It has been nearly two years since Mazda captured global attention with the reveal of the Iconic SP concept at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show. Draped in a striking Viola Red and sporting retro-futuristic curves reminiscent of the legendary RX-7, the coupe stirred up a storm of speculation: Was this the long-awaited successor to the Miata? Or perhaps something more powerful and spiritual—an RX-7 reborn?

As it turns out, Mazda has bigger plans than just redesigning its beloved MX-5. The Iconic SP is not the next Miata, but rather a rotary-powered sports car positioned above it, set to potentially revive the performance DNA of the RX-7 for a new era of enthusiasts.

Two Legends, Two Lanes

According to Mazda’s Chief Technical Officer Ryuichi Umeshita, the fifth-generation Miata is still on the way, and it will stay true to its roots: lightweight, affordable, naturally aspirated, and offered with a manual transmission. A future Skyactiv Z gas engine, compliant with stricter emissions rules, will ensure the MX-5 maintains its purity while embracing regulation-ready evolution. Even the design will subtly incorporate elements from the Iconic SP, blending heritage with the company’s future design language.

The Iconic SP, on the other hand, is shaping up to be a different beast entirely. Measuring 164.5 inches in length and riding on a 102-inch wheelbase, it’s significantly larger and wider than the Miata—hinting at grander ambitions. Mazda confirmed the Iconic SP will not wear the Cosmo badge, despite its rotary roots, but did suggest it could follow the lineage of the RX-7. A new name, possibly RX-9, is still under consideration.

The Heart of a Rotary

At the center of this revolution is Mazda’s new dual-rotor rotary engine, acting as a generator in the SP’s hybrid powertrain. Combined with an electric motor, the concept produces 365 horsepower, giving it more than enough muscle to fill the RX-7’s shoes. This rotary range-extender system is a more powerful, emissions-compliant successor to the unit originally found in the Mazda MX-30—which never made it to U.S. shores due to regulatory challenges.

Umeshita confirmed that the upcoming powertrain will meet U.S. emissions standards. More intriguingly, Mazda is exploring a version where the rotary engine drives the wheels directly, something we haven’t seen since the RX-8 ended production in 2012.

While a fully electric Iconic SP remains technically feasible, Mazda has ruled it out—for now. Instead, the company is focusing on refining rotary combustion technology to use not just gasoline, but also oxygen, hydrogen, and other alternative fuels, making the SP both futuristic and flexible.

A Business Case in the Making

Despite technological readiness, the biggest hurdle remains the business case. Mazda is still determining when and how to bring the Iconic SP to market. A launch before 2026 is unlikely, but the rotary engine will be technically ready “soon,” and it will pass U.S. regulations.

Mazda’s long-term strategy involves a flexible EV platform, expected by 2027, that can house various powertrains—including rotary hybrids. In partnership with Panasonic, Mazda is planning a homegrown EV lineup, but in the case of the SP, the rotary engine is central to its identity.

According to Jeff Guyton, Mazda’s CFO, the rotary engine is “part of the soul of the company.” A dedicated team of engineers—some veterans of RX-7 and RX-8 development—are working to ensure its legacy continues in a sustainable, modern way.

Mazda’s Two-Sports-Car Future

If Mazda follows through, enthusiasts will be treated to a dual-offering: the lightweight, agile Miata and the more powerful, futuristic Iconic SP. Together, they will represent two sizes of joy for driving purists.

Mazda is also nurturing nostalgia. The company has established a classic restoration program in Hiroshima, currently focusing on first-generation MX-5s. There are whispers of similar treatment for the RX-7—pending parts availability.

For now, fans must wait as Mazda carefully balances passion, regulation, and profitability. But with the Miata’s legacy secure and the Iconic SP inching toward production, the next chapter in Mazda’s storied performance history looks as promising as ever.

Source: Motor Trend

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