The present-generation Mazda Miata has been across the block just a few instances. The ND arrived 10 years in the past, nevertheless it’s aged properly. The subsequent model will likely be gas-powered, based on the automaker. But when the world goes electric-only, Mazda has a plan for the world’s biggest roadster.

Case-in-point is that this Mazda patent, filed in October 2024 however solely revealed earlier in April. It is merely titled “Electrical Car,” however drawings contained inside positive resemble a Miata. It is talked about as being a design that might work in a sedan or different car sorts, however the description and drawings definitely give attention to a small sports activities automotive.

Diving into all of the patent-speak, Mazda’s intention turns into instantly clear: place the battery and electrical motor in such a fashion as to create splendid weight distribution with out struggling the deleterious results of inertia. That is what makes this design totally different, as a result of let’s face it—an F-150 Lightning has an ideal 50/50 weight distribution. Discovering that stability is not troublesome on an EV platform with an enormous battery pack spanning all the flooring. But it surely does not imply you do not really feel all that weight whenever you throw it right into a nook.

Picture by: US Patent and Trademark Workplace

Mazda’s patent does not use an enormous battery in a skateboard design. As an alternative, it proposes a number of cells put in in the course of the automotive, the place you’d usually have a transmission tunnel and drive shaft. In line with the patent, “because the battery is put in within the tunnel portion, the gravity heart of the car could be near the middle of the car, thereby decreasing the yaw second of inertia extra.”

This retains the mass centrally positioned, nevertheless it does not cease there. A single electrical motor can be mounted into the tunnel, connecting by way of a brief drive shaft to a rear differential. Per the patent, the principal is identical because the battery placement. “Herein, because the motor overlaps at the very least a part of the again portion of the seat within the aspect view, the motor involves be nearer to the central portion, within the longitudinal path, of the car. Thereby, the yaw second of inertia could be decreased additional.”

The design additionally permits area for extra battery packs strategically positioned additional out from the middle. The patent reveals smaller battery packs mounted behind every seat. There’s additionally a battery mounted forward of the passenger seat, which serves to offset the burden of the motive force. Mazda is taking this stability factor very significantly.

Picture by: US Patent and Trademark Workplace

If this design does level to the Miata’s future, it is seemingly years away. Mazda has already said it did not need an electrical MX-5 till one thing might be carried out about weight. Preserving the Miata’s nimble nature is essential, however lighter battery designs mounted as this patent describes might be an answer.

For now, nevertheless, it is all simply concept.