At the Japan Mobility Show, Mazda made a spectacular entrance with the debut of the Iconic SP Concept, a remarkable sports car that incorporates a long-awaited feature for enthusiasts: a rotary engine. With its design reminiscent of Mazda’s Vision Study from the previous year, this fixed-roof sports car is slightly larger than the current MX-5 Miata, igniting a sense of nostalgia and anticipation for a continuation of the RX-7’s legacy.
However, unlike the legendary RX-7, the Iconic SP employs its two-rotor engine not to drive the wheels directly but to charge a battery of undisclosed capacity. This battery, in turn, provides power to an unspecified electric motor setup. While specific details about the R-EV’s powertrain remain a mystery, one thing is certain – it packs a punch, delivering a robust 365 horsepower. Mazda’s innovation doesn’t stop there; the rotary engine can run on various fuels, including hydrogen and renewable fuels, and the battery can be recharged via a standard home outlet.
Measuring 164.6 inches in length, 82.8 inches in width, and 45.2 inches in height, the Iconic SP is 10.5 inches longer than the MX-5 Miata and 4.1 inches shorter than the 1995 RX-7. With a weight of approximately 1,450 kilograms (3,197 pounds), it’s slightly heavier than the RX-7 but considerably lighter than the Toyota Supra or Nissan Z, which carry the burden of additional pounds due to their electric components.
The Iconic SP carries its larger dimensions with grace. Its compact powertrain allows for a low hood and sleek proportions, while the distinctive Coke-bottle fenders provide a modern twist to the iconic RX-7-style windows and rear hatch. Mazda’s contemporary grille design graces the front, and the taillights, resembling a Venn diagram, pay homage to the Miata and RX-7’s aesthetics. The upward-swinging doors add a touch of elegance to the design, akin to Aston Martin’s swan wing doors. The Iconic SP flaunts a vibrant Viola Red paint finish, a departure from Mazda’s signature Soul Red Crystal, befitting its status as a sports car.
Inside, the Iconic SP embraces minimalism, featuring a typewriter-key gear selector, a digital instrument cluster, and a compact infotainment display that do not distract from its flowing, curvaceous design. The kakenui stitching, introduced in the CX-90 SUV, adorns the Iconic SP’s dashboard and door panels, while the seats boast biofabric upholstery, marking a return to Mazda’s commitment to sustainable materials.
The concept of combining plug-in electric and range-extender technology is not entirely new for Mazda, as the MX-30 PHEV features a 0.8-liter single-rotor engine to maintain the battery charge. Given the two-rotor engine in the Iconic SP, it could displace 1.6 liters, considering the MX-30’s use of a 0.8-liter single-rotor design. What sets the Iconic SP apart is its engine’s versatility, which can also serve as a V2L generator, suitable for various applications, from tailgate parties to providing backup power during severe weather conditions. Mazda describes this engine architecture as scalable, hinting at its potential in other applications. Smaller rotaries could power dedicated home generators, while larger vehicles could employ multiple rotors to generate greater power. Nevertheless, the Iconic SP concept remains true to Mazda’s core philosophy of prioritizing driving enjoyment above all else.
Mazda’s Representative Director, President, and CEO, Masahiro Moro, affirmed the company’s commitment to delivering vehicles that rekindle the pure joy of driving and become an integral part of people’s lives. As a company deeply passionate about the automotive experience, Mazda aspires to shape a future where everyone can proudly declare, “We love cars.”
