Mazda has pulled the wraps off a surprise new sports car. The Iconic SP concept uses a plug-in hybrid drivetrain with a rotary engine – and strongly hints at the next-generation MX-5, due in 2026.
Revealed at the Japan Mobility Show in Tokyo, the Iconic SP combines a range-extending rotary petrol engine with an electric motor and a generator – a similar set-up to that used by the Mazda MX-30 R-EV.
However, the Iconic SP’s 390hp output is more than twice that of the MX-30 crossover. And while Mazda doesn’t quote any performance figures, a kerb weight of 1,450kg would make this curvaceous coupe quicker than any MX-5 to-date. We’d expect an electric-only range of at least 40 miles, too.
Isn’t it Iconic, don’t you think?
One key difference between the Iconic SP and MX-5 is that the concept car is mid-engined. This creates a low centre of gravity to ‘deliver excellent driving performance’. It also allows for a plunging bonnet and wedgy profile, helping both aerodynamics and aesthetics.
At 4,180mm long and 1,850mm wide, the Iconic SP is closer in size to the third-generation (1992-2002) Mazda RX-7 than any MX-5. However, Mazda CEO Masahiro Moro clearly made the connection between this concept and his company’s evergreen sports car.
“We love the MX-5, and the world loves the MX-5,” said Moro. “We are determined in the age of electrification to keep the joy of driving which the MX-5 represents alive, and the Mazda Iconic SP, with its dual-rotary power generator EV powertrain, is our dream solution. A dream we will work hard to launch.”
Keeping the 5 alive
Speaking of the Mazda MX-5, a facelifted version of the current car also debuted in Tokyo. It features new LED headlamps that now incorporate the daytime running lights, along with redesigned LED rear light lenses. Inside, the 2024 MX-5 has a larger 8.8-inch touchscreen, updated instrument panel and additional USB-C ports.
While the 132hp 1.5-litre and 184hp 2.0-litre engines remain unchanged, the MX-5 also comes with a new asymmetric limited-slip differential, plus a track driving mode for its electronic stability control. The former varies slip-limiting force between acceleration and deceleration, while the latter allows for greater drift angles before the electronics intervene.
Prices and specifications have yet to be announced, but the 2024 Mazda MX-5 will arrive in UK showrooms next March.
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