Mazda’s iconic SP concept, a year old vision, is transitioning from dream to reality. This stunning retro futuristic coupe, powered by an electric motor and rotary range extender, is slated for production. Mazda’s design chief, Masashi Nakayama, confirmed the concept’s imminent production.
Hints of this exciting news emerged during the concept’s debut at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show, where Mazda’s CEO described it as a symbol of the brand’s future commitment. Nakayama later expressed his desire to see the Iconic SP realized, fueling speculation among enthusiasts. The production confirmation brings us one step closer to making this vision a reality.
The Iconic SP’s final form could potentially evolve into a successor to the legendary RX-7 and RX-8 sports cars, or even take on a smaller footprint akin to the MX-5 roadster. Regardless of its final size, the production version is expected to retain the concept’s clean lines, alluring curves, and iconic pop up headlights.
In an era dominated by overstyled designs, the Iconic SP stands out as a breath of fresh air. Mazda’s commitment to the Iconic SP is evident in the meticulous attention to detail that went into its design.
Naohito Saga, the Executive Officer at Mazda’s R&D Strategy Planning Division, highlighted the painstaking research and development behind every aspect of the concept, from the positioning of the doors and tires to the seating position and visibility. This level of dedication ensures that the production version will be as impressive as the concept.
At the heart of the Iconic SP concept lies a compact dual rotor rotary engine paired with an EV drivetrain, delivering a combined output of 365 hp. Mazda’s vision for the rotary engine extends beyond performance, as it can be adapted to run on various carbon-neutral fuels, potentially reducing emissions by up to 90 percent. Additionally, the company is exploring a new technology to capture CO2 from exhaust emissions, further reinforcing its commitment to sustainability.
With technical hurdles being overcome, Mazda is poised to bring a rotary-powered project to market, potentially coinciding with the launch of the Iconic SP production version in the next few years. This exciting development marks a significant milestone for Mazda, as it continues to push the boundaries of automotive design and technology.
