Mazda turned heads last year at the Japan Mobility Show with the reveal of its Iconic SP concept—a striking, futuristic coupe that gives us a taste of Mazda’s vision for the future of sports cars. But this concept may not be just a tantalizing design exercise; Mazda is hinting that the Iconic SP could actually reach production. Masashi Nakayama, Mazda’s design head and the visionary behind this concept, recently shared that the Iconic SP wasn’t built as a mere showpiece. Instead, it was crafted with the clear intent of turning it into a reality.

A Concept with Production Potential

Unlike some concepts that are simply meant to showcase design direction, Nakayama emphasizes that the Iconic SP was created with a genuine purpose: “This concept is not just one of those empty show cars,” he explained. “It’s been designed with real intent to turn it into a production model in the not-so-distant future.” While this isn’t an outright confirmation of production, it’s a strong indication that Mazda is exploring the possibilities of bringing this model to life.

The Iconic SP isn’t just a placeholder for the next Miata. It’s a larger, two-door coupe that pays homage to Mazda’s rotary-powered FD RX-7—a car that defined an era of Japanese sports cars. The name “Iconic SP” was chosen intentionally to avoid connections to any specific model in Mazda’s lineup, allowing it to stand alone as a new direction for the brand. But unlike the Miata, the SP is likely to remain a hardtop coupe if it ever reaches production.

Nakayama has hinted that the Iconic SP’s design could potentially be scaled down to fit the Miata’s compact dimensions, but Mazda fans expecting a convertible shouldn’t hold their breath. Mazda remains committed to keeping the Miata as an open-top roadster, even if it eventually includes a power hardtop.

Electrification with a Rotary Twist

Mazda has already confirmed that the next generation of the Miata will be electrified, but the specifics remain under wraps. The possibilities range from a mild-hybrid 48-volt system to a fully battery-electric setup. However, for the Iconic SP, Mazda has gone with a unique solution: a rotary-powered range-extender hybrid.

In the Iconic SP concept, a twin-rotor engine acts as a generator to charge a lithium-ion battery pack, which powers an electric motor (or motors) driving the wheels. This setup allows the concept to deliver an impressive 365 horsepower—more than double what the Miata currently offers. This hybrid system provides a taste of both performance and sustainability, showcasing Mazda’s unique approach to modern electrified sports cars. Mazda’s R&D head, Naohito Saga, explained the design philosophy: “Standing by the car, you should be able to picture what sort of engine would be housed under the hood. That’s how committed we were to crafting this concept car.”

While the rotary engine in the Iconic SP isn’t responsible for directly powering the wheels, Mazda remains committed to its rotary roots. The hybrid system allows the engine to run as a generator, a setup that can efficiently use sustainable and synthetic fuels, aligning with Mazda’s goals for reduced emissions and environmental responsibility.

The rotary’s placement remains true to Mazda’s engineering history. The Iconic SP’s design implies a front-mid-engine layout, with the engine mounted ahead of the driver but behind the front axle—a setup seen in previous Mazda rotary sports cars like the RX-7 and RX-8. This layout improves weight distribution and handling dynamics, further emphasizing Mazda’s driver-focused philosophy.

A Sustainable Sports Car for the Future

The Iconic SP’s design doesn’t just look forward stylistically; it also embodies Mazda’s commitment to sustainability and future-proof engineering. Every detail, from door and tire positioning to occupant seating and visibility, was meticulously planned. Mazda’s designers and engineers clearly invested considerable thought into creating a concept that represents the brand’s values: timeless style, innovative engineering, and a commitment to sustainability.

Mazda enthusiasts have every reason to be excited about the prospect of the Iconic SP becoming a production model. It could mark the beginning of a new chapter for Mazda’s sports car lineup, one that acknowledges the brand’s iconic past while steering confidently into an electrified future. The potential combination of a rotary range-extender hybrid and sleek coupe styling could make it a unique option in a sea of EV sports cars.

And, of course, there’s the simple fact that the Iconic SP is stunning to look at. With clean lines, a low-slung body, and styling cues reminiscent of the RX-7, the Iconic SP brings something new to the sports car table while keeping the Mazda spirit alive.

Will the Iconic SP Hit the Road?

While we’re not yet sure if or when the Iconic SP will be available for purchase, the fact that Mazda is openly discussing its production potential is promising. If it does make it to showrooms, the Iconic SP will likely stand as a bold example of Mazda’s vision for high-performance EVs that don’t compromise on excitement or aesthetics.

As Mazda edges closer to a production-ready version of this concept, enthusiasts and automotive fans will be eagerly watching to see if the Iconic SP becomes a reality. If it does, it could bring a fresh take on sports cars that stays true to Mazda’s roots while setting new standards for the future.