Next-gen Mazda MX-5 concept debut in Japan

One of the world’s most-loved sports cars is primed to continue into the future, promising to thrill enthusiasts for years to come.

2023 Mazda Iconic SP Concept Car

Mazda isn’t ready to give up on petrol-powered sports cars.

The Japanese brand opened the 2023 Tokyo motor show with the Mazda Iconic SP concept, a vision for the sports car of the future inspired by the Mazda MX-5 and RX-7 sports cars.

The Mazda Iconic SP Concept Car debuted at the Tokyo motor show.

Mazda’s next-generation sports car could be a complex machine.

The Iconic SP concept car points to a coupe that sends drive to the rear wheels through electric motors with about 270kW of power – roughly double that of the latest MX-5.

The concept builds on the heritage of Mazda’s MX-5 and RX-7.

Those motors are fed by a battery with energy produced by a petrol-fuelled generator using rotary power in place of pistons.

Mazda says the machine would run on bio fuel, and weigh in at about 1500 kilos – well more than the current MX-5, but much less than most electric cars.

The retro-modern cabin has a simple look.

The system is a development of the rotary-powered Mazda MX-30 R-EV sold overseas, which uses a 55kW petrol engine to charge a 17.8kWh battery linked to a 125kW electric motor.

It’s a broadly similar set up to Nissan’s e-Power, which burns petrol to power electric motors in hybrid versions of the new X-Trail and Qashqai.

Rotary power helped Mazda win Le Mans in 1991.

Mazda chief executive Masahiro Moro said the concept car showed Mazda had not given up on building cars that were fun to drive.

“For us, the joy of driving is synonymous with the joy of living,” he said.

“Mazda will always focus on delivering vehicles that remind people that cars are pure joy and an indispensable part of their life.”

Masahiro Moro says the tiny concept is evidence of Mazda’s automotive passion.

Mr Moro said the machine would be more practical than conventional sports cars, while offering a flexible driving experience free from range anxiety.

“This is a new-generation, new-genre sports car for the coming age,” he said.

“The weekend drive can be enjoyed without worrying about cruising range.

The concept has retractable headlight covers and an illuminated badge.

“This is a fantastic car to drive on a circuit with friends but also great for daily commute and shopping.

“The car will be a power source for glamping and will supply enough power to a family for more than a week at the time of disaster.”

Originally published as Next-gen Mazda MX-5 concept debut in Japan