Mazda Motor Corp. unveiled at the Japan Mobility Show organized by the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association a concept that it says is a new type of compact sports car. The beautifully simple Iconic SP shown in Viola Red was designed to adapt to the new era for customers who “love cars.” In marketing speak, it fits into the company strategy as it continues to pursue the “Joy of Driving” under its core value of “Human Centric” and aims to deliver the “Joy of Living” by creating moving experiences in customers’ daily lives.

“Mazda will always deliver vehicles that remind people that cars are pure joy and an indispensable part of their lives,” said Masahiro Moro, Mazda’s Representative Director, President and CEO. “As a car-loving company that mass-produces the inspiring mobility experience, we are committed to shaping the future with our partners sharing the same goal, as well as our fans, where everyone can proudly say, ‘we love cars.’“

The Iconic SP is a development of the Mazda Vision Study Model shown in November 2022 when the company announced updates to its management policy up to 2030 focused on spending ¥1.5 trillion on accelerating the electrification of its fleet and renewing its commitment to achieving carbon neutrality in all its operations by 2050.

The new concept is meant to channel an enthusiast perennial favorite, the MX-5 Miata. It was on display at the Japan Mobility Show with the Mazda brand icon, an upgrade of the fourth-generation model with new LED headlights and rear lights along with changes to the interior to further enhance the driving experience.

“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,” said Moro. “A dream we will work hard to launch.”

Compared to the MX-5, the Iconic SP is 265 mm (10.5 in) longer at 4180 vs. 3915 mm (164.6 vs. 154.1 in); 120 mm (4.7 in) wider at 1850 vs. 1730 mm (72.8 vs. 68.1 in); and 85 mm (3.3 in) lower at 1150 vs. 1235 mm (45.3 vs. 48.6 in). The concept’s wheelbase is 280 mm (11.1 in) longer at 2590 vs. 2310 mm (102.0 vs. 90.9-in). Its total mass is 489-370 kg (1078-816 lb) heavier at 1450 vs. 961-1080 kg (3197 vs. 2119-2381 lb).

The high output generated by the two-rotor rotary EV system, the proportions of the lower center of gravity, and the weight distribution of around 50:50 are said to enable excellent driving performance. In addition, the sports car can supply power to external devices and equipment.

The Iconic SP’s compact powertrain system produces 370 PS (272 kW). It is said to offer a high degree of layout flexibility, and the concept’s “framework” mounts the lightweight and compact rotary engine in the center of the car.

The car’s powertrain borrows its approach from the recently launched MX-30 R-EV. The concept’s batteries are charged by a “recyclable energy source” and a two-rotor rotary engine generates power using a “carbon-neutral” fuel such as hydrogen.

Mazda announced in June the start of production of the European model of the MX-30 R-EV, marking its first rotary engine vehicle in 11 years since the RX-8 was discontinued in 2012. The company developed the new type 8C rotary engine to work as a generator and positioned it on the same axle as a high-output motor and generator. It pairs the compact electric power unit with a 17.8-kW·h lithium-ion battery pack and a 50-L (13.2-gal) gas tank to achieve the unique series plug-in hybrid system.

All of the MX-30 R-EV’s power is funneled through electric drive motors for an 85-km (53-mi) battery-electric driving range on the European WLTP test cycle in EV drive mode. This is said to be sufficient for a range of everyday driving needs with the rotary engine generating additional power to extend the driving distance.