It’s been 11 years since Mazda have given us a Wankel rotary – now though, it could make a return.
Mazda, a brand that has always had an inexplicable love affair with driving, recently unveiled something that sent a little tingle through us. At the Japan Mobility Show, they not only showcased the updated 2024 MX-5 but also pulled the curtain back on the MAZDA ICONIC SP, a concept car that merges a dual rotary powertrain with an electric vehicle (EV) platform. Yes, you read that right—the rotary engine is back in action… sort of. We haven’t had a good Wankel in ages!
The MAZDA ICONIC SP is a compact sports car designed to propel us into a new era, all while staying true to Mazda’s unwavering commitment to delivering vehicles that ignite our love for cars and driving. But the best part? This concept is all about the joy of driving. It boasts a low centre of gravity for that typical MX-5’iness driving performance. And how did they achieve this? By putting a lightweight and compact rotary engine right smack in the middle of the car.
Now, here’s where it gets intriguing. The MAZDA ICONIC SP sports a two-rotor rotary EV system. You might be wondering, what’s the big deal? Well, it’s a scalable engine with a flexible layout that can run on different fuels, including the likes of hydrogen. This isn’t just your average powertrain; it’s a Mazda-exclusive technology tailor-made for sports cars. Plus, if you charge it with renewable energy, you’re practically driving in an eco-conscious wonderland.
Mazda’s President and CEO, Masahiro Moro, didn’t hold back in expressing the brand’s unshakable commitment to keeping the joy of driving alive in an age where electric vehicles are stealing the spotlight. The ICONIC SP, with its dual rotary, is their way of making that dream come true. Mazda isn’t just in the business of building cars; they’re in the business of building joy-on-wheels. Remember that.
The Japan Mobility Show also played host to various versions of Mazda’s beloved MX-5, and we’re not just talking about the latest 2024 MX-5. It received a subtle makeover with new LED headlights and redesigned rear lights, all in the name of enhancing your driving experience. And the best part? It shares a lot of design DNA with the MAZDA ICONIC SP, so you know it’s not just about the past; it’s about the future too.
But there’s more fun at the Mazda booth. They had the first-generation (NA) MX-5 on display, a nod to their enduring commitment to delivering the pure joy of driving. And if you brought the kids, they got a chance to hop into a two-thirds scale model MX-5, experiencing a driving simulation like no other. Oh, and they had a hands-on MX-5 that you could control using only your hands. Because Mazda knows that driving isn’t just for grown-ups—it’s for the young at heart, too (and big kids of course).
The return of the rotary engine in the form of the MAZDA ICONIC SP is Mazda’s way of saying, “Hey, we’ve got something special up our sleeves.” As we navigate the electrified future, Mazda wants you to know that driving pleasure is here to stay. So, welcome back, rotary engine. We’ve missed you, kind of…