Mazda knows how to hit absolute dingers when it comes to concept cars, and its new Iconic SP concept sports car that was revealed at the Japan Mobility Show is no different. It may not be the next-generation Miata many were looking for, but this bad boy pulls a lot of inspiration from the third-generation FD RX-7 that we all know and love.
That inspiration is more than just skin deep, though. That’s right, buddy. The Iconic SP has a rotary engine. We don’t know too much yet, and obviously grain of salt, but according to Mazda, the coupe is would be powered by a twin-rotor hybrid engine that can provide off-board power. That seems to suggest the Iconic SP could be a plug-in hybrid, but that’s all speculation for now.
Mazda also says this powertrain is “highly scalable” and can burn fuels like hydrogen, but who knows if it’ll end up in anything else. The combined output of the setup is 364 horsepower, according to Mazda. It’s a strong number, but not gaudy like so many other sports cars of today, and it would weigh a tick under 3,200 pounds. There’s no word on how that power is split between the engine and electric motor(s), or what wheels it is powering.
In terms of styling, it’s hard to argue that this thing isn’t – at its core – a modern take on the FD RX-7. The hidden door handles, bubbly rear glass, circular taillights and pop-up headlights(!!!) are a dead giveaway. In terms of size, it’s actually right in between the Mazda RX-8 and the current Miata – about 10 inches shorter than the former and 10 inches longer than the latter. Oh, and just for an added bit of fun, it looks like it has swan doors like an Aston Martin. Why not?
The inside of the Iconic SP is still very concept car-ish, but hey, at least it has an interior! It’s very minimalistic and driver-centric, exactly what you’d expect from a Mazda sports car. There’s not much going on besides the gauge cluster and a small infotainment screen. A warning to purists: the Iconic SP has some sort of automatic transmission with paddle shifters based on interior shots. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but what did you really expect?
“Mazda will always deliver vehicles that remind people that cars are pure joy and an indelible part of their lives. As a car-loving company that mass-produces the inspiring mobility experience, we are committed to shaping the future with our partners sharing the same goals, as well as our fans, where everyone can proudly say, ‘we love cars,’” Masahiro Moro, Mazda’s President and CEO said in a statement. “With such a strong will, Mazda is committed to enriching life-in-motion for those we serve.”
Moro goes on to say that Mazda will continue to have the “joy of driving” as its core value to go along with a “human centric” driving philosophy. That doesn’t sound too bad to me.
