Mazda Engineers Covertly Installed a V6 Engine in a Miata Prototype
The Secret Dream: A V6 Miata That Never Was
The Enduring Appeal of the Miata's Four-Cylinder Legacy
For generations, the Mazda MX-5 Miata has been synonymous with a perfectly balanced, lightweight design, traditionally powered by a four-cylinder engine. This established formula has been a cornerstone of its success, prioritizing agile handling and a direct driving experience over sheer horsepower.
The Unofficial V6 Experiment: A Glimpse into Mazda's Engineering Curiosity
Unbeknownst to many, Mazda engineers embarked on a passion project to equip a Miata prototype with a more potent engine. Approximately two decades ago, they secretly developed a version of the iconic roadster featuring a 2.5-liter V6, a significant departure from its conventional powertrain. This clandestine undertaking was later disclosed by Christian Schultze, Mazda's head of research and development in Europe, revealing it was a personal initiative rather than a corporate directive.
Overcoming the Challenges of Engine Integration
The ambitious project faced considerable hurdles, primarily concerning the V6 engine's physical fit within the Miata's compact engine bay. The six-cylinder unit proved too tall, compromising the vehicle's aesthetic lines and raising questions about its visual appeal. While the exact generation of Miata used (NB or NC) remains unconfirmed, the NC generation, known for its larger dimensions, is a probable candidate given the timeframe of the prototype's development.
Driving Dynamics: The Impact of a Heavier Engine
Despite the visual compromises, Schultze reported that the V6-powered prototype offered an "undeniably engaging" driving experience. However, the introduction of a larger, heavier engine inevitably affected the Miata's renowned 50:50 weight distribution, a core tenet of its design. This alteration would have made the front end noticeably heavier, potentially impacting the car's signature nimble handling.
Power Specifications and Production Feasibility
While the precise horsepower output of the 2.5-liter V6 remains speculative, a likely candidate, the K-series engine (such as the KL-DE from the MX-6), would have delivered around 200 hp. This would have provided a notable power increase over the contemporary 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine found in the NC1 Miata. However, the costs associated with redesigning the car to properly accommodate the V6, coupled with the need to meet safety and emissions regulations, rendered mass production financially unviable for a niche sports car.
The Miata's Future: Embracing its Core Philosophy
Even today, the Miata largely adheres to its four-cylinder tradition, with the most powerful variant, a Japan-exclusive 12R special edition, boasting 197 hp. With stricter emissions standards on the horizon, the prospect of a production Miata with more than four cylinders appears increasingly remote. Nevertheless, the continued existence of the Miata in an evolving automotive landscape, especially as competitors like the BMW Z4 face discontinuation, stands as a testament to its enduring appeal and Mazda's commitment to its unique formula.