Rotor-heads rejoice! Mazda unveils Iconic SP sports car
It’s a combination that Mazda fans have long yearned for: Mazda has just revealed a Miata with a rotary engine.
Before you get too excited there are some caveats. Firstly the Iconic SP is just a concept, secondly it’s a coupe not a roadster, so not a “true” Miata, and thirdly the twin-rotor motor is married to an electric powertrain in a similar setup to the MX-30 R EV. It retains rear-drive, but loses the marvellous manual transmission that’s always been a Miata trademark.
Mazda claims that it will “deliver a highly scalable engine with a flexible layout and the ability to burn a variety of fuels, including hydrogen, making it a Mazda-unique technology that is ideal for sports car packages.”
The powertrain is good for a combined 370-hp and the Iconic SP tips the scales at under 3200 lbs. No performance figures have been quoted but those kind of numbers would go far beyond typical Miata territory. It’s also bigger than any Miata at 164 inches in length and 73 inches in width.
The cabin is Mazda-minimalist in design, but a closer look reveals controls for a host of drive-enhancing features from regenerative braking adjustment paddles to a g-meter, launch control and customizable suspension and aerodynamics.
Taking the wraps off the car at the Japan Mobility Show Mazda President and CEO, Masahiro Moro said, “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. A dream we will work hard to launch. Mazda will always deliver vehicles that remind people that cars are pure joy and an indispensable part of their lives.”
Until this dream comes true Miata enthusiasts will have to make do with a mildly-refreshed version of the world’s most popular roadster. The 2024 model, which was also on Mazda’s stand, has new LED headlamps, revised tail lights and a tweaked interior.
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The fact that it’s a coupe is a plus in my book. I much prefer that for a sporty/fun/track car. The size looks to be somewhere between Miata and RX-7 which is also a plus.
Agree with both points.
I also like the “simple interior” approach.
IF THEY BUILD IT. . . IT WILL SELL!!!
This could be interesting. I would like a coupe with their new inline 6 myself.
When the presenter was standing next to the car, it looks tiny, kei car tiny. Even if those were to go into production, this would never see a NA release at that size. And I’m not sure comparing it to a Miata is a valid comparison.
I had the RX-7 (last model) in this red and it was gorgeous, and it performed beautifully with its rotary twin turbo. However, two major problems – the rotary engine crapped out at about 40,000 miles (just like previous RX-7), Mazda sold my warranty, and it took a year before I could get a free replacement engine. The second major issue at about the same time the engine compression ratio went to zippo was the paint fading. This SP is a hot looking car but the only way I would consider it is to be absolutely sure both problems have been resolved.