Revealed in the days leading up to the 2023 Tokyo Motor Show (now officially the Japan Mobility Show), the Mazda Iconic SP Concept may represent the Future of the maker’s sporty MX-5 Miata sports car.
The Iconic SP is about 10 inches longer than the Miata, and rides on a 102-inch wheel base. The real change, however is found under the hood.
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Mazda Iconic SP Concept
The Iconic SP is powered by a 2-rotor Wankel engine located aft of the passenger compartment. The rotary engine, per Mazda, can be powered by any of a number of fuels, including hydrogen. Even more interesting, the engine does not directly power the Iconic SP, but instead drives a generator which provides electricity to an electric motor, which we assume is on the rear axle.
This serial hybrid system is similar to Nissan’s e-Power system, which is employed in a number of small vehicles sold outside of the U.S.
All of this drivetrain equipment does take a toll on weight, and the Iconic SP checks in about 800 pounds heavier than the current-generation MX-5 Miata.
Per Mazda President and CEO, Masahiro Moro, “We love the MX-5, and the world loves the MX-5. We are determined in the age of electrification to keep the joy of driving which the MX-5 represents alive, and the Mazda Iconic SP, with its dual-rotary power generator EV powertrain, is our dream solution.”
Though the concept reportedly looks ready for production, no word has been given regarding a timeline for production, assuming the Iconic SP is destined for production.
CG Says:
Given the MX-Miata’s relatively low production numbers, we find it difficult to believe that a mid-engine, multi-fuel, serial-hybrid replacement for the beloved sports car is imminent. The drivetrain upgrades along would likely add $10,000 to the car’s base price, putting it out of reach of many—likely most—affordable sports-car shoppers.
Mazda does seem hell-bent on building something powered by a rotary engine, so we wouldn’t be surprised to see limited production of a larger vehicle, perhaps the maker’s CX-90, powered by an advanced drivetrain on the order of the one being featured in the Iconic SP.
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Mazda Iconic SP Concept Gallery
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