In 2018, the rotary development teaм disappeared, but as of February, it has returned.
When Mazda stopped producing the JDM-only RX-8 Spirit R in 2012, the company produced its final rotary sports vehicle. However, the development team in charge of the rotary engine wasn’t dismissed until 2018. In order to address the concerning range problems that have beset the small crossover, the rotary engine made a comeback last year as a range-extending engine in the MX-30.
During his speech at the 2024 Tokyo Auto Salon, Mazda President and CEO Katsuhiro Moro surprised everyone by revealing that a team of engineers specifically responsible for developing rotary engines will be established on February 1. Before revealing the exciting news, he conveyed his appreciation for the wonderful reception that followed the unveiling of the magnificent Iconic SP concept.
The chief of Mazda implied that the high-performance coupe was real: “I am extremely delighted and touched by all the encouragement and support I have received for the compact sports car concept.” I want to thank each and every one of you now. To get closer to this dream, we are forming a development group for rotary engines on February 1st with your encouragement.
To overcome the challenges presented by the carbon-neutral era, engineers specializing in rotary engines, possessing a broad technical perspective that transcends the boundaries of engine types and encompasses cutting-edge internal combustion engine technology, are regrouping. Trained as users of model-based development, these engineers aim to navigate the complexities of this transition and usher in a new era of relentless innovation.
Although the journey ahead is not without its challenges, the hope is to collectively advance into a new chapter marked by insatiable determination and continuous exploration.
A significant portion of Katsuhiro Moro’s speech centered around the Iconic SP, with a particular emphasis on its rotary engine behaving more like a generator rather than directly powering the wheels. Technical specifications for the Iconic SP were revealed during the press conference, highlighting dimensions such as a length of 164.5 inches (4180 millimeters), width of 72.8 inches (1850 mm), and height of 45.2 inches (1150 mm). The vehicle boasts a wheelbase of 101.9 inches (2590 mm) and a curb weight of 3,196 pounds (1450 kilograms), providing a glimpse into its physical attributes.
Top Mazda executives compared the iconic SP to a Porsche 911 and described it as a twin-rotor compact sports car with 365 horsepower and “top notch” performance. He continued by saying there is enough room in the stunning coupe for two passengers and their belongings. Drive home “with a smile on your face” instead of experiencing the “inconvenience” of an electric sports vehicle, which could cause range anxiety.
Chief Designer Masashi Nakayaмa hinted that there wouldn’t be any packing restrictions when he claimed the concept “could easily be shrunk down to Miata-like proportions.” Furthermore, we are aware that the combustion engine has been developed to run on hydrogen, biofuels, and even liquified petroleum gas (LPG) in addition to gasoline.
Regarding the name of the concept, Iconic SP is a deliriously strong contender to provide a clear link to the MX-5 and the long-gone RX. Logic dictates that if a production version is to come, it won’t be unveiled before 2026, as Mazda is only now developing a new rotary engine technology.
