New Mazda Patent Will Please Rotor Heads
Mazda’s Iconic SP rotary powered sports car is closing in on production, and according to a patent filing in Japan its Wankel engine will be much more than just a range-extender for an EV powertrain.
When it was first shown as a concept in 2023 it appeared that the Iconic SP would employ a similar setup to the MX-30 R-EV, with a compact rotary engine generating electricity for a trio of electric motors. In fact, says a report by Japan’s Best Car, the car’s Wankel motor will be the main source of motion for the pretty coupe.
A recent patent for a “vehicle drive system” shows a mild hybrid installation with the rotary engine mounted behind the front axle, connected to a 33-hp electric motor which then sends power via a propshaft to a rear transaxle transmission. This arrangement means that the e-motor could provide useful torque-fill for the rotary at lower engine speeds. Two further electric motors of 23-hp apiece drive the front wheels and could allow the car run in pure EV configuration without firing up the Doritos in the engine bay.
By stitching together two of the 830 cc rotary units featured in the MX-30 it is estimated that the total output would top 350 horsepower, making it the most powerful rotary road car in Mazda’s history. What’s more Mazda has proven that the rotary can run on a wide range of fuels from pump gas to bio and e-fuels, and even hydrogen, which would future proof the sports car.
Best Car reckons it will be on sale in 2026. Hopefully it will also mark a return for the RX moniker—Mazda just needs to pick a number.
Rotary’s fuel economy issues are likely not solved with a range extender. Emissions is not likely it’s friend either in this current regulatory climate. I wish them luck but I’d be happier with the inline 6 turbo motor they have in a sports car.
Even adding 20 miles of plug in range will drastically improve your CAFE MPGs and not having to idle makes it a lot easier to meet EPA rules.
The Mazda Turbo engines seem problematic. Many issues including with the valve guide seals ( recall pending). Substantial oil loss through components that should have been detected if a professional testing/quality control program was in place. Mazda seems to wish to continue introducing innovative products but unwilling/unable to pay for the necessary reliability testing. For instance the 2.5 turbo 4 motor was a response to customers asking for it over the NA version. Quick and dirty response for Sales and Marketing droids. I hate that the accountants sometimes overrule the engineers. But, once a decision is made please do the job right. Another example, the insistence on continuing with the rotary knob for controlling the infotainment system instead of swallowing the dollars and use a touch Screen. Don’t get me started on the Dealer network ……
My Miata has the combo of touch screen and knob. I like the knob, as it’s a rotary mouse, and allows easy manipulation while driving.
The car looks cool but the side view mirrors seem to be of little use. Much like using a rotary, in this application, maybe or maybe not. The specs given are too vague. Seems like ‘a forward thinking’ concept car. A sketch, nothing wrong with that. – ‘What’s More’ – we’ll find out in 26.
“Firing up the Doritos in the engine bay.” Nice.
I’d prefer styling closer to that of the RX Vision rather than the Iconic SP, but any rotary sports car from Mazda would be welcome.
Take advice from the MiataMeToo chap at Miata.net and throw this in the NF with a couple electric motors on the front wheels and a “winter height” kit to make the Miata a true four season roadster.
My Miata has the combo of touch screen and knob. I like the knob, as it’s a rotary mouse, and allows easy manipulation while driving.
It’s NOT a rotary sports car. It’s an EV with rotary assist (or extend, whatever). It will likely be of little fun. 🤷🏻♂️
350 HP sounds like ‘fun’ to me. I bought the RX7 Twin Turbo back in ’87, that was a lot of fun too.