Report: 2011 Mazda Miata to be rated at up to 70 mpg

Unconfirmed reports are suggesting that the "Zoom-Zoom" automaker may have a new high-tech 4-cylinder engine, code named "Sky-G" in the works for their 2011 Miata. Reports put the potential mileage as high as 70 miles per gallon.



According to InsideLine, the naturally aspirated 1.3-liter 4-cylinder engine that was first introduced at the 2009 Tokyo Auto Show is expected to produce power in the same realm as the current Miata, roughly 150 hp, and would easily retain the Miata's existing power-to-weight ratio with the 2011 model's expected weight of 2,200 pounds.

The eye-brow raising fuel economy figure of 70 mpg was speculated by some speaking to InsideLine, as well as a 50 mpg figure. Both figures were reportedly based on testing with a vehicle approximately the size and weight of the Mazda Kiyora concept car that debuted at the Paris Auto Show in 2008.

Although specifics on how the engine achieves such high mileage have not yet been released by the automaker, it is reported that the engine achieved these figures in a natually aspirated form, and was between 1.3 and 1.5-liters.

Toyota has also reportedly approached Mazda about the SKY-G engine.