While Mazda has consistently steered the MX-5 Miata down the path of open-top motoring, a captivating digital rendering has ignited a fresh wave of speculation and desire among enthusiasts. Visualized as a sleek coupe, this imagined variant presents a fixed-roof alternative to the beloved roadster, complete with a subtly revised front fascia and a modified rear end.

The current generation of the iconic Mazda MX-5 roadster, which began production in March 2015 at the Hiroshima factory in Japan, is renowned for its engaging front-mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive configuration and its signature nimble handling. It’s offered in two distinct body styles: the classic two-door convertible and the retractable fastback. Both share the Mazda N platform, famously once also utilized by the Fiat (Abarth) 124 Spider.

Looking ahead, the future of the MX-5 is set to embrace electrification, as confirmed by CEO Masahiro Moro. Mazda is committed to preserving the roadster’s hallmark lightness, even as it explores electric powertrains. However, the transition won’t be entirely without combustion. The upcoming MX-5 NE is expected to be the last generation to offer an internal combustion engine, providing welcome news for those not yet ready to commit to an all-electric future.

Whispers suggest that the next-generation MX-5 might adopt Mazda’s new 2.5-liter Skyactiv-Z four-cylinder engine. This powerplant is likely to incorporate some form of electrification, though the exact setup—be it a self-charging hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or mild-hybrid system—remains to be seen. Early estimates point to an output of around 220 horsepower, a significant leap from the current top-tier models. In the United States, the current MX-5 boasts 181 brake horsepower, while the 12R variant in Japan reaches 197 brake horsepower.

The rendered coupe, however, is purely a flight of fancy for now. It features a fixed roof, a departure from the MX-5’s traditional open-air identity. The digital artist has also incorporated a sunroof, allowing a glimpse of the sky even with the roof in place. The result is an undeniably attractive machine, leading many, including ourselves, to ponder the appeal of such a variant. The positive reception on social media, evidenced in the comments sections of shared posts, suggests a significant appetite for a fixed-roof MX-5 among the public.

In the United States, the 2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata lineup begins with the Sport model starting at $30,430, the Club at $33,930, and the Touring at $35,730. All current models are powered by a 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G four-cylinder engine producing 181 brake horsepower, delivered to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual transmission, with an automatic option available on the top trim.

The 2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF, featuring the retractable fastback design, shares the same powertrain. The six-speed automatic transmission is an option on the Grand Touring trim, which starts at $38,450, while the Club RF variant begins at $41,900. The automatic gearbox is an available extra for the Grand Touring.