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Mazda Considering Diesel MX-5? Unlikely

UPDATE: The all-new MX-5 HAS NOW BEEN REVEALED. Mazda could throw a diesel option into the mix for its next MX-5 roadster, if far-fetched reports out of the UK are to be believed.  And, according to British magazine Autocar, the idea has alread


UPDATE: The all-new MX-5 HAS NOW BEEN REVEALED.

Mazda could throw a diesel option into the mix for its next MX-5 roadster, if far-fetched reports out of the UK are to be believed. 

And, according to British magazine Autocar, the idea has already scuttled itself, with poor marketability, low revs and extra weight all suggesting Mazda is unlikely to produce a diesel MX-5. 

The report offers no sources for the information, so you can take the talk of an oil-burning roadster with a grain of salt. 

For now, it is known that the new MX-5 will be smaller and lighter than the current 'NC' model, and Mazda is understood to be targeting a kerb weight below 1000kg. 

Power will likely continue to come from a small naturally-aspirated engine, and a 1.6 litre SkyActiv engine delivering around 97kW is rumoured. A 110kW version has also been reported.

Reports last year however suggest that a turbocharged 1.3 litre engine is also on the cards, producing as much as 150kW. In a car that weighs less than 1000kg, that would make for a potent mix. 

While past versions of the MX-5 have been offered with turbocharging in various countries - including Australia and Japan - a standard-fit turbo engine in the new model would be a first.

An Alfa Romeo version of the new MX-5 will also be produced, although that model will get its own Fiat-developed powertrain. Reports suggest turbo engines producing between 90kW and a huge 220kW. 

The new MX-5 is expected to debut either late in 2013 or early next year, while the new Alfa is unlikely to debut before 2015.

UPDATE: The all-new MX-5 HAS NOW BEEN REVEALED.

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