The Mazda MX-5 Miata has all the time been a little bit of an icon—a automotive that’s mainly synonymous with pure driving enjoyable. A brand new technology is on the best way, nonetheless a few years out, but it surely’s already beginning to take form, thanks partially to direct enter from fanatics—even these in Italy.
That’s truly the place I started this story, sitting down with Roberto Pietrantonio, Managing Director of Mazda Motor Italia. We talked by a number of the massive subjects shaping Mazda proper now and the place it’s headed subsequent—from the way forward for the roadster to the considering behind updates just like the CX-60 and CX-80, and the way the Italian market matches into an more and more complicated panorama. And sure, we additionally touched on Ferrari and the entire “Luce” title state of affairs.
This story originally appeared on Motor1 Italy
Roberto Pietrantonio, Managing Director of Mazda Italia: I can say that lately, a delegation of Japanese engineers visited Italy to fulfill with MX-5 group teams. It’s an method that matches Mazda’s philosophy very nicely: listening on to fanatics. We’re lucky to have extraordinarily engaged buyer teams that supplied invaluable suggestions to our engineers, who’re already engaged on the way forward for our icon.
Completely. Europe, Italy, Germany, and the UK are among the many most necessary markets for the MX-5.
Sure, relying on the setting and who we’re talking with. The engineers collect organized info, additionally with help from the Italian crew. The MX-5 is a worldwide automotive, and the dialogue includes clients worldwide, from the US to Australia. Nonetheless, one frequent factor retains arising: the need to protect the automotive’s DNA. As I usually say, even when automobiles can fly, the MX-5 will nonetheless put a smile on the driving force’s face.
Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring
Sure, Mazda places folks—and fervour for automobiles—on the middle. Interplay with clients is crucial: it’s not primarily based solely on knowledge, but in addition on direct, human dialog. We noticed that with the CX-60: updates, together with design modifications, got here from person suggestions.
It’s the third evolution because the 2022 launch. It follows the Japanese precept of Kaizen, or “steady enchancment,” primarily based on the expertise of hundreds of shoppers. For 2026, we targeted primarily on driving dynamics, suspension, and steering to enhance the stability between sportiness and luxury. Our purpose is to ship a driving expertise that will get higher over time, in line with Mazda’s trademark concentrate on driving enjoyment. That outcome comes from a holistic method that integrates design, chassis, engine, and electronics.
We additionally improved cabin quietness with dual-pane entrance glass and modifications to engine-bay insulation. On the security entrance—already on the highest ranges—we launched a system that, within the occasion of an accident, helps safe the car and makes it simpler for emergency responders.
Diesel is right for drivers who rack up a number of miles and wish effectivity with out giving up efficiency and luxury. The plug-in hybrid, however, is ideal for individuals who can make the most of electrical driving on day by day journeys whereas nonetheless having an internal-combustion engine for longer journeys.
The three.3-liter inline-six mild-hybrid diesel is appropriate with HVO fuels, which might scale back CO2 emissions by as much as 77 %. The plug-in, in the meantime, is essentially the most highly effective road-going mannequin Mazda has ever produced.
It’s a part of the Takumi Nuri paint lineup, launched with Soul Pink, the colour that grew to become a logo of Mazda design. These are finishes impressed by the Japanese artisan custom of the “Takumi” masters, however made utilizing superior industrial expertise.
The particular triple-layer construction, with translucent and clear layers, creates depth and light-weight results that spotlight the bodywork’s strains. The result’s a dynamic impact: colours like Soul Pink Crystal or Machine Gray change their look relying on gentle and environment, enhancing Mazda’s signature clear design and making it look totally different—and extra expressive—each time.
Sure, the CX-80 follows a path parallel to the CX-60. It’s longer—practically 16.4 toes—and it may be configured with three rows of seats, so it’s aimed toward bigger households or anybody with larger area wants. Right here too, the updates you’ll see come from buyer suggestions.
Italy is a key market. The CX-30 and CX-5 are essential fashions, with the latter having simply reached its third technology. Nonetheless, we don’t count on vital progress within the total market in 2026, partly because of the financial local weather.
For Mazda, although, we count on progress due to new fashions, such because the CX-6e EV, which has already generated curiosity. The problem stays EV adoption in Italy, which nonetheless trails different nations.
I’ve two factors to make. The primary considerations the hyperlink between Mazda and Italy: it’s a long-standing relationship, mirrored in previous fashions with Italian names and collaborations with designers from our nation. That has helped make Mazda a singular model amongst Japanese automakers, with a clearly distinctive design id.
As for the state of affairs, as you’ve already written, nothing occurred: there was by no means any battle. In reality, for a model like Mazda—whose purpose for being is ardour for the car—Ferrari is a pure benchmark. There has all the time been robust mutual respect, and even in Italy, the connection between the 2 manufacturers has been constructive. The matter, due to this fact, ended calmly, with no purpose for stress.
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