Mazda Iconic SP rotary sports car heading for production
Global Mazda boss confirms establishment of rotary engine development group for all-new performance carsThe prayers of Mazda fans worldwide are closer to being answered with confirmation from the Japanese car-maker that a new “rotary engine development group” will be launched soon – widely tipped to be a catalyst for a new flagship rotary-powered sports car.
But before brap parishioners get too excited, the long-awaited return of a rotary sports car from Mazda is set to forego a full rotary powertrain for a development of the twin-motor electric drive set-up as seen in the 2023 Mazda Iconic SP concept, where the rotary acts as a high-performance generator.
The announcement was made by none other than Mazda president and CEO Katsuhiro Moro, who said the new rotary engine development group would be launched on February 1.
He also described the Iconic SP as “a solution that fits the times”.
“The Mazda Iconic SP … provides a solution that shows that cars are great and fun,” he said.
“This unique system, which uses a two-rotor rotary engine as a generator, can be used as a BEV powered by a motor and battery, and you can enjoy using electricity freely when you go out.
“With everyone’s support, we will launch a rotary engine development group on February 1 in order to move closer to this dream.”
No timeline was given for the project, but Moro’s enthusiasm bodes well for Mazda fans waiting for a new electrified sports car.
The twin-motor electric drive system produces a V8-poaching 272kW in the relatively lightweight 1450kg Iconic SP, yielding a healthy power-to-weight ratio of 186kW per tonne.
Combine that with all-paw traction and the immediate torque delivery of electric motors, and the new Mazda sports car should easily be capable of a sub-5.0sec 0-100km/h sprint.
“We want to fully enjoy the joy of having a car!” Moro said.
“Cars are fun, and it’s great to go out, and I want to spread that positive feeling among everyone.”
Word is the technology will be almost infinitely scalable and therefore applicable to future generations of the Mazda MX-5, as well as other performance-oriented offerings like high-end SUVs and hot hatches.
Very little is known about the production-spec Iconic SP’s platform or the more intimate details of its powertrain, however reports out of Japan in 2022 suggested Mazda was leveraging the battery-electric nous of Toyota’s GR division and developing a car off the back of an upcoming Toyota EV, albeit with a range-extender rather than a high-density (and heavy) battery pack.
Related: TOKYO MOTOR SHOW: Iconic SP previews electric Mazda MX-5
Related: TOKYO MOTOR SHOW: Electrified Mazda MX-5 concept teased
Related: Next Mazda MX-5 previewed with wild concept
Related: Mazda rotary sports car linked to Toyota GR
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