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With its head-turning silhouette and game-changing powertrain technology, the Mazda Iconic SP concept represents the pinnacle of Mazda’s future ambitions—and they’re just getting started. Under the watchful eyes of an eager audience at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show, Mazda unveiled the Mazda Iconic SP — a striking, next-gen two-seater concept designed to carry the rich legacy of Mazda into the future. Clad in an elegant new Viola Red colour, peppered by camera flashes from the world’s media and with a dramatic form reminiscent of that of a musical instrument, the Mazda Iconic SP immediately captured global attention, earning headlines across the planet. Now, a year later, Naohito Saga, Executive Officer at Mazda’s R&D Strategy Planning Division, and Masashi Nakayama, General Manager at Design Division, describe it as a career highlight, hinting at the concept’s deeper significance for Mazda beyond its debut. “This concept is not just one of those empty show cars. It’s been designed with real intent to turn it into a production model in the not-so-distant future,” says Nakayama. “Standing by the car, you should be able to picture what sort of engine would be housed under the bonnet. That’s how committed we were to crafting this concept car. The more time you spend looking at it, the more the car will reveal to you,” Saga expands further. “In the development process, everything from position of the doors and tyres, to the length of the vehicle, the seating position of the occupants and visibility was meticulously researched before reaching the final specifications,” he says. “It really shows how much we wanted to make it a car that manifests Mazda’s commitment for the future, especially in terms of sustainability and the future role of our rotary engine technology.” In terms of design, the Iconic SP emphasises minimising character lines and reducing the play of light, aiming for a look that is both dramatic and exciting. The unique and beautiful proportions, forms crafted by master artisans, and meticulous Japanese craftsmanship are the distinct qualities of the KODO design language. |
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Due to this striking presence, much of the conversation naturally revolves around the Mazda Iconic SP’s design. Yet, it’s crucial not to overlook the profound impact of its new two-rotor rotary EV system, specially designed for this concept car. Mazda’s innovative rotary engine is highly scalable, running on fuels and generating electricity from carbon-neutral sources. Its compact size, too, allows the Mazda Iconic SP to be housed in a low-profile package akin to a midship sports car, promising an exhilarating driving experience. A combination of a dual-rotor rotary engine and an EV system provide the Mazda Iconic SP with a maximum output of 370ps. “There are quite a few energy sources for carbon-neutral fuel,” says Saga on the breadth of fuel sources available to petrol and diesel vehicles. “There are different synthetic fuels, made using hydrogen and CO₂; and biofuels, made from raw materials including plants, which are compatible with petrol and diesel engines respectively.” Amid the industry’s gradual shift towards electrification, this advanced rotary engine innovation could emerge as a crucial long-term solution. “The rotary engine can be very compact and very powerful at the same time,” says Saga. “That’s one advantage, but also it can be powered by various types of fuels, and that could give us an edge in the race to find a feasible solution for the future of mobility”. According to Saga, no matter which carbon-neutral fuel becomes mainstream, the rotary engine can adapt. This means that, by using fuels with low CO₂ emissions in the refining process, the Mazda Iconic SP’s powertrain has the potential to reduce emissions by up to 90 %. Likewise, Mazda is also advancing a next-gen technology to capture CO₂ from exhaust emissions, currently estimated at around 20 %. It’s theorised that this remarkable project could take Mazda one step further and see it evolve into a carbon-negative manufacturer. It was during the 2023 Japan Mobility Show last year when Mazda’s newly appointed President and CEO, Masahiro Moro, announced that “Mazda will always focus on delivering vehicles that remind people that cars are pure joy and an indispensable part of their life.” All before revealing the much-anticipated Mazda Iconic SP — “an iconic model that exemplifies our commitment to the future.” Interior details include Bio Weave biocomposite detailing, made from plant-derived fibres and dyes, and materials created from oyster shells— a speciality of Hiroshima. An exciting statement, you’ll agree, and one that cues Mazda up for an ambitious future fuelled by challenger spirit. “We want every Mazda owner to be proud of the car that they drive and lifestyle that they lead with it,” says Nakayama. “We believe our design is one of the most important elements; but if it’s just about the looks and has no consideration for our environment, no one wants to drive it.” For Saga, Nakayama and Mazda as a whole, it’s just as vital that you drive a Mazda not just for its looks, Nakayama says, but “because the company is leading the way in sustainable technology.” And, with the Mazda Iconic SP at the helm, the future is theirs for the taking. |
