2023 Tokyo Motor Present: Mazda Iconic SP Idea | The Each day Drive
Will the next-generation of the MX-5 Miata be rotary powered?
Revealed within the days main as much as the 2023 Tokyo Motor Present (now formally the Japan Mobility Present), the Mazda Iconic SP Idea might signify the Way forward for the maker’s sporty MX-5 Miata sports activities automobile.
The Iconic SP is about 10 inches longer than the Miata, and rides on a 102-inch wheel base. The actual change, nonetheless is discovered underneath the hood.
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The Iconic SP is powered by a 2-rotor Wankel engine positioned aft of the passenger compartment. The rotary engine, per Mazda, may be powered by any of plenty of fuels, together with hydrogen. Much more attention-grabbing, the engine doesn’t instantly energy the Iconic SP, however as a substitute drives a generator which supplies electrical energy to an electrical motor, which we assume is on the rear axle.
This serial hybrid system is just like Nissan’s e-Energy system, which is employed in plenty of small autos bought exterior of the U.S.
All of this drivetrain tools does take a toll on weight, and the Iconic SP checks in about 800 kilos heavier than the current-generation MX-5 Miata.
Per Mazda President and CEO, Masahiro Moro, “We love the MX-5, and the world loves the MX-5. We’re decided within the age of electrification to maintain the enjoyment of driving which the MX-5 represents alive, and the Mazda Iconic SP, with its dual-rotary energy generator EV powertrain, is our dream resolution.”
Although the idea reportedly seems to be prepared for manufacturing, no phrase has been given relating to a timeline for manufacturing, assuming the Iconic SP is destined for manufacturing.
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CG Says:
Given the MX-Miata’s comparatively low manufacturing numbers, we discover it troublesome to consider {that a} mid-engine, multi-fuel, serial-hybrid alternative for the beloved sports activities automobile is imminent. The drivetrain upgrades alongside would doubtless add $10,000 to the automobile’s base value, placing it out of attain of many—doubtless most—inexpensive sports-car customers.
Mazda does appear hell-bent on constructing one thing powered by a rotary engine, so we wouldn’t be stunned to see restricted manufacturing of a bigger automobile, maybe the maker’s CX-90, powered by a complicated drivetrain on the order of the one being featured within the Iconic SP.
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Mazda Iconic SP Idea Gallery
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