Stunning Mazda Iconic SP moves closer to showrooms, likely to become new MX-5

11/07/2024 07:50 PM

Mazda has moved a step closer to bringing the Iconic SP concept car to showrooms, where it is expected to transform into the next-generation MX-5.

Revealed at last year's Tokyo motor show, the Iconic SP concept is a sleek coupe with design cues from the RX-7 including pop-up headlights and a rotary engine.

While Mazda has not confirmed production plans, the brand's chief designer Masashi Nakayama said the intention has always been to bring the Iconic SP to showrooms.

"This concept is not just one of those empty show cars," he said.

"It has been designed with real intent to turn it into a production model in the not-so-distant future."

Adding fuel to the fire is Mazda's latest financial report, in which the brand announced more details on its next-generation CX-5 and the development of a new four-cylinder engine called Skyactiv Z.

Part of Mazda's near-term plans is "making smooth progress in the development of rotary engine emissions compliance", an area that the unique engine has traditionally performed poorly.

For reference, the last rotary-engine-powered vehicle available in Australia was the RX-8, discontinued in 2011, which emitted 308 grams of CO2 per kilometre.

However, the new rotary engine will be paired with an electric motor and used as a range extender, where it can – theoretically – run in optimum conditions to overcome the emissions hurdle.

MORE: Mazda Iconic SP rotary-engined hybrid sports car concept revealed

As part of the report, Mazda also has plans for a "Reinstated RE (Rotary Engine) Development Group" to kick off in February 2025.

As a reminder, the rotary range-extender set-up in the Iconic SP produces 272kW, though whether the production engine is as potent is still unclear.

While the Iconic SP clearly takes inspiration from the RX rotary sports car lineage, given its similar dimensions to the fourth-generation ND MX-5, it is likely the concept will morph into the fifth-generation roadster.

Mazda has confirmed it is exploring electrification options with the new MX-5, with a rotary range extender a potential solution to keep weight low and packaging small.

The current ND MX-5 is now in its 10th year of production, with the new version due closer to the end of the decade, which lines up with Mazda now ramping up rotary development.

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