Mazda’s SP concept will transform into a road-ready sports car that’s bigger than the Miata
Mazda wowed crowds at the Japan Mobility Show with the stunning Iconic SP coupe, sparking speculation that it might be the next-generation Miata. Given Mazda’s small size, some assumed the brand couldn’t support two sports cars and might simply shrink the SP to fit the MX-5’s footprint.
Thankfully, that’s not the case. Mazda CTO Ryuichi Umeshita confirmed to MotorTrend that the rotary-powered Iconic SP is a separate model, positioned above the Miata. While he didn’t confirm a return of the RX-7 nameplate, he did call it a “good successor” to the iconic sports car. He also ruled out reviving the Cosmo badge.
So how big is it? At 164.5 inches long, 72.8 inches wide, and 45.2 inches tall, it’s significantly larger and lower than the Miata, with a longer 102-inch wheelbase—yet it still has only two seats. The concept weighs 3,197 pounds, roughly 728 pounds heavier than a manual Miata RF.
Power comes from a 365-hp electric motor backed by a dual-rotor rotary engine acting as a generator. Mazda has confirmed this rotary setup for the U.S., and is even exploring a version where the engine drives the wheels directly—something we haven’t seen since the RX-8 ended in 2012. A fully electric version, however, isn’t in the cards.
Interestingly, the Iconic SP might debut before the next-gen Miata, which is still a few years away. Mazda’s design chief says the future MX-5 will borrow design cues from the SP but stick with its core formula: lightweight, rear-wheel drive, and a six-speed manual.
Pricing hasn’t been confirmed, but expect the rotary sports car to command a premium—likely starting over $50,000, and possibly beyond $60,000.
