Source: Ross BallotSource: Ross BallotThe current Mazda MX-5 Miata is an anomaly in the modern automotive landscape. Tiny, comparatively analog, and both smaller and lighter than its predecessor, the ND generation car has enjoyed a fantastic ten-year run that has solidified it as a world-class roadster and driving experience.Naturally, complicating the formula brings worry to the fan base, and rightfully so; the Miata's formula leans heavily on simplicity, so any addition brings apprehension. With the next Miata on the horizon (the NE gen car), rumors are swirling that the new car could include hybridization, and that's somewhat concerning.Source: United States Patent and Trademark OfficeSource: United States Patent and Trademark OfficeAdvertisementAdvertisementAt first, it seemed the NE Miata would be fully electric; thankfully, those bits of speculation have died out, but the next round of rumors is saying the fifth-generation MX-5 will use a hybrid powertrain rather than the gas-only engine setup the car has always run. Thanks to massive advancements in technology and packaging, hybrid systems have become drastically smaller over the last few decades. Power density has increased, as has output, and weight has decreased in turn. Still, the implications for adding a hybrid powertrain to the Miata are worrisome for those who have long enjoyed the car's honest and straightforward nature.But that doesn't mean we have a say in things. Mazda has filed patent 12673545-B2 with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. In essence, this patent shows technology that would make an even more compact hybrid system, featuring a flat power converter (i.e., inverter) as opposed to the traditional box-style system. This means the hybrid battery can be mounted low and, in turn, decrease the center of gravity versus the normal boxy hybrid setup.That would pay dividends for the car's handling characteristics.Source: United States Patent and Trademark OfficeSource: United States Patent and Trademark OfficeAdvertisementAdvertisementThe hybrid system shown in the patents is connected directly to the car's transaxle, resulting in an L-shaped housing that would live in the transmission tunnel rather than in the engine bay. Again, this could be beneficial in maintaining the Miata's famous sublime handling and 50-50 weight balance.Hybridization does bring inherent complexities, like the further disconnect between the driver's inputs and the car's outputs, but the possibility for extra power here (assuming no dramatic weight gain is incurred) could be dramatic. It's not apples-to-apples, but the CX-50 Hybrid touts around 30 horsepower over its gas-only counterpart. That's proportionally massive in Miata land.Source: United States Patent and Trademark OfficeSource: United States Patent and Trademark OfficeOf course, Mazda's patent doesn't mention anything about whether this technology is destined for the Miata. For all we know, it could be something they're working on for a mainstream model, a revived RX sports car, or this could be just an effort to block others from stealing their intellectual property. Our hope is just that the NE generation MX-5 Miata is as good to drive as the ND, and however Mazda makes that happen is fine with us.Become an AutoGuide insider. Get the latest from the automotive world first by subscribing to our newsletter here.