--- title: "Stunning Iconic SP Rotary-Powered Sports Car Planned for Production: Mazda" description: "“This concept is not just one of those empty show cars,\" Mazda's design chief said about the gorgeous coupe that stole last year's Japan Mobility Show." date: "2024-11-08" modified: "2024-11-08" authors: - name: "Nico DeMattia" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/stunning-iconic-sp-rotary-powered-sports-car-planned-for-production-mazda" categories: - "Mazda News" - "News" - "News by Brand" tags: - "mazda" - "sports car" --- # Stunning Iconic SP Rotary-Powered Sports Car Planned for Production: Mazda ![]() *\Mazda\* Mazda hasn't had a pure sports car outside of the [MX-5 Miata]() in ages; the RX-8 feels like an ancient relic at this point. So it was a big deal when the company showed off its [gorgeous Iconic SP concept]() at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show. Since then, [Mazda]() has been quiet about the Iconic SP and any potential production plans. But don't mistake that silence for a lack of progress, as the automaker's design chief recently told its *Inside Mazda* magazine that the Iconic SP was meant for more than wooing auto show visitors. “This concept is not just one of those empty show cars," Masashi Nakayama, who holds the title of General Manager Design Division at Mazda, [was quoted saying](). "It’s been designed with real intent to turn it into a production model in the not-so-distant future." ![]() **Mazda** ![]() ![]() ![]() According to Nakayama, you can see Mazda's production intent in the SP's design. Despite being a show car, every aspect of the SP's styling was done according to production-ready specifications—everything from the engine bay to outward visibility. “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,” Mazda's R&D boss Naohito Saga added. “In the development process, everything from position of the doors and tires, to the length of the vehicle, the seating position of the occupants and visibility was meticulously researched before reaching the final specifications,” Saga said. “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.” ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Don't expect the third coming of a rotary-engine sports car to properly succeed the [RX-7]() and [RX-8](), though. While we know that [Mazda restarted its rotary research team]() not so long ago, it was with the purpose of adapting the ICE format for the modern practice of electrification. Mazda says that the Iconic SP would use a two-rotor engine specifically to [generate electricity for an EV](). The target for the powertrain's total output is said to be 365 horsepower, sent to the rear wheels, with the rotary there to juice up the battery when it runs low. That appears to be all Mazda is willing to share about the system so far, though the execs did emphasize the importance of the rotary supporting carbon-neutral fuel, to make it an extremely low-emission sports car. However it's going to work, I think we'll all just be happy to see Mazda back in the grown-up sports car business. The Iconic SP is a beautiful concept that, should it become a reality, would immediately be praised as one of the finest-looking coupes on the market, with perhaps the most unique powertrain. We won't forget about it if you don't, Mazda. *Got tips? Send 'em to tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()