Mazda's Chief Technology Officer, Ryuichi Umeshita, has confirmed that the ICONIC SP will feature a rotary engine, positioning it above the MX-5 in Mazda's lineup. He highlighted that the ICONIC SP can be expected to serve as an excellent successor to the legendary RX-7.
First unveiled at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show (formerly the Tokyo Motor Show), the Mazda ICONIC SP concept car was initially speculated to preview the next-generation MX-5. It has now been confirmed that the ICONIC SP will coexist with the MX-5 in Mazda's lineup.
Exterior Design: The ICONIC SP retains Mazda's signature shield-shaped front grille, complemented by a smooth and flowing hood design. The side profile features near butterfly-style doors, while the rear design incorporates crescent-shaped taillights and a central illuminated logo, giving the vehicle a modern, electrified aesthetic.
Dimensions: The ICONIC SP measures 164.5 inches (approximately 4178 mm) in length, 72.8 inches (approximately 1849 mm) in width, and 45.2 inches (approximately 1148 mm) in height, with a wheelbase of 102 inches (2591 mm). Its estimated weight is around 1.45 tons (1450 kg), making it 26.4 cm longer and 11.9 cm wider than the current ND-generation MX-5.
Interior: Inside, the ICONIC SP adopts a two-door, two-seat layout. The concept car's interior showcases quality materials, including a suede-wrapped dashboard with a soft-touch feel and a central touchscreen embedded within a wraparound console design.
Powertrain: The Mazda ICONIC SP features a dual-rotor internal combustion engine that functions as a generator to power its battery system, delivering an electric motor output of 365 horsepower. For enthusiasts of traditional driving, Mazda is reportedly exploring a pure gasoline version where the rotary engine directly drives the wheels. The ICONIC SP is expected to be priced at over $50,000, potentially exceeding $60,000.
2024 Mazda MX-5
Release Timeline: The ICONIC SP will be introduced ahead of the next-generation MX-5. According to Mazda's Global Design Chief, Masashi Nakayama, the current MX-5 will remain in production for a few more years. The next-generation MX-5 is anticipated to inherit certain design elements from the ICONIC SP and may feature Mazda's newly developed Skyactiv-Z engine, along with a six-speed manual transmission, rear-wheel drive, and lightweight construction.