Mazda is preparing a gorgeous Iconic SP sports car concept for production
By ForGeeks Mazda has made it clear that its stunning Iconic SP sports car concept, unveiled at last year’s Japan Mobility Show, could make it into production. According to Mazda’s chief designer Masashi Nakayama, the Iconic SP has been developed with the possibility of going into production, which comes as a real surprise to fans of the brand.
New direction for Mazda sports cars
Iconic SP is not just a demonstration of the new Miata. The concept points to a new direction for Mazda’s sports car development and pays tribute to the iconic RX-7 FD. In an article published by Mazda, Nakayama noted that the car is designed with the goal of becoming a production model in the foreseeable future. While this statement is not a confirmation, it shows the company’s serious intent.
So far, it’s not a confirmation.
«This concept is not just a showpiece,»” Nakayama said. «It is designed with a specific goal —to become a production model.» However, it remains unclear how close the production version is to the concept model and when it might be unveiled.
And when it might be unveiled.
Size and electric transformation: what to expect from the future Miata?”
.
In an interview last year, Nakayama mentioned that the Iconic SP is purposely designed larger than the current Miata, and its name was chosen so as not to be associated with a specific Mazda model. While the car’s design could be scaled down to the Miata’s dimensions, the Iconic SP looks like a coupe, while the future Miata will likely remain a convertible with the option of a rigid roof.
An interview last year, Nakayama mentioned that the Iconic SP will be a convertible with the option of a rigid roof.
The new Miata will be electrified, but it’s unknown what type of electrification will be used. Possible options include a 48-volt mild hybrid system or an all-electric car, though Mazda is expected to choose the former. The Iconic SP concept utilizes a hybrid setup with a rotary engine as a generator to charge a lithium-ion battery. The electric motor provides 365 horsepower, according to the concept’s specs.
An electric motor is expected to produce 365 horsepower, according to the concept’s specs.
Development details and motor location
Mazda Research Division head Naohito Saga emphasized that the Iconic SP was created with a special attention to detail. «Standing next to the car, you can imagine what kind of engine is under the hood,»” said Saga. «The more time you spend with the car, the more it reveals to you. During the development phase, everything from door and tire position to vehicle length and visibility was carefully considered to achieve the final specification.»
Saga said.
This confirms that the engine will likely be located up front, behind the rear axle, as in Mazda’s previous rotary sports models. Importantly, the Iconic SP rotary engine is capable of running on synthetic and environmentally friendly fuels.
The Iconic SP and Mazda’s perspectives on the world of sporty EVs
Mazda not only showcased a great design, but also introduced a new approach to building electric sports cars. This is not just a concept, but an example of Mazda’s commitment to future technology and sustainable solutions. Fans of the brand hope that the Iconic SP will become a production model and allow Mazda to offer a new take on electric sports cars.
