Last year, Mazda brought back the rotary engine for the MX-30 crossover as a range extender. Then, in 2023, they wowed us with the Iconic SP Concept featuring a rotary engine that charges the battery. Now, Mazda is showing serious commitment to this tech by forming a special team called the “RE Development Group” with 36 engineers solely dedicated to rotary engines. This move recalls their previous team from 2018. Remember the RX-8 Spirit R? That was the last rotary sports car we saw from Mazda back in 2012. While they’re not promising a new rotary performance vehicle just yet, Mazda’s aiming to keep us excited with their innovative spirit.
You know, there’s a glimmer of hope that we might see something like the Iconic SP coupe hit the streets one day. Mazda’s President and CEO, Katsuhiro Moro, hinted at it during the 2024 Tokyo Auto Salon. But here’s the kicker – if this project does get the green light, Mazda’s planning to use the rotary engine as a generator, not to power the wheels like they used to in the RX models of the past.
So, what’s the deal with the Iconic SP? Well, it’s packing a two-rotor engine that juices up a battery. And get this – it can run on gasoline, hydrogen, or even renewable fuels. Plus, you can charge its battery pack right from your household socket. Pretty neat, huh?
They’re talking about 365 horsepower in a car that weighs about 3,197 pounds, split evenly between the axles. Now, the concept they showed in Tokyo was a bit oversized – deliberately, they say. But Mazda’s top designer mentioned they could shrink it down to MX-5 Miata size.
If they do go ahead with this, it’ll mark Mazda’s 13th car with a rotary engine. But hey, don’t hold your breath just yet. With the new dedicated team just announced, it might be a couple of years before we see this sleek coupe hit the roads – if it happens at all.
In the meantime, Mazda is keeping the sports car flame alive by giving the Miata a few updates. Can’t go wrong with that classic!
Source: Mazda