Mazda Engineers Secretly Built a V6 Miata, But It Never Reached Production for Ruining the Balance

Although the Miata has always been equipped with a four-cylinder engine since its debut to maintain its lightweight nature and handling balance, Christian Schultze, head of Mazda’s European R&D, recently revealed that around 20 years ago—circa 2006—engineers secretly built a prototype MX-5 powered by a 2.5-liter V6 engine. This car was never an official project; rather, it was a “passion project” completed by engineers in their spare time. However, the larger V6 engine sat too high in the engine bay after installation, compromising the vehicle’s overall design and disrupting the Miata’s signature 50:50 front-rear weight distribution. While the driving experience was “quite fun,” the project was ultimately shelved due to the extensive structural modifications required, increased costs, and difficulties meeting emissions and safety regulations. As of 2026, the Miata still hasn’t surpassed 200 horsepower, with its most powerful version producing just 197 hp. Under today’s stringent regulations and cost constraints, a six-cylinder Miata may never reach production.