During the Japan Mobility Show 2023, Mazda unveiled what is essentially a cross between its MX-5 Miata roadster and the “Iconic” RX-7 FD.
Aptly named the Iconic SP, the concept vehicle features a short wheel base, curvy coupé lines and a compact cabin – similar design elements of the latest Mazda Miata. Likewise, exterior cues reference the FD RX-7 such as the sloping rear window, wide hips, swooping doors and – excellently – a set of slim pop-up headlights.
The real RX-7 reference however is the powertrain – the Iconic SP utilizes a two-rotor rotary EV system, which combines both an electric drive with a “highly scalable rotary engine” capable of burning new-aged fuel alternatives, such as hydrogen. This then combines a carbon-neutral drive while maintaining an evocative-yet-smooth ICE characteristic found in rotary engined cars like the RX-7.
The concept also had projected numbers tied to it: approx. 365 horsepower in a body that weighs just under 3,200 lbs., which packages modern-day “low” weight with RX-7 power – more in fact, since the FD’s 13B rotary Wankel engine output only 276 hp at most. A low center of gravity and 50/50 weight distribution evokes ‘the joy of driving’ – an ethos Mazda prides for the concept.
No production details or projections have been revealed.
In other automotive news, we got an exclusive sneak peek at the Honda portable, folding Motocompacto scooter.
