by Expectations vs. Reality
Since the presentation of the Iconic SP concept at the Japan Mobility Show 2023, Mazda fans have been eagerly awaiting its transition from the exhibition stand to the roads. The coupe immediately sparked speculation about a spiritual successor to the RX-7, and Mazda executives were keen to nurture these hopes.
However, recent reports suggest that the path from concept to reality may not be as smooth as enthusiasts would like.
At the end of 2024, Mazda’s head of design Masashi Nakayama stated that the Iconic SP was “developed with the real intention of turning it into a production model.” This goal was supported by CEO Masahiro Moro: “We are still working hard on its implementation.” Chief Technical Officer Ryuji Umesita later called it a “worthy successor to the RX-7,” although he acknowledged that the project still needs a solid business model.
Financial Challenges
When asked how close the project is to realization, the chief technical officer was frank:
“Let me answer personally — this is my dream car. I want it to become a reality. From a technological standpoint, I believe it is possible. The only remaining question is financial.”
Earlier this year, Mazda cut its planned electrification budget by half a trillion yen ($3.3 billion). The company adheres to a “Multi-Solution” strategy that combines electric vehicles, hybrids, and internal combustion engines, rather than fully transitioning to electric power.
Between developing an EV platform, a new hybrid system, and the future SkyActiv-Z engine, Mazda’s resources are already stretched. In this context, a specialized sports car may not be at the top of the spending list.
Revival of the Rotary Engine
Despite this, the idea has not been shelved. The Vision X Coupe concept, presented at the Japan Mobility Show 2025, demonstrates that Mazda has not abandoned its dream of a rotary engine.
This confirms that the company is still investing in the technology that defined some of its most famous cars, as this development is equipped with a hybrid setup featuring a turbocharged rotary engine.
Umesita emphasized this continuity: “We have revived the rotary engine development team, and we know that our DNA is in sports cars, so I would never say that we have given up on it.”
The Vision X Coupe’s hybrid system combines a turbocharged rotary engine with an electric motor, delivering a combined 503 hp, and includes carbon capture technology. For comparison, the Iconic SP’s range-extender system produced 365 hp.
Mazda’s next step is to further reduce emissions from the rotary engine, which could ultimately allow it to directly drive the wheels, rather than just serving as a generator. Engineers estimate that this evolution will take another “two to three years” of development.
Future of Mazda Sports Cars
While Mazda’s design and engineering teams are working on reviving the rotary legacy, the brand’s future in sports cars looks brighter than it has in many years.
Alongside the potential RX successor, Mazda has confirmed that the next generation of the MX-5 roadster will appear by the end of this decade. The future Miata will remain true to its lightweight concept, receiving a larger-displacement SkyActiv Z engine and, reassuringly, a manual transmission.
The financial constraints facing Mazda are typical of the automotive industry as a whole, especially when it comes to niche products like sports coupes. While the technological foundation to create an RX-7 successor exists, the business model to justify its mass production remains the most difficult puzzle. At the same time, the continued development of the rotary engine and the confirmation of the MX-5’s future indicate that the company does not intend to abandon its sporting identity, even under challenging conditions. The solution may lie in finding new funding avenues or partnerships to overcome these obstacles.
