Mazda Motor Corporation today unveiled the MAZDA ICONIC SP, a new concept car for the first time at Japan Mobility Show 2023. After a raft of new SUVs being announced, it’s such a breath of fresh air to see a new sports car on the horizon.
Mazda says its 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”. The 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, says Mazda.
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 says it 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.
MAZDA ICONIC SP: A summary from Mazda
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.”
MAZDA ICONIC SP: Primary Specifications
| Overall length x width x height (mm) | 4,180 × 1,850 × 1,150 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2,590 |
| Power-weight ratio | 3.9 |
| Maximum output (PS) | 370 |
| Weight (kg) | 1,450 |
