In a surprising turn of events, Mazda President and CEO Katsuhiro Moro revealed at the 2024 Tokyo Auto Salon that a dedicated team of engineers will be established on February 1 for the development of rotary engines. This announcement follows the positive response to Mazda’s stunning Iconic SP concept, showcased during the event.
Moro expressed gratitude for the support received and confirmed the formation of the rotary engine development group, emphasizing their commitment to bringing a compact sports car concept to reality. He stated, “With your encouragement, we are launching a rotary engine development group on February 1 to move closer to this dream.”
Addressing challenges in the carbon-neutral era, Moro highlighted that the team would consist of rotary engine engineers with diverse technical expertise. The goal is to push boundaries and leverage cutting-edge internal combustion engine technology, marking a significant step forward into a new chapter of relentless innovation.
The Iconic SP concept took center stage during Moro’s speech, with a focus on its rotary engine acting as a generator rather than directly driving the wheels. Technical specifications, including dimensions (164.5 inches long, 72.8 inches wide, and 45.2 inches tall), wheelbase (101.9 inches), and curb weight (3,196 pounds), were unveiled. The twin-rotor compact sports car is touted to deliver 365 horsepower and “top-notch” performance, drawing comparisons to a Porsche 911.
Moro highlighted the Iconic SP’s practicality for daily use, accommodating two people and their luggage, promising a driving experience that leaves you “with a smile on your face.” He emphasized the advantages over electric sports cars, addressing potential range anxiety.
Chief Designer Masashi Nakayama previously hinted at the concept’s versatility, suggesting it could be scaled down to Miata-like proportions without packaging constraints. The combustion engine’s adaptability to various fuels, including hydrogen, biofuels, and liquified petroleum gas (LPG), adds an extra layer of innovation to the project.
While the concept’s name, Iconic SP, remains deliberately vague to avoid direct connections, the prospect of a production version is on the horizon. Given Mazda’s timeline for assembling the new rotary engine team, a potential release may not occur before 2026, signaling an exciting revival of Mazda’s rotary engine legacy.