- Mazda is developing two sports cars, including an RX-7 successor and next-gen MX-5.
- The rotary-powered model may debut next year with a range-extender hybrid powertrain.
- The upcoming MX-5 is still years out and could feature Mazda’s new Skyactiv Z engine.
It’s been a long time since Mazda felt like it cared about building something fun other than the MX-5. For a brand that once gave us the RX-7 and the original Miata, the last couple of decades have been suspiciously quiet on the sports car front. That might be changing. The production version of the Iconic SP concept, a rotary-equipped sports car, could arrive as early as next year. If it does, it might just take up the mantle as a spiritual successor to the RX-7.
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Even better, it’s expected to be sold alongside the next-generation MX-5 Miata roadster, although that one is still a few years out.
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At first glance, the 2023 Iconic SP concept might seem like a hardtop evolution of the future MX-5. But it’s actually a bit larger than it looks. At 4,180 mm long (164.6 inches), it stretches 265 mm (10.4 inches) more than the current ND-generation MX-5 and sits 105 mm (4.1 inches) shorter than the classic RX-7 FD. In other words, it neatly fills the space between Mazda’s old and new sports car identities.
Rotary Revival, With a Hybrid Twist
In an interview with Motor Trend, Mazda Chief Technical Officer Ryuichi Umeshita confirmed what many have been hoping to hear: “You can expect Iconic SP will be a good successor for RX-7.” His comments echo earlier statements from Mazda President and CEO Masahiro Moro, who said he’d love to see the rotary sports car make a return. So, yes, the rotary dream isn’t dead.
Interestingly, Umeshita told the magazine that “Initial talk was that it could go into production as early as 2026 but timing is also dependent on a viable business case”. On the technical side, things are moving faster as he confirmed that the next generation of the brand’s rotary engine is nearly ready.
The question of naming is still unresolved. When asked whether the new sports car might wear the RX-7 or RX-9 badge, Umeshita kept things ambiguous. He noted that the model isn’t meant to directly succeed any existing nameplate, though it could revive something from the past or introduce a fresh identity altogether. One thing he’s certain about is that it won’t be called Cosmo, the name once used for Mazda’s upscale coupes sold overseas.
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Hybrid Power, With Rotary Character
The Iconic SP’s hybrid powertrain was said to produce a combined output of 365 hp (272 kW / 370 PS). It features a dual-rotor rotary engine acting as a range extender, paired with a single electric motor and a battery pack. The production model is expected to use a similar setup. However, Mazda may also offer a second configuration, this time with the rotary engine serving as the main source of propulsion.
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Umeshita said that engineers are currently working on an evolution of the rotary range-extender found on the MX-30 crossover, which will be more powerful and also comply with the US emission regulations.
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The coupe’s development sounds like a priority for the brand, so hopefully, executives will soon be able to deliver their promises. As for sales targets, the RX-7 successor will be a low-volume model, with Umeshita stating it will “complement” rather than cannibalize MX-5 sales.
Next-Gen MX-5 Is On the Way
The current ND-generation MX-5 has been on the road since 2014, which makes it about a hundred in car years. Naturally, people are wondering when the next version is coming. The answer: not just yet. While development is underway, the launch is still a few years off. That means the current model, with its timeless proportions and sharp handling, will hang around a bit longer.
Design chief Masashi Nakayama told Motor Trend that the new roadster will keep the compact footprint, lightweight feel, and affordability that have defined previous MX-5 generations, while reworking “everything else.” Visually, the next Miata is expected to borrow heavily from the Iconic SP concept’s design language, just scaled down to fit the smaller proportions.
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Unlike the RX-7 successor, which will be a 2+2 coupe, the MX-5 will remain a two-seater roadster. More importantly, it will be fitted with a four-cylinder gasoline engine, helping it further differentiate from the rotary-powered hybrid sports car and retain an affordable price tag.
Mazda has already confirmed that a new Skyactiv Z powertrain will debut in 2027. It will bring improvements in fuel efficiency and performance, and it’s likely that the next-gen Miata will get one of these engines, probably a naturally aspirated four-cylinder. It’ll remain rear-wheel drive, of course, and yes, a manual transmission is still on the table.
