The Mazda Iconic SP concept car may serve as a preview for a potential production model, according to statements from Mazda executives. Mazda’s design chief stated that the Iconic SP will be released in the “not-too-distant future.” Even though comments were made, no official production schedule was given. We’ll have to wait and see if the interesting idea is implemented. The car industry was shocked when Mazda showed off the Iconic SP concept at the Japan Mobility Show, which used to be called the Tokyo Motor Show. We were surprised to see that Mazda seemed more committed than we thought to make the beautiful concept car based on the FD RX-7. Automobile magazine and Carscoops say that Masashi Nakayama, who is in charge of designing cars at Mazda, said in an interview that “this concept is not just one of those empty show cars.” “It was actually intended to be a production model in the not-too-distant future.” Of course, Mazda has said many things in the past about new products that never actually come out. There has been a long-held belief that the rotary engine will come back. In other countries, Mazda sells the MX-30 with a rotary engine that can also be used as a generator. However, the company broke its promise to bring the rotary engine to the US. But Mazda’s account of the Iconic SP makes us feel good. Naohito Saga, responsible for planning Mazda’s R&D strategy, says, “When standing next to the car, you should be able to imagine what kind of engine is under the hood.” We put a lot of effort into making this concept car. The car is something you’ll learn more about as you look into it. Saga is talking about a rotating engine with two rotors and a hybrid electric system that can make 365 horsepower. Mazda says that this small but strong powertrain can run on carbon-neutral fuels, which takes away worries about the pollution that rotary engines produce. In order to make having a rotary engine even less of a crime, Mazda says it is testing new technology that will absorb CO2 from exhaust emissions. The rest of the car was made with clear production goals in mind, but carbon-neutral fuels and carbon capture will likely be hard to make happen if the Iconic SP comes to life. Before the final specifications were determined, Saga noted, “everything was carefully researched in the development process, from the position of the doors and tires to the length of the vehicle, the seating position of the occupants, and visibility.” “It truly demonstrates our desire to create a vehicle that embodies Mazda’s commitment to the future, particularly with regard to sustainability and the potential applications of our rotary engine technology.” All of this sounds good, but Mazda didn’t give us any specifics or a schedule, so we’ll have to wait for the next piece of information that proves the Iconic SP can go into production.
