Rotary Reborn: Iconic SP Heads for Production

【PCauto】Mazda's Chief Technology Officer Ryoji Mezawa recently stated in a media interview that the Iconic SP launched at last year's Tokyo Motor Show is the successor to the legendary RX-7. This model, featuring a rotary range-extender hybrid system, is expected to potentially enter production in the future, forming a dual sports car lineup together with the next-generation MX-5.

Iconic SP's Rotary Engine Will Serve as Range Extender

Iconic SP is be equipped with a plug-in hybrid system, with a dual-rotary engine serving as the range extender, generating electricity to power the electric motor. This system delivers 365 horsepower, doubling the output of the current MX-5's 181 horsepower.  

Notably, Mazda engineers are also considering developing a direct-drive version of the rotary engine, marking the first return of a rotary engine in a direct-drive configuration since the discontinuation of the RX-8 in 2012.

Iconic SP Will Perform Better than MX-5

The dimensions of Iconic SP are:

Length: 4180mm

Width: 1850mm

Height: 1150mm

Wheelbase: 2590mm

Compared with the current MX-5 (length: 3915mm), the dimensions of Iconic SP are 265mm longer, 120mm wider, and 84mm lower, providing a more sporty look.

Masashi Nakayama, Mazda's Global Design Director, emphasized that the Iconic SP will remain two-seat layout, creating a clear distinction from MX-5: the MX-5 will continue to focus on developing lightweight convertible, while the Iconic SP will position itself as a higher-performance GT sports car.

Iconic SP May Share Next-Gen MX-5 Platform

Although Iconic SP may share the platform of Next-Gen MX-5, their powertrain systems are entirely independent. The production timeline indicates that Iconic SP will enter the market earlier than the next-generation MX-5, which is expected to continue its current model lifecycle for several more years. In terms of pricing, the expected starting price of Iconic SP is $50,000–60,000 (approximately RM240,000–290,000), significantly higher than the current MX-5's base price of $38,700.

Challenges in Rotary Engine's Historic Comeback

As Mazda's first rotary sports car since the discontinuation of the RX-8 in 2012, Iconic SP faces dual challenges: it must inherit the traditional advantages of the rotary engine's high rev capability and compact size while addressing longstanding issues of fuel consumption and durability.

The range-extender hybrid solution it adopts allows the rotary engine to operate consistently within its most efficient range, making it a balanced approach that complies with regulations while delivering performance.  

Regarding the rotary engine, Hiroshi Inoue, Mazda's head of technical department, once stated: "The rotary engine is our soul." With the Iconic SP's production plans advancing, Mazda, known for focusing on technology development, is attempting to revive rotary engine in this electrification era. For car enthusiasts, 2024 may mark the most significant return of the rotary engine after more than a decade of silence.