At Tokyo Auto Salon 2024, to be held at Makuhari Messe from January 12th to 14th, 2024, Mazda announced that it will launch a rotary engine development group on February 1st, 2024. In fact, Mazda has already resumed production of rotary engines last year, for the first time in approximately 11 years since the end of mass production of the Mazda RX-8 in June 2012, with advance orders for the rotary engine-equipped MAZDA MX-30 Rotary-EV opening in Japan on September 14th, 2023, with release scheduled for November 2023. However, as a new rotary engine is being developed this time, there are high hopes for the revival of the RX.
Mazda Rotary Engine Development
Mazda’s President and CEO, Mr. Moro, announced, ” We have received a great deal of support and encouragement for the Mazda Iconic SP . We are very pleased and deeply moved. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone. With everyone’s encouragement, we will be launching a rotary engine development group on February 1st to get closer to this dream. In order to make a breakthrough in overcoming the challenges facing a carbon-neutral era, we will be bringing together engineers who have trained in a wide range of technical fields that transcend the boundaries of engine types, cutting-edge internal combustion engine technology, and model-based development, which is Mazda’s specialty. “
About Mazda’s compact sports car, the Iconic SP
Mazda unveiled the compact sports car concept, the “MAZDA ICONIC SP,” at the JAPAN MOBILITY SHOW 2023 on October 25, 2023. The car’s “skeleton,” the foundation of its design, sought to achieve a low center of gravity that exudes superior dynamic performance. The lightweight, compact rotary engine, positioned close to the center of the vehicle, allows for a low hood. The two-rotor Rotary-EV system utilizes a highly scalable rotary engine capable of burning a variety of fuels, including hydrogen, and generates electricity using carbon-neutral fuel. When the onboard battery is charged with renewable energy, it achieves virtually carbon-neutral driving. The high output generated by the two-rotor Rotary-EV system, combined with the low center of gravity and 50:50 front-to-rear weight distribution, delivers superior dynamic performance. Despite being a sports car, the car can also provide power for outdoor leisure activities and in emergencies.
The body color “VIOLA RED” is a concept color created based on Mazda’s desire to “cherish the color red” and Mazda’s corporate philosophy of “expanding the circle of people who live each day positively.”
Mazda’s President and CEO said, “The Mazda Iconic SP is a solution that adapts to the times, even as they change. Cars are great. They’re fun. We will continue to provide that. This is a compact sports car that embodies our aspirations. It has a two-rotor rotary engine as a generator. This unique system operates as a battery EV, powered by a motor and battery, during normal use, and then allows you to enjoy using electricity freely when you’re out and about. It can also carry carry-on bags for two people, so you can drive freely without worrying about range. You can enjoy traveling without any inconvenience. And you’ll come home with a smile on your face. Of course, because it’s a sports car, the performance is first class. As you can see from the specs, it has performance equivalent to that of a Porsche 911.”
Specifications for the compact sports car “MAZDA ICONIC SP”
| Specifications | MAZDA ICONIC SP |
|---|---|
| full length | 4,180mm |
| Overall width | 1,850mm |
| Overall height | 1,150mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,590mm |
| Maximum power | 370PS |
| Vehicle weight | 1,450 kg |
What fans are hoping most is that the Mazda Iconic SP will be equipped with a newly developed rotary engine and released as part of the new RX series with a name like the RX-7, RX-8, or even the RX-9.
