After discontinuing the RX-8 in 2012, Mazda Australia could soon have another rotary-engined sports car in its stable if executives get their wish.
Despite skipping the MX-30 rotary range extender, Mazda’s signature piston-less engine could soon make its return to Australian showrooms – if the Iconic SP concept continues on its current development trajectory.
Speaking to Drive, Mazda Australia boss Vinesh Bhindi said a flagship model like the Iconic SP and its rotary range extender would not be a hard business case to argue for, even if a similar powertrain was deemed unfeasible in the short-lived MX-30.
“Well, if Mazda Corporation builds it [a production version of the Iconic SP concept, we would absolutely consider it,” Bhindi said.
“Now, we're talking about Iconic SP and the powertrain that's been talked about is rotary as a generator.
“We bought [MX-30] in, yes, [which was available with a rotary range extender] and we always knew it was going to be very niche appeal.
“We exhausted our opportunity there, so adding just a powertrain did not make any business sense at all.
“But if that technology was in an Iconic SP sports car? Then, of course.”
Mazda’s MX-30 was introduced in mid-2021, and was sold for just two and a half years before being discontinued due to low sales.
In Australia, only 2.0-litre mild-hybrid and full electric versions were available, but overseas markets also had access to a rotary range extender powertrain called the e-Skyactiv-R in Japan.
This was the first time a rotary engine was placed in a production Mazda since the discontinuation of the RX-8 sports car in 2012, but the new arraignment in the MX-30 meant the rotary would only recharge the battery and not drive the wheels.
However, Mazda upgraded to a two-rotor engine – capable of using alternative fuels like hydrogen – to boost outputs to a claimed 272kW.
Mazda has been clear that rotary engine development is high on its agenda, stating in a 2024 financial report that it is “making smooth progress in the development of rotary engine emissions compliance”.
Executives from the brand have also stated in the past that they have every intent of bringing a production version of the Iconic SP to markets, but stopped short of confirming a timeline.
However, a showroom-ready Iconic SP likely will not be a rebirth of the RX sports car lineage, instead the concept is expected to morph into the already-confirmed fifth-generation MX-5.
Mazda is exploring electrification for all its nameplates, and a rotary range-extender MX-5 to boost performance is not out of the question as a flagship powertrain.
When put to Bhindi if there is room for two sports cars in Mazda’s stable, Bhindi was careful with his words.
“Look, MX-5 is very important. And MX-5 is here to stay,” Bhindi said.
“And now we've showcased Iconic SP and all executives from our president down keep saying it's their plan and desire and ambition to bring that to market – that's all that's on the table.
“And I would be in that queue, saying I would like to have Iconic SP in reality.”
Tung Nguyen has been in the automotive journalism industry for over a decade, cutting his teeth at various publications before finding himself at Drive in 2024. With experience in news, feature, review, and advice writing, as well as video presentation skills, Tung is a do-it-all content creator. Tung’s love of cars first started as a child watching Transformers on Saturday mornings, as well as countless hours on PlayStation’s Gran Turismo, meaning his dream car is a Nissan GT-R, with a Liberty Walk widebody kit, of course.
