Mazda MX-5: The sporty two-seater facing future challenges
- The automotive industry is witnessing a decline in the development of new combustion engine models due to new regulations.
- Several popular sports cars, including the Toyota GR86, Subaru BRZ, and Jaguar F-Type, have been discontinued this year.
- The shift towards electric vehicles raises concerns about the future identity and appeal of traditional sports cars.
The automotive industry is facing significant challenges as new regulations and the impending 2035 ban on petrol and diesel vehicles loom. This has led to a decline in the development of new combustion engine models, as manufacturers struggle to justify investments in a rapidly changing market. The situation has resulted in the discontinuation of several popular sports cars this year, including the Toyota GR86, Subaru BRZ, and Jaguar F-Type. These changes highlight a broader trend where traditional two-seater sports cars are becoming increasingly rare. As the market shifts towards electric vehicles, enthusiasts are left wondering about the future of sports cars and whether they can retain the 'soul' that many attribute to combustion engines. The ongoing transition raises questions about the identity and appeal of future sports cars, as they may be perceived differently without the traditional engine characteristics that define them.