Mazda revealed a new concept car called the Iconic SP in Japan on Wednesday. This new show car showcases a unique two-rotor rotary EV system that can burn various fuels such as hydrogen, as well as generate electricity with carbon-neutral fuel. Mazda says it's designed purely for those who love cars and the joy of driving.
To help achieve the goal of an exceptional driving experience, Mazda sought to design the Iconic SP with a low center of gravity. The rotary engine is lightweight and compact which allows it to be mounted low. Mazda also seeks a perfect 50:50 weight distribution with this new car to further enhance the handling and driving pleasure.
“Mazda will always deliver vehicles that remind people that cars are pure joy and an indispensable part of their lives," said Mazda CEO Masahiro Moro. "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.' With such a strong will, Mazda is committed to enrich life-in-motion for those we serve.”
The two-rotor rotary EV system will not power the wheels directly, but instead, act as a power extender. It will also act as a power supply to run appliances should you decide to take the car off the grid for a vacation. According to Mazda, it can provide enough power to sustain a family for more than a week.
With the interior Mazda took a minimalistic approach. There is a simple three-spoke steering wheel with a digital screen behind it and another small screen to the right of it. There are four switches on the center tunnel that have a design that invokes a gated manual shifter. The surfaces appear to be covered in an Alcantara-like material.
Even the color chosen for the concept car was not taken lightly. It is called Viola red and the automaker says it was chosen because it accentuates the shape of the car while also fitting in with Mazda's corporate philosophy of "enriching life-in-motion for those we serve.”
Dimensionally, the Iconic SP is larger than the current MX-5 Miata. The concept is 164.6 inches long, 72.8 inches wide, and 45.3 inches tall. That makes it about 10 inches longer than a Miata, four inches wider, and three inches shorter than the MX-5. The wheelbase of the concept is 102 inches, which is 11 inches larger than the MX-5. The extra size comes with extra weight. The MX-5 is approximately 800 pounds lighter than the concept car.
The targeted specifications of the Iconic SP are enough to get any driving enthusiast excited. Curb weight is expected to be under 3,200 pounds with an output of about 365 horsepower. The Mazda philosophy has long been about focusing on the driving experience over raw horsepower numbers. The current MX-5 is an excellent example of this. The new Iconic SP looks to continue this tradition but with a stunning new look and an advanced powertrain.
