Mazda Considers Adding New Sports Car to Lineup Alongside MX-5 Miata

Automaker says it's looking into expanding its performance offerings, but affordability remains a key priority.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Mazda is considering adding a new sports car to its lineup alongside the iconic MX-5 Miata, according to comments from the company's European product planning supervisor Moritz Oswald. While the automaker is eager to develop more "emotional products" for enthusiasts, executives stressed that any new sports car would need to be affordable for "normal people" and generate sufficient revenue.

Why it matters

The potential addition of a new Mazda sports car would give enthusiasts more options beyond the beloved but compact MX-5 Miata. However, Mazda must balance the desires of car enthusiasts within the company with the need to offer products that are profitable and accessible to its core customer base.

The details

Oswald told Auto Express that "if there's a feasible way to do that, then I'm sure if somebody will do it, it's Mazda, because here the enthusiasts still make things happen." He added that "could there be something next to it or above? Yes." However, Mazda's deputy general manager of R&D in Europe, Christian Schultze, noted the challenge of creating an affordable sports car, saying "if I say I want to sell something for $100,000, I can make a credible sports car. But if I say I want to make something for normal people like me and you and everyone, this is a real challenge."

  • Mazda unveiled the Iconic SP concept, a rotary-powered hybrid sports car, in 2023.

The players

Moritz Oswald

Mazda's product planning supervisor in Europe.

Christian Schultze

Mazda's deputy general manager of R&D in Europe.

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What they’re saying

“If there's a feasible way to do that, then I'm sure if somebody will do it, it's Mazda, because here the enthusiasts still make things happen.”

— Moritz Oswald, Mazda's product planning supervisor in Europe (Auto Express)

“Could there be something next to it or above? Yes.”

— Moritz Oswald, Mazda's product planning supervisor in Europe (Auto Express)

“If I say I want to sell something for $100,000, I can make a credible sports car. But if I say I want to make something for normal people like me and you and everyone, this is a real challenge.”

— Christian Schultze, Mazda's deputy general manager of R&D in Europe (Auto Express)

What’s next

Mazda has not provided a timeline for when a potential new sports car model could be unveiled, but the company's comments suggest it is actively exploring the possibility.

The takeaway

Mazda's desire to expand its performance lineup is tempered by the need to balance enthusiast demands with affordability and profitability for its core customer base. Any new sports car from the brand would likely need to maintain Mazda's reputation for driver-focused, value-oriented vehicles.