"...more torque, more power, in the same exact package."

IRVINE—Blending performance evolution with redundant design, Mazda has announced that the upcoming fifth-generation MX-5 Miata will feature a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine—and look exactly like the four previous generations of Miata.

“We believe in continuity,” said Mazda spokesperson Kenta Aoki. “Also, we just didn’t feel like doing anything different. Designing those clay models is exhausting.”

Despite years of speculation about electrification, hybrid systems, or even turbocharging, Mazda has decided to triple down on its classic formula: lightweight, naturally aspirated, and visually indistinguishable from what they launched in 1990.

“The real innovation,” Aoki added, “is psychological. You think it’s a new car. You feel like it’s a new car. That’s design genius at work.”

Under the hood, the Miata will now feature a 2.5L engine—a modest bump from the current 2.0L—that delivers “more torque, more power, in the same exact package you’ve seen for decades.”

Mazda engineers claim the chassis is 37% stiffer, the steering 14% sharper, and the seats 8% more aggressively bolstered “in a way you’ll never really notice.”

Miata owners, known for their track day optimism, have responded with cautious enthusiasm. “I mean, I love it,” said longtime owner Bryan Ortega. “But like… it really does look the same. I parked it next to a 2016 and genuinely couldn’t tell which one was mine.”

Car critics have praised Mazda’s decision to update what matters while leaving everything else frozen in time. “The Miata remains the gold standard for affordable fun,” said auto journalist Marissa Chu. “And honestly, maybe it’s comforting that one car company still refuses to make everything look all ‘modern’ and ‘impressive.’”

Some fans, however, are less forgiving. “You had one job,” said Reddit user @topdown4life. “New gen = new look. This is literally what's in my garage right now.”

Mazda, for its part, remains unfazed by the feedback. “People buy Miatas for the way they drive,” said Aoki. “Not because they’re trying to impress people. They can’t impress people. We’ve NEVER done that.”

When asked if there are any other exterior differences, Mazda confirmed the fifth-gen will feature “new updated badges”—basically just a polite way of saying, “trust us, it’s new.”

So while the Miata may look the same on the outside, under the skin it’s… well, also kinda the same. But a little better.

And as every Miata owner will proudly tell you: It looks good slammed.