FIRST LOOK: Rotary-Engine Mazda Previews Next RX-7

It’s called the Mazda Iconic SP, a compact, classically proportioned sportscar built to simply embody “the joy of driving”.

The fundamentals are fairly straightforward. There’s a rotary engine featuring twin rotors, though here – as in the MX-30 R-EV – it’s used merely to charge the battery which in turn powers the electric motors.

As ever with most things with batteries and motors, it’ll be pretty powerful, but slightly heavier than you expect; Power is quoted at 365bhp, weight at 1,450kg. So it’ll be fast but not silly.

So, is the Iconic SP more son-of-RX-7? Top Gear Magazine's Tom Ford takes a closer look.

WATCH MORE TOP GEAR:

Chapters:
00:00 Intro
00:38 Specs
02:41 Design
03:20 Interior
04:11 Interview With Masashi Nakayama
06:15 Conclusion

MORE ABOUT TOP GEAR:

This is a commercial channel from BBC Studios.

[rush]

If they ever build a rotary sports car again, I'll find a way to afford it.

[barryvyner]

I was talking to someone the other day about what makes a good car. He said something that resonated with me: "you know you've bought the right car when, after you park it and walk away you stop and look back at it with a smile". I've done that with my new MX5 and this car would most certainly cause me to do that.

[Parker-time]

CONCEPT CAR ALERT people, go back to your regular day. Nothing to see here.

[lewistaylor]

I love that dude's vibe. Simplicity but still with passion. "Would a kid think it's cool" I think is a question every sports car manufacturer should be asking themselves

[BridgeGuitar]

I think that listening to their designer and his passion for designing cars that are more than logical, cars that create emotion, is probably the best thing I’ve heard from someone in the car industry for a really long time. 🎉

[kuri]

It's a work of art. No over the top hypercar design. No over stylized motorsports themed bits. Just pure, sleek and simple.

I first laid eyes on it at the Tokyo Mobility Show (auto show) last October and was stunned. Easily the car I spent the most time staring at during that show. Interesting to note how Nakayama-san mentioned how it looks from above as not only did Mazda have the car on a rotating platform to view it at ground level, they also had a large raised platform off to the side so we can also view it from above.

My goodness that car is stunning.

[urbanbunny]

Stunning design. Please build this ASAP Mazda!

[leoanthony]

That is one of the finest sports cars I have seen. Classic, beautiful design.

[Callum]

Thank you for not putting on a horrible voice-over, or baking in subtitles, for the interview with Nakayama-san. Some of us understand Japanese and appreciate the light editing touch. Subtitles for who cannot understand, optional no subtitles for people who do. Simple, works best. Really appreciate it.

[whitlermountain]

''why do the headlights open?''

'why not? it looks cool right?'

I'm buying this car first day if it comes out. Guy speaks to my freaking heart.

[eliasmaissour]

even if they put a 250 or 300 hp rotary in it. Everyone will love it

[DustinPlatt]

I have 23 concept cars on my wish list.
It's only been 42 years, but I swear I'll get one of these concept cars off the production line before I die.







I think.

[NoxiousPond]

This is proof that simplicity is the best way to make a beautiful sports car. This is easily better looking than any current/new Ferrari, Lambo, Corvette, hell even Aston Martin.

[carlosechavarri-erasun]

MX-5 NC owner here. I do not thing this is a RX-7 or mx-5 Kind of car, i do believe this is Mazda designers becoming artists. Just like Italian car designers were artists back in the 60s and 70s. It looks more like modern interpretation of a classic Alfa Romeo/Ferrari or even Lancia silhouette than anything else to me. To achieve this you have to come back to the simple basic shapes and proportions. In a day in which every design is as complicated as possible (no wonder modern cars are becoming less and less appealing), having the courage to go back to the basics takes courage. I think they did exactly this with the MX-5 ND, making it smaller, and lighter, exactly the opposite of what the industry is doing today. I salute to the designers, I haven't seen a car so beautiful and appealing in ages. Surprisingly, it comes from Japan, but it had to be Mazda. Hats off.

[AchimDaffin]

Either way it goes, I love it .. A life time Mazda owner... starting with 626 in the early 80s, MX6 in 99s, Mazda 6 in early 2000s, while at the same time introducing my wife to 6 Wagon (Hauls mass) and daughter to a 3, then my second 6 in 2014, wife now in 3 Hatchback, and now I'm finally in Mx5 RF, wife in CX 30... Yes, we love 'Mazda, and have always put over 150, 000 miles on them, the MX 6 and 2014 with both over 250, 000 miles, and got good trade in, or when selling ourselves, amazing money .... Yes, I would love to own, and know i would love to drive whatever this will be. Keep up the great work Mazda...

[bismarchiavelli]

That car is stunning, no question about it. The designer seems so genuine, I’d love to hear more about what drives his design. Whether the company will allow him to execute his vision is another thing altogether. Best of luck dude.

[Kroberter]

They tease a “new rx7” every couple years. It never bears fruit.

[MrMegatron]

This and the N vision 74 MUST come to market

[zerohours.]

This is probably one of the cleanest designs i've seen in decades. And the small touches of nostalgia with the lights and the smooth lines of the door and rear are impeccable

[mikebike]

Super nice! I think is is so cool that they got the guy who actually designed it. He really did a good job. I miss the old RX-7's. I hope they actually manufacture this one.