Nostalgic Tribute

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【Summary】Mazda unveiled the Iconic SP at the Japan Mobility Show, a tribute to the third-generation FD RX-7. It features a blend of nostalgic design elements and modern touches, with a driver-focused minimalist interior. The car is powered by a twin-rotor hybrid engine that can potentially be a plug-in hybrid. The powertrain is scalable and can operate on hydrogen, "carbon-neutral" fuels, and gasoline. Details about distribution and drivetrain remain unknown.

FutureCar Staff Oct 28, 2023 6:27 AM PT

This is a unique and exciting concept that Mazda recently unveiled at the Japan Mobility Show. Instead of a new version of the popular Miata, Mazda surprised everyone with the Iconic SP, a stunning tribute to the third-generation FD RX-7.

The Iconic SP pays homage to the RX-7 lineage with its visually striking design. The car features the iconic curvaceous body of the FD, complete with pop-up headlights that harken back to 90s automotive design. Additionally, circular taillights reminiscent of later FD models add to its charm. However, Mazda also incorporates modern design elements, such as its signature grille and retractable angular headlights, giving the Iconic SP a contemporary touch. In terms of size, it falls between the RX-8 and the Miata, finding the perfect balance between compactness and presence.

Inside the Iconic SP, minimalism reigns supreme. Taking inspiration from the FD's ethos, the cabin is designed with the driver in mind. A simple dash, featuring only the driver's instrument binnacle and a strategically placed infotainment screen, creates a distraction-free environment. The center console, with its switches, mimics a gated shifter commonly found in high-end sports cars today.

Under the hood is where the real excitement lies. Mazda has introduced a twin-rotor hybrid powertrain for the Iconic SP. While confirmation about its potential plug-in hybrid nature is still pending, Mazda has emphasized the engine's scalability, hinting at its adaptability across different models. The engine is also capable of running on hydrogen, "carbon-neutral" fuels, and likely gasoline. With a combined output of 364 horsepower, Mazda has kept the details about the distribution between the engine and electric components, as well as the drivetrain, under wraps. However, considering Mazda's history, it is highly likely that the Iconic SP will feature a rear-wheel-drive system. The vehicle's weight distribution is perfectly balanced between the front and rear, and it weighs in at 3,197 pounds.

The Iconic SP is a true marvel of design and innovation. While Mazda's return to the rotary realm with the MX-30 is currently limited to Europe, the fate of the Iconic SP's powertrain in the global market, especially in the U.S., remains uncertain. As captivating as the Iconic SP is, whether it will make the transition from concept to production is still an intriguing question. We can only hope, albeit cautiously, to see this masterpiece on the roads in the near future.