Mazda Iconic SP rotary-engined hybrid sports car concept revealed

Mazda is one step closer to a revival of the iconic rotary-engined Mazda RX-7 sports car with the unveiling of the Iconic SP, a hybrid coupe which uses a rotary engine as a generator to power electric motors.

Unveiled at the Tokyo motor show this morning, the Iconic SP is an evolution of the Vision Study concept revealed digitally this time last year, and is said to preview a "new generation" of Mazda sports cars.

Plans for a production version are unclear. Mazda has long expressed interest in reviving the RX-7 – most famously with the RX-Vision concept of 2015 – but has placed it on the backburner in favour of growing a range of hybrid and electric cars.

It is powered by a two-rotor petrol engine, in the vein of the old RX-7. But rather than use the engine to power the wheels directly, the rotary is used as a generator to charge a battery pack – which in turn powers electric motors connected to the wheels.

The power output is quoted as 272kW – equivalent to two Mazda MX-5s, which claim 135kW/205Nm from a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine.

Mazda says the engine “can burn various fuels such as hydrogen, generates electricity with carbon-neutral fuel.”

“In addition, when the battery is charged with electricity derived from renewable energy, it is possible to drive in a virtually carbon-neutral state,” it said in a media release.

It’s unclear if the concept is all-wheel drive, or rear-wheel drive. Mazda recently patented a design for a rotary-engined sports car with petrol power sent to the rear wheels, and two electric motors driving the front axle.

The Iconic SP measures 4180mm long, 1850mm wide and 1150mm tall, riding on a 2590mm wheelbase. It is about 100mm shorter bumper to bumper and 200mm lower than a Toyota GR86 – but 75mm wider, and on a 15mm-longer floorpan.

It is larger than an MX-5 – but smaller than the final ‘FD'-generation RX-7.

Mazda says the concept car weighs 1470kg, and has a 50:50 weight distribution.

The design is low and sleek, with pop-up LED headlights that keep the bonnet line low, and a new Viola Red colour claimed to “[create] a sense of shade that accentuates the shape of the car.”