Did you know Mazda secretly built a V6-powered MX-5?

Mazda was experimenting with a V6 MX-5 two decades ago

The Mazda MX-5 (AKA Miata) has long been revered for making sports cars practical. With its lightweight construction, fun-to-drive dynamics, and ease of maintenance, Mazda essentially told the world that you can daily a two-seater convertible.

But if there’s one gripe owners and enthusiasts have complained about the MX-5, it’s the lack of low-end grunt. Yes, tuners have engine-swapped, turbocharged, and supercharged the MX-5 engines to extract more horsepower and torque. But for those who want to keep their MX-5s stock, there is really no choice but to stick with the regular 2.0L SkyActiv engine.

Unbeknownst to many, however, the Japanese automaker secretly built an MX-5 with a bigger engine, a V6 to be exact. 

Christian Schultze

Dutch publication AutoRAI recently spoke with the Director of Research & Operations at Mazda Motor Europe, Christian Schultze, who revealed that such an experiment took place around 20 years ago. When asked about the MX-5 reportedly getting a bigger 2.5L engine, which will reportedly arrive in 2027, Schultze shared that Mazda already tried something like that.

“Back then, our engineers built a prototype with a 2.5-liter V6 in their spare time. They did it here in the workshop, purely out of enthusiasm. Technically, it was a fascinating project,” said Schultze.

The executive did not elaborate on specifics but did mention that in terms of driving experience, the V6-powered MX-5 was definitely interesting. However, the project didn’t result in a production vehicle due to limitations in packaging and weight.

Current 2.0L SkyActiv-G engine that powers the MX-5 ND

“The problem, however, was the packaging. The engine didn't fit well under the hood; it was simply too high. The result wasn't visually appealing,” added Schultze.

Since the V6-powered MX-5 was built around 20 years ago, it looks like the third-generation MX-5 (AKA NC) could have likely received a six-cylinder under the hood if Mazda had gone with their original plan. As to what engine it was, it could have been the KL series V6, particularly the KL-DE, which had an exact displacement of 2497cc.

Mazda MX-5 NC

In its most powerful form, the KL-DE V6 made 176 PS and 217 Nm of torque, which was already quite powerful at the time. However, there was also the more powerful KL-ZE, which is a Japan-exclusive that puts out 203 PS and a healthy 224 Nm of torque. The V6 was available in cars like the Ford Probe and the Mazda 626.

While the current 2.0L SkyActiv-G inline-four that powers the ND3 MX-5 already makes 184 PS and 205 Nm of torque, Mazda’s experiment to put a V6 under the hood of the MX-5 could have been done to achieve a flatter torque curve, as well as give it more low-end grunt. But since it didn’t fit under the hood, Mazda opted for the 2.0L in the NC and current ND generations.

Would a V6-powered Mazda MX-5 have resulted in more grunt in the NC and perhaps future generations of the convertible? Let us know in the comments.