Mazda’s Iconic SP concept is a rotary-engined hybrid that could run on hydrogen
Mazda isn’t afraid to push technical boundaries when it comes to making its cars. After all, the Japanese brand was the pioneer of the Wankel engine (quietly in the back), in which a rotor rotates in a housing, instead of conventional pistons pumping up and down.
Beloved by Mazda enthusiasts, the RX-7 arguably embodied everything that was great about the powertrain: a beautiful exterior housing a free-revving, free-spirited engine that could be tuned to produce loads of power, but often tended to to explode. upwards.
At this year’s Japan Mobility show, Mazda gave fans of the legendary RX-7 something to be excited about, with the production of the Mazda Iconic SP concept that not only gives a telling nod to the aforementioned sports car in terms of appearance, but also the dial breathes new life into it. system in a more progressive way.
In this case, the dual-rotor rotating EV system essentially allows a small-capacity motor to charge the battery, rather than driving the wheels directly. Mazda already has a similar system for the MX-30 R-EV, but this concept goes one step further.
Mazda says the little Wankel can run on a variety of fuel sources, including hydrogen, allowing it to generate electricity in a “carbon-neutral” way. The small rotary engine is located in the center of the car for a 50:50 weight distribution and provides charge to the batteries (size not currently stated), which in turn power a yet-to-be-announced number of motors.
Power output is slated at 370 hp, or about 365 hp, which happened to hit the sweet spot for those tuning the later high-performance RX-7 models. The weight is rated at 1,450kg, meaning it doesn’t require a ridiculous amount of mass to move that amount of power.
By placing the engine in the middle, the designers of this concept have been able to give it an exceptionally low hood, while the extreme tailoring gives it an extremely beautiful silhouette when viewed from above.
Lower, longer and wider than the current MX-5, it looks to offer a different driving experience than anything in the current Mazda stable.
Masahiro Moro, Mazda’s Representative Director, President and CEO, said: “Mazda will always provide vehicles that remind people that cars are pure fun and an indispensable part of their lives.” Let’s hope he can keep that promise.