Mazda Unveils Iconic SP Concept with Rotary Engine at Japan Mobility Show

The Iconic SP Concept, featuring a 365-horsepower rotary engine, showcases Mazda's dedication to driving enjoyment and sustainability.

 

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.