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Mazda Motor Corporation unveiled the MAZDA ICONIC SP, a new concept car for the first time at 2023 Japan Mobility Show.
MAZDA ICONIC SP is a new type of compact sports car concept, designed to adopt to the new era and respond to the emotions of customers who "love cars" and "desire a car that simply embodies the joy of driving". This powertrain features Mazda's unique two-rotor rotary EV system, which remains compact and thus offers a high degree of layout flexibility, enabling the concept model to have a low center of gravity to enhance driving performance. Batteries are charged by recyclable energy source and the two-rotor rotary engine, used for power generation, is powered by carbon-neutral fuel. The vibrant red color of Viola Red, is a concept color created by overlaying Mazda's corporate philosophy of "enrich life-in-motion for those we serve" based on Mazda's desire to "cherish the color red."
Masahiro Moro, Mazda's Representative Director, President and CEO made the following comment: "Mazda will always deliver vehicles that remind people that cars are pure joy and an indispensable part of their lives. 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."
Mazda will continue to pursue the 'Joy of Driving' under its core value, "Human Centric", and aim to deliver 'Joy of Living' by creating moving experiences in customers' daily lives.
Summary of the MAZDA ICONIC SP
In creating the "framework" that forms the basis of the modeling, we aimed to achieve proportions with a low center of gravity that would give the impression of excellent driving performance. The concept of mounting the lightweight and compact rotary engine in the center of the car has resulted in a low hood.
The two-rotor rotary EV system, which utilizes a highly scalable rotary engine that can burn various fuels such as hydrogen, generates electricity with carbon-neutral fuel. In addition, when the battery is charged with electricity derived from renewable energy, it is possible to drive in a virtually carbon-neutral state.
The high output generated by the two-rotor rotary EV system, the proportions of the lower center of gravity, and the weight distribution of around 50:50 achieve excellent driving performance. In addition, although it is a sports car, it can supply power when enjoying outdoor leisure and in the time of a disaster.
The exterior body color "VIOLA RED" was created based on Mazda's desire to "cherish the color red" and in conjunction with Mazda's corporate philosophy of " enriching life-in-motion for those we serve." We focused on making a vivid color, while creating a sense of shade that accentuates the shape of the car.
From the moment Mazda unveiled this stunning concept earlier this week at the Japan Mobility Show, we've been wondering whether it's related to the MX-5 or a revival of the RX. At 164.6 inches long and 82.8 inches wide, it's substantially bigger in both directions than the Miata. However, it's still shorter than the RX-8 but way wider. Adding to the confusion is the two-seat layout, which is more MX-5 than RX-8 as the latter had back seats.
There's also a massive weight gap between the concept and a Miata considering the former tips the scales at 3,197 pounds (distributed 50:50) whereas the latter weighs 2,496 pounds in its heaviest guise, the RF with the automatic. Depending on the version, the RX-8 weighed between 2,886 lbs to 3,051 lbs.
Mazda says the Iconic SP moniker is intentionally vague so as not to create a clear link to either of the two sports cars. Speaking with Automotive News Europe, Chief Designer Masashi Nakayama revealed they made the showcar bigger on purpose but it "could easily be shrunk down to Miata-like proportions." In theory, it means there wouldn't be any packaging constraints despite having to cram in a two-rotor engine, an electric motor, and a battery pack.
Speaking of the engine – which acts as a generator to charge the battery instead of driving the wheels – Mazda CEO says it can take multiple types of fuels. Masahiro Moro told ANE the ICE has been developed to run on biofuels, hydrogen, or liquified petroleum gas (LPG). In the Iconic SP, the interesting rotary-electric setup is good for 365 horsepower and runs on carbon-neutral fuel.
Moro went on to mention "The roadster is the icon of Mazda's brand, and the rotary EV is a concept for the future iconic model." His statement gives us hope the Iconic SP with its eye-catching Viola Red paint will happen one day, unlike the equally gorgeous RX-Vision concept from 2015.
10-26-2023, 01:02 PM
