Mazda Iconic SP Uses Rotary Power; But Not The Way You Think

Mazda first showed off the Iconic SP nearly two years ago, and it’s still getting people talking. But despite its sporty looks, this isn’t the next Miata. Instead, Mazda says it’s something different, something a bit more serious. Think of it as a spiritual follow-up to the legendary RX-7.

Mazda’s Chief Technical Officer, Ryuichi Umeshita, explained that the Iconic SP will be its own standalone model, sitting above the Miata in the lineup. While he didn’t confirm it would carry the RX-7 name, he did hint that it could be a worthy successor. 

The car itself is low, wide, and sleek. It’s longer and wider than the current Miata but also lower to the ground. It still only seats two people and weighs around 3,200 pounds, which is pretty light for a car with an electric powertrain.

Here’s the cool part: it uses an electric motor to drive the wheels, while a small twin-rotor engine acts as a generator to keep the battery charged. That means rotary power is making a comeback, just in a new form. Mazda says a version of this setup will come to the U.S., unlike the rotary-powered MX-30 that never made it here.

Even more excitingly, Mazda is looking into a version where the rotary engine powers the wheels directly, something we haven’t seen since the RX-8. But, if you’re hoping for a fully electric version of the Iconic SP, don’t hold your breath. Mazda says it’s not in the plans.

Surprisingly, this rotary coupe might hit the market before the next Miata. Mazda’s design boss said the current MX-5 will stick around for a few more years. When the next one does arrive, it’ll likely take some styling cues from the Iconic SP but stick to what Miata fans love: rear-wheel drive, a manual gearbox, and lightweight fun.

As for the price, expect a step up from the Miata’s starting price of around $39,000. The Iconic SP will likely start above $50,000 and could even push past, depending on final specs. It may not wear the RX-7 badge, but the Iconic SP is shaping up to carry the spirit forward with a modern twist.