Mazda Concept Reveals a Rotary-Hybrid Sports Car

Mazda has recently unveiled its latest sports car concept, the Iconic SP, which is a hybrid rotary-engined vehicle. This concept was first teased a year ago as the “Vision Study Model,” leading some to speculate that it could be an early look at an electric MX-5 Miata. However, the Iconic SP is actually larger than the famous Mazda roadster. The car has been introduced ahead of the 2023 Tokyo auto show.

While Mazda hasn’t released many details about the Iconic SP, the automaker has shared some dimensions of the vehicle. The concept measures 164.6 inches in length, 72.8 inches in width, and 45.3 inches in height, with a wheelbase of nearly 102 inches. The size of the car is significantly larger than that of a Miata, with a 10-inch increase in length, a four-inch increase in width, and a three-inch decrease in height. Additionally, the wheelbase is 11 inches longer, and the car weighs about 850 pounds more than a Miata, tipping the scales at 3197 pounds.

The Iconic SP’s powertrain consists of a hybrid system that combines an unspecified number of electric motors with a twin-rotor rotary engine. According to Mazda, the rotary engine is used for power generation, which suggests that it acts as a range extender that charges the battery, rather than directly driving the wheels. This setup is similar to the one used in the MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV, which was unveiled earlier this year for global markets, with a single-rotor engine serving as a battery generator.

Mazda’s Iconic SP runs on a carbon-neutral fuel, but it is also capable of burning various fuels such as hydrogen. The car’s powertrain can produce up to 365 horsepower, which should make it quite speedy. Additionally, the concept can act as a power supply, allowing appliances to run while spending time outdoors or in the event of a power outage.

The car has been designed for customers who are looking for a vehicle that embodies the joy of driving. Mazda has focused on achieving a low center of gravity and a 50:50 weight distribution. The hood sits low between the front fenders, thanks to the compact rotary engine, and the bodywork is notably smooth in appearance, similar to a piece of seaglass that has been polished by waves for generations. The front of the car features a version of Mazda’s signature smiling grille, which sits below what appears to be popup LED headlights.Mazda’s Iconic SP runs on a carbon-neutral fuel, but it is also capable of burning various fuels such as hydrogen. The car’s powertrain can produce up to 365 horsepower, which should make it quite speedy. Additionally, the concept can act as a power supply, allowing appliances to run while spending time outdoors or in the event of a power outage.

The car has been designed for customers who are looking for a vehicle that embodies the joy of driving. Mazda has focused on achieving a low center of gravity and a 50:50 weight distribution. The hood sits low between the front fenders, thanks to the compact rotary engine, and the bodywork is notably smooth in appearance, similar to a piece of seaglass that has been polished by waves for generations. The front of the car features a version of Mazda’s signature smiling grille, which sits below what appears to be popup LED headlights.

The cabin of the Iconic SP is simplistic, featuring a small screen to the right of the steering wheel and a series of sliders located on the center console. The interior surfaces of the car appear to be upholstered with a luxurious-looking suede, and a small digital gauge that displays a track map of the Monaco Grand Prix circuit and a g-force meter is located behind the steering wheel. The concept is painted in a vivid shade called Viola Red, which matches the red stitching on the inside.

It’s unclear what the Iconic SP represents, given that it is significantly larger than the Miata and features a powertrain that is radically different from the MX-5’s 2.0-liter inline-four. However, Mazda’s Tokyo auto show exhibit will showcase a variety of Miata models.

Mazda has already announced that the Miata will be electrified to some extent in its next generation, so it’s possible that the rotary-hybrid setup seen in the Iconic SP could become a reality. Regardless, the concept is a reassuring look into a future where Mazda will remain committed to producing small, light sports cars.

Photo Source: Mazda Newsroom