As the 2026 Mazda CX-5 makes its global debut, attention has quickly turned from the brand’s best-selling crossover to what lies ahead for its sports car lineup. While the launch of the new-generation CX-5 will likely continue Mazda’s strong commercial performance in the SUV market, the marque’s sporting future remains a key point of interest for enthusiasts and brand loyalists alike.
In an exclusive discussion with The Drive, Stefan Meisterfeld, Vice President of Strategic Planning for Mazda North America, offered insight into the company’s stance on performance-oriented models. Meisterfeld emphasised that sports cars remain integral to Mazda’s identity, describing them as “critical” to the brand’s overall strategy. He acknowledged the diversity of Mazda’s customer base, stating that the company aims to meet varying emotional and functional needs, which includes retaining a strong connection to its sporty roots.
While the MX-5 Miata continues to hold a special place in Mazda’s portfolio, Meisterfeld’s comments suggest that the company’s future plans could go beyond the iconic roadster. Notably, he made a distinction between “the MX-5 and sports cars in general,” potentially signalling openness to expanding the sports car range.
The sentiment comes at a time when global automotive brands face increased pressure to prioritise investments in profitable and high-volume segments—namely SUVs and crossovers. Mazda’s own SUV range, which includes the CX-30, CX-50, CX-70, and CX-90, has become a cornerstone of its sales strategy, catering to consumer demand in key global markets.
Despite this shift, Meisterfeld underlined that the spirit of Mazda’s driving philosophy is not lost in its newer models. He noted that the brand’s core driving DNA, famously embodied by the MX-5, continues to influence the development of its crossovers, ensuring that Mazda’s unique handling characteristics remain intact across the lineup.
However, for enthusiasts longing for a successor to models like the RX-8 or the Mazdaspeed3, the wait continues. While no firm commitments were made, Meisterfeld’s remarks leave the door open for future sports car projects. The suggestion that Mazda’s engineers maintain a deep-rooted passion for its performance heritage offers a glimmer of hope for fans anticipating the revival of a more diverse sports car offering.
As Mazda navigates the evolving automotive landscape, balancing commercial success with its enthusiast appeal will be a defining challenge. But if sports cars are truly as vital to the brand’s DNA as Mazda claims, then a return to form may not be far off.
