Mazda’s New Rotary Car Still In Works & Must Be ‘Affordable’

Mazda fans have been waiting for clear news about a new rotary sports car, and while the company has stayed quiet, the dream is not over. Recent comments from top Mazda executives show that the idea of a new rotary model inspired by the Iconic SP concept is still alive.

The big question is not desire. It is how to make it work in today’s market.

Mazda Has Not Ruled Out a New Rotary Sports Car

Mazda has made it clear that it has not closed the door on building another rotary-powered sports car. In fact, the demand inside the company appears to be strong.

Moritz Oswald, Mazda’s product planning supervisor in Europe, recently shared how passionate the brand still is about performance cars.

“If there’s a feasible way to do that, then I’m sure if somebody will do it, it’s Mazda, because here the enthusiasts still make things happen,” said Oswald. He also confirmed that the idea of adding something beyond the MX-5 is on the table. “I think at the moment the MX-5 is still our halo car that stands for everything that Mazda products should be. Could there be something next to it or above? Yes.”

That excitement is not limited to one department. “The amount of car enthusiasts in this company is insane. Everybody loves cars, so of course, there is a deep desire to keep on launching emotional products,” said Oswald. “So are we looking into that? Yes, of course. But again, we are also a company that has to bring in revenues.”

Those words highlight both the passion and the challenge. Mazda wants to build a sports car for normal people, but it also has to make financial sense.

Since its debut in 2023, Mazda has shared very few updates about the Iconic SP concept. The company signaled early on that it had real production intent, but official details have been limited.

Iconic SP Revives Mazda’s Rotary Spirit

The Iconic SP concept was revealed in 2023 and immediately drew comparisons to the legendary FD-generation RX-7. Its sleek coupe shape, low stance, and smooth body lines clearly echo Mazda’s sports car heritage.

Under the hood, the concept features a twin-rotor rotary engine paired with two electric motors. Together, the setup is said to produce 365 horsepower.

Mazda has described it as a rotary-hybrid system that keeps the spirit of the engine alive while adapting to modern standards.

Rotary engines are smaller and lighter than traditional piston engines, which makes them attractive for sports cars. The Iconic SP concept reportedly weighs about 3,197 pounds.

While that is heavier than the old FD RX-7, it is still relatively light compared to many modern performance cars. Mazda has also explored how rotary technology can work in electrified form, as seen in the MX-30 R-EV and the Vision X-Coupe concept.

Christian Schultze, Mazda’s deputy general manager of R&D in Europe, has stressed that the brand wants the rotary engine to do more than just generate electricity.

He explained that if the car is meant to feel sporty, engineers may look at a more performance-focused hybrid layout so drivers can feel the engine’s power directly.

He also noted that emissions remain a challenge, describing them as feasible but difficult. Even so, Mazda believes a rotary-hybrid system can be highly efficient, especially if paired with carbon-neutral fuel.

Inside, the Iconic SP concept blends classic sports car ideas with modern technology.

The minimalist cabin features large paddle shifters behind the steering wheel and a central touchscreen that displays performance data such as regenerative braking, launch control, active aerodynamics, and G-force information.

The driver display even includes a G-force readout and a track map, reinforcing the car’s performance focus.

What Comes Next For Everyone’s Rotary Dream

Mazda continues to balance passion with practicality. Executives have made it clear that building a sports car for ordinary buyers is far more difficult than creating an expensive halo model.

The company wants to stay true to its reputation for accessible cars while also delivering something emotional and exciting.

The Iconic SP concept proves that Mazda still believes in the rotary engine and in the joy of driving. For now, the project remains under study, but the door is open.