Mazda Iconic SP: a harbinger of the new MX-5 with a hybrid power plant based on RPD

One of the most striking premieres of the Japan Mobility Show 2023, which opened today in Tokyo, was the Mazda Iconic SP concept coupe in bright red Viola Red with a detailed design and a power plant that has no analogues on the market.

Renders of the Mazda Iconic SP were shown back in November last year, when Mazda announced its updated development strategy, and today it took place in Tokyo live premiere of this sports car, interior design and some technical details are revealed. Alas, there is no official confirmation of the hopes of Mazda fans that the Iconic SP is the forerunner of the new generation MX-5, but, firstly, Mazda representatives have repeatedly said that the history of the MX-5 will continue in any case, and secondly, The level of detail in the Iconic SP clearly indicates that a production version is just around the corner.

The Iconic SP concept in Tokyo was personally presented by the new Mazda CEO Masahiro Moro, he said that driving pleasure remains one of the key values company, so there will always be a place for sports cars in its lineup. Mazda Iconic SP is slightly longer, wider and lower than the current fourth generation MX-5, the overall length of the concept is 4180 mm, width — 1850 mm, height — 1150 mm, wheelbase — 2590 mm.

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The power plant of the Iconic SP is a hybrid, its heart is a two-section rotary piston engine (RPE) installed in the center of the car. The RPD rotates a generator, which generates electricity and stores it in a battery to power the electric motor. That is, the Iconic SP is a range extender hybrid of a sequential type, like the serial Mazda MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV cross-coupe that debuted earlier this year, but the cross-coupe has a single-section RPD.

The stated output of the Mazda Iconic SP power plant is 370 hp with a curb weight of 1450 kg. Ideal weight distribution (50/50) should contribute to good handling. The detailed layout of the concept has not been declassified, but we have no doubt that it has rear-wheel drive. The battery is most likely located in the central tunnel and partially behind the seats of the driver and the only passenger.

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The interior of the concept is quite “commercial”; it is made in the spirit of driver minimalism and is upholstered in environmentally friendly faux suede. Behind the beautiful, plump steering wheel we see paddle shifters, which apparently regulate the regenerative power of the power plant. The multimedia screen is organically integrated into the front panel, rather than floating above it like a tablet. The transmission mode selector on the central tunnel is made in the form of four pedal keys, like a classic accordion. The power plant start button is touch-sensitive.

Mazda Motor Corporation CEO Masahiro Moro next to the Mazda Iconic SP concept

When the Iconic SP will turn into a production model, one can only guess for now — probably in the next couple of years, because its technical filling, in fact, is already ready and is fundamentally no different from that of the serial Mazda MX cross-coupe -30 e-Skyactiv R-EV. Mazda's new RPD has a modular design; it can have any number of sections; it can be powered not only by gasoline, but also by purified synthetic fuel, as well as hydrogen. In general, the prospects for this RPD are quite distant and extensive; we can see it not only in sports cars.