The next Mazda Mx-5 will go down the downsizing path and gets a 1.3 liter engine instead of the current 1.8 and 2.0 liter units.

It’s small, but it’s hella fast. The 1.3 will feature Skyactiv technologies and will be fitted with some fancy stuff such as variable cam phasing, lighter, low-friction reciprocating parts, and possibly a new exhaust manifold, and above all, a meaty turbocharger.

That might mean that some of the raw simplicity will be gone. Mazda is also planning to introduce a paddle-shift torque-converter auto transmission for the car. That is not on the line with the spirit of a true sportscar. It must not be complicated.

On the upside, the new technologies will make the MX-5 even lighter. The word is the next generation Miata will be some 275kg lighter than the current model. That’s fantastic.

More details on the next generation Mazda MX-5 on Autocar