Mazda is aware of easy methods to hit absolute dingers in the case of idea vehicles, and its new Iconic SP idea sports activities automotive that was revealed on the Japan Mobility Present is not any totally different. It is probably not the next-generation Miata many had been searching for, however this unhealthy boy pulls plenty of inspiration from the third-generation FD RX-7 that everyone knows and love.
That inspiration is extra than simply pores and skin deep, although. That’s proper, buddy. The Iconic SP has a rotary engine. We don’t know an excessive amount of but, and clearly grain of salt, however in accordance with Mazda, the coupe is could be powered by a twin-rotor hybrid engine that may present off-board energy. That appears to recommend the Iconic SP may very well be a plug-in hybrid, however that’s all hypothesis for now.
Mazda additionally says this powertrain is “extremely scalable” and may burn fuels like hydrogen, however who is aware of if it’ll find yourself in anything. The mixed output of the setup is 364 horsepower, in accordance with Mazda. It’s a powerful quantity, however not gaudy like so many different sports activities vehicles of as we speak, and it might weigh a tick underneath 3,200 kilos. There’s no phrase on how that energy is break up between the engine and electrical motor(s), or what wheels it’s powering.
By way of styling, it’s arduous to argue that this factor isn’t – at its core – a contemporary tackle the FD RX-7. The hidden door handles, bubbly rear glass, round taillights and pop-up headlights(!!!) are a lifeless giveaway. By way of dimension, it’s really proper in between the Mazda RX-8 and the present Miata – about 10 inches shorter than the previous and 10 inches longer than the latter. Oh, and only for an added little bit of enjoyable, it seems to be prefer it has swan doorways like an Aston Martin. Why not?
The within of the Iconic SP remains to be very idea car-ish, however hey, at the least it has an inside! It’s very minimalistic and driver-centric, precisely what you’d count on from a Mazda sports activities automotive. There’s not a lot occurring moreover the gauge cluster and a small infotainment display. A warning to purists: the Iconic SP has some form of computerized transmission with paddle shifters based mostly on inside photographs. I hate to be the bearer of unhealthy information, however what did you actually count on?
“Mazda will all the time ship automobiles that remind folks that vehicles are pure pleasure and an indelible a part of their lives. As a car-loving firm that mass-produces the inspiring mobility expertise, we’re dedicated to shaping the long run with our companions sharing the identical objectives, in addition to our followers, the place everybody can proudly say, ‘we love vehicles,’” Masahiro Moro, Mazda’s President and CEO stated in a press release. “With such a powerful will, Mazda is dedicated to enriching life-in-motion for these we serve.”
Moro goes on to say that Mazda will proceed to have the “pleasure of driving” as its core worth to associate with a “human centric” driving philosophy. That doesn’t sound too unhealthy to me.
