..

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- JuniperBug on Sep 09, 2014
  
  I don't doubt that. The problem is, especially with the Miata, enthusiasts don't buy new cars. Enthusiasts buy their cars depreciated from the octogenarian owner who lovingly wiped down his bone stock car in the garage for 10-15 years, and then festoon them with aftermarket stuff before ripping them up at the racetrack. Mazda may like having cred with the enthusiasts - it may even prompt a few Mazda2, 3, 6, and crossover sales when the enthusiasts can't drive their kids to school in their stripped and caged race cars, but the octogenarians are the ones writing the checks.
  
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Iamwho2k on Sep 08, 2014

Never mind that Mazda hasn't said anything officially... is one picture all that is needed to pass judgment?

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Juicy sushi on Sep 08, 2014

Given how adament Mazda has been that SkyActiv motors won't be turbo-charged, why on earth did anyone think a turbo was coming?

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