Mazda’s new sports concept is iconic – literally
- Mazda just unveiled its new Iconic SP concept at the Japan Mobility Show.
- The Iconic SP’s batteries are powered using a two-rotor rotary engine, which is itself powered by carbon-neutral fuels.
- Perfectly at home doing a few laps of a circuit, the Iconic SP is also the perfect car for a leisurely drive or a weekend getaway.
Published on Oct 25, 2023 at 3:18 PM (UTC+4)
by Tobias Waters
Last updated on Oct 30, 2023 at 6:58 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Adam Gray
Mazda is named after the Zoroastrian God of harmony, intelligence, and wisdom, and the car maker has certainly put all three into the design of the new Iconic SP.
Unveiled at the Japan Mobility Show, the gleaming red beauty instantly draws your attention, to the point that you could be forgiven for forgetting there are other cars at the show, too.
But Mazda believes that rather than seeing red, drivers will be tickled pink.
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Mazda have created the Iconic SP concept car to appeal to those who, “desire a car that simply embodies the joy of driving”.
This means that, while this small and sleek sports number is perfectly at home doing a few laps of a circuit, it is also the perfect car for a leisurely drive or a weekend getaway.
Mazda say that a big part of the Iconic SP’s appeal to drivers will be its unique engine.
While many car manufacturers today favor EVs powered by charging ports or replacing batteries, Mazda power their batteries using a two-rotor rotary engine, which is itself powered by carbon-neutral fuels.
Able to be powered by hydrogen or biofuels, this makes the Iconic SP practically carbon neutral.
The rotary engine means that rather than a BEV, the Iconic SP is better described as an REV.
Additionally, the car’s battery can be used for powering external devices, which can be useful in the event of a power cut, or if you just want to go glamping.
The rotary engine’s light weight and small size led the designers to mount it in the center of the car, meaning a low hood and reduced centre of gravity, which gives it an excellent driving feel.
Mazda is also proud of its history as a Hiroshima-based company, and make use of local recycled oyster shells in the Iconic SP’s internal components.
Not only does this recycling help the environment, but it also leads to interiors with a gentle color and ceramic-like textures.
Between its versatility, environmental credentials, and radical new engine, the Iconic SP will be a sports car for the ages.
Viva La REVolution.
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Based in Tokyo, Tobias has been a writer and editor for a decade, writing on topics ranging from major IPOs to comic books, from self-driving cars to Japan’s first CBD beer. When left to his own devices, he can be found playing videogames or watching movies on said devices. He thinks the underwater episode of Bojack Horseman is the best in the series and you can’t change his mind.
