Mazda's New MX-5 Could Have Butterfly Doors

Mazda appears to be laying the groundwork for a new sports car, with newly discovered patent filings offering the clearest indication yet of what's to come. While the documents never mention the MX-5 by name, the illustrations and technical descriptions point to a front-engined, rear-wheel-drive roadster that could either replace the current MX-5 Miata or join it as a separate sports car

Butterfly Doors on Mazda's Next Sports Car

The patents describe a body structure designed for a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive sports car, with the filing focusing on improving chassis rigidity for crash protection. The biggest surprise is the upcoming Mazda sports car's door design. According to the patents, the vehicle uses a flip-up side door that opens outward and upward "like a scissor door or a butterfly door," similar to a Lamborghini or McLaren.

Rather than serving as a styling gimmick, the unusual hinge arrangement helps strengthen the chassis by allowing the hinge pillar to transfer suspension loads more effectively while keeping weight to a minimum. The filings also describe additional structural bracing and a stamped front apron frame that further improve rigidity without adding unnecessary mass.

Could This Become The Next MX-5 Miata?

Mazda hasn't confirmed which model these patents belong to, but the strongest candidate is the production version of the Iconic SP concept. We suspect that car could ultimately become the next-generation MX-5 Miata. The company has already confirmed that another gasoline-powered Miata is on the way, albeit the last one. Mazda has already admitted it's exploring electrified options for its future sports cars, meaning there's a real possibility this model could feature some form of hybrid assistance.

That would also align with Mazda's insistence that any hybrid rotary-powered sports car it builds must remain affordable – a key characteristic of any MX-5 Miata. It's also worth remembering that Mazda's rotary engine was in production until the MX-30 R-EV got discontinued earlier this year, so it wouldn't have to be developed from scratch.

Keeping the Miata Formula Alive

If these patents do belong to the next MX-5, enthusiasts will be hoping Mazda doesn't lose sight of what earned the roadster such a cult following over the years; from the underrated NB Miata to the latest targa MX-5 RF. The simplicity of the Mazda Miata is what makes it great. A lightweight body, nimble handling, a preppy little engine, and an overall engaging driving experience have always mattered more than headline-grabbing technology. If Mazda can preserve those qualities while meeting future emissions regulations, its next sports car could prove that there's still room for an affordable driver's car in an increasingly electrified world.

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