The iconic SP sports car concept from Mazda that was unveiled at the 2023 Tokyo Auto Show may go into production very soon. In an interview, Masashi Nakayama, Mazda’s general manager of design, mentioned that the concept was designed with production in mind. He added, “It (Mazda Iconic SP) has been designed with real intent to turn it into a production model in the not-so-distant future.”
The Engine in Mazda’s Sports Car Concept
During the 2023 Japan Mobility Show, Masahiro Moro, the company’s CEO, described the Mazda Iconic SP concept as a beacon of Mazda’s “commitment to the future.” In a more recent interview, Moro revealed that the company is developing a new hybrid powertrain with two rotors. The inspiration behind that design is to cater to the American audience’s thirst for power. Moro explained that these rotors would spin separately in different chambers with one shaft, generating more electricity.
The Iconic SP’s hybrid powertrain is a refreshing change from what many had expected. While the popular choice would still be a traditional combustion (rotary) engine, Mazda chose to go with a dual-rotor engine that serves as a power generator for an electric drivetrain. This hybrid setup is expected to produce a combined output of 365 hp (272 kW/370 PS). This would be more than what the RX-7 and RX-8 models ever delivered.
Overall Appearance of Mazda’s Iconic SP
Even though Mazda did not reveal many details about the Iconic SP, the car manufacturer did mention its dimensions. The concept is 164.6 inches in length, with 72.8 inches in width. It is 45.3 inches tall and comes with a nearly 102-inch wheelbase. When compared with a Miata, the Iconic SP is 10 inches longer, four inches wider, three inches shorter, and has an 11-inch longer wheelbase.
Mazda claims that the concept is designed for customers who love to experience the “joy of driving.” It comes with a low centre of gravity and a 50:50 weight distribution. The stylish hood sits low between the front fenders because of the compact rotary engine. The bodywork is incredibly smooth. You can also find Mazda’s smiling grille just under the pop-up LED headlights.
What Does the Cabin Look Like?
The cabin in the Mazda Iconic SP looks simplistic. You can find a small screen to the right of the steering wheel. There is also a series of sliders on the centre console. In the concept images revealed by Mazda, the small digital gauge behind the steering wheel displays a track map of the Monaco Grand Prix circuit and a g-force metre.
To give the interior a premium feel, the brand has provided upholstered surfaces with a luxurious-looking suede. In the concept, we can see the body of the vehicle painted in a vivid shade called Viola Red, which matches the red stitching in the cabin.
The Hybrid Nature of the Concept
As mentioned, the hybrid rotary engine in the Mazda Iconic SP concept is more than just a smart alternative to a traditional combustion engine. It also efficiently tackles the most significant challenges in the current EV industry, i.e., weight.
By using a range-extender internal combustion engine (ICE) to generate power, Mazda can go with a smaller battery pack. This feature allows the manufacturer to reduce the weight of the vehicle and avoid the large, energy-hungry batteries found in most BEVs.
What Do We Know About the Production?
In a recent report, Mazda USA mentioned that the Iconic SP is a design study for future Mazda sports cars. While they refrained from sharing any substantial information about the production of Iconic SP, they highlighted the fact that they would continue to make fun-to-drive cars.
They also added that whether it was an MX-5 Miata or any other Mazda vehicle, the people at the company had a lot of passion for driving and encouraging others to find that passion through the cars they make.
Wrapping Up
The future of Mazda’s Iconic SP concept seems quite promising. In their statements, the Mazda officials have already hinted at their intentions of putting the concept into production soon. However, we may need to wait a bit longer to get the confirmation from the automaker.
