Mazda is aware of find out how to hit absolute dingers with regards to idea automobiles, and its new Iconic SP idea sports activities automotive that was revealed on the Japan Mobility Show isn’t any completely different. It might not be the next-generation Miata many have been searching for, however this dangerous boy pulls a variety of inspiration from the third-generation FD RX-7 that everyone knows and love.
That inspiration is extra than simply pores and skin deep, although. That’s proper, buddy. The Iconic SP has a rotary engine. We don’t know an excessive amount of but, and clearly grain of salt, however in keeping with Mazda, the coupe is can be powered by a twin-rotor hybrid engine that may present off-board energy. That appears to recommend the Iconic SP could possibly be a plug-in hybrid, however that’s all hypothesis for now.
Mazda additionally says this powertrain is “highly scalable” and might burn fuels like hydrogen, however who is aware of if it’ll find yourself in the rest. The mixed output of the setup is 364 horsepower, in keeping with Mazda. It’s a robust quantity, however not gaudy like so many different sports activities automobiles of right this moment, and it will weigh a tick beneath 3,200 kilos. There’s no phrase on how that energy is break up between the engine and electrical motor(s), or what wheels it’s powering.
In phrases of styling, it’s arduous to argue that this factor isn’t – at its core – a contemporary tackle the FD RX-7. The hidden door handles, bubbly rear glass, round taillights and pop-up headlights(!!!) are a lifeless giveaway. In phrases of dimension, it’s truly proper in between the Mazda RX-8 and the present Miata – about 10 inches shorter than the previous and 10 inches longer than the latter. Oh, and only for an added little bit of enjoyable, it appears to be like prefer it has swan doorways like an Aston Martin. Why not?
The within the Iconic SP continues to be very idea car-ish, however hey, at the very least it has an inside! It’s very minimalistic and driver-centric, precisely what you’d anticipate from a Mazda sports activities automotive. There’s not a lot happening moreover the gauge cluster and a small infotainment display. A warning to purists: the Iconic SP has some kind of computerized transmission with paddle shifters based mostly on inside photographs. I hate to be the bearer of dangerous information, however what did you actually anticipate?
“Mazda will always deliver vehicles that remind people that cars are pure joy and an indelible part of their lives. As a car-loving company that mass-produces the inspiring mobility experience, we are committed to shaping the future with our partners sharing the same goals, as well as our fans, where everyone can proudly say, ‘we love cars,’” Masahiro Moro, Mazda’s President and CEO stated in an announcement. “With such a strong will, Mazda is committed to enriching life-in-motion for those we serve.”
Moro goes on to say that Mazda will proceed to have the “joy of driving” as its core worth to go together with a “human centric” driving philosophy. That doesn’t sound too dangerous to me.
Source: jalopnik.com