Mazda’s long-awaited return to the U.S. market with a rotary sports car is officially underway. This was confirmed by the company’s CEO, Masahiro Moro when he recently sat down for an interview with Automotive News.
“We still persist in making it happen, and we are marching towards it step by step,” he said in reference to the Iconic SP concept that debuted at the Japan Mobility Show in 2023. The positive reception to the model led to it being greenlit for production. Even better, Mazda’s design chief said it was crafted with production intent, meaning it may hit roads sooner than later.
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Rotary power with an electric twist
Mazda Iconic SP doors open
Mazda
In that same interview, Moro confirmed that a new hybrid powertrain is in development, with the engine showcasing a two-rotor design.
“The rotors spin separately in different chambers with one shaft. We need to generate more electricity. Two rotors will generate more power, which is more suitable to U.S. market characteristics”.
Mazda
Mazda
This is reminiscent of the hybrid setup under the hood of the concept, which uses the engine as a generator to power the electric drivetrain. Mazda says it’s good for a combined output of 365 horsepower, which would be more than any rotary sports car produced before.
In what’s billed as a smart move by the industry, the Iconic SP would use a smaller battery, reducing weight and avoiding the energy-dense necessity required by all-electric vehicles. With charging infrastructure still catching up with reality, carmakers are doubling down on hybrids and plug-in hybrids to respond to shifting demand away from EVs. Having some form of a gas backup solution is ideal in present circumstances.
Iconic SP previews the design of future models
Mazda Iconic SP interior
Mazda
The debut of the Iconic SP concept has multiple purposes. As well as reminding the general public that it intends to build drivers’ cars, it sheds light on the direction of Mazda’s design, according to a reply that Carscoops received from Mazda USA in a past interview.
Mazda USA responded, “Iconic SP is a design study for future Mazda sports cars. Whether it’s an MX-5 Miata, or any other Mazda vehicle, the people who work at Mazda have a lot of passion for driving and encouraging others to also find that passion through the fun of driving cars that we make and will continue to make.”
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Now that we know the Iconic SP is officially destined to hit the market, it provides context into what Mazda’s design language could look like for future models, beyond the scope of the halo rotary sports car. As for whether that translates into the next-gen Miata or a standalone vehicle like the RX-7 and RX-8 that previously sold alongside the roadster, remains to be seen.
Final thoughts
Mazda Iconic SP
Mazda
For now, the signs are positive for Mazda. With attractive looks, a modern powertrain, and company passion behind the project, the Iconic SP looks to be a winner. Now I just have one question for the brand:
Will the lights pop up?