Mazda RX-7 Successor Could Enter Production as Early as 2026

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A successor to the Mazda RX-7 appears a step closer, with production of the road-going version of the Iconic SP concept potentially commencing as early as next year. 

In an interview with MotorTrend, Mazda Chief Technical Officer, Ryuichi Umeshita named the Iconic SP as a suitable successor to the RX-7. 

“You can expect Iconic SP will be a good successor for RX-7,” Umeshita told the US publication. 

Umeshita reportedly went on to say production could begin as early as 2026 although this would be dependent on a viable business case. 

The Mazda Iconic SP concept was initially unveiled at the Japanese Mobility Show in 2023, posed as a rotary-powered range-extender hybrid with an expected power output of around 270kW. 

Should this powertrain make it to production, it would not be the first rotary used by Mazda in a range extender setup – those honours go to the MX-30 small SUV – however this powertrain never made it to Australia. 

The Mazda MX-30 uses a rotary in its range extender powertrain overseas

Another powertrain option – in which the rotary would be used as the main power source – is also being considered by Mazda. 

Slated as an RX-7 successor, an Iconic SP production car would fill the two-door rotary sports car-shaped gap left empty since production of the FD-generation RX-7 ended in 2002. 

The RX-7 was the last two-door rotary Mazda sports car

Rotary-powered Mazdas have been absent from the Australian market since RX-8 production ended in 2012. 

While a name for the production car is yet to be announced, the Cosmo namesake – the name of Mazda’s original rotary sports car – has been ruled out, Umeshita told MotorTrend

Australia has been without a rotary Mazda since RX-8 production ended in 2012

The Iconic SP has also reportedly been ruled out as a replacement for the MX-5, instead co-existing with the smaller sports car as was the case when it was sold alongside the RX-7 and RX-8. 

Further details on the production version of the Mazda Iconic SP are yet to be announced. 

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FAQ

Is the Mazda Iconic SP going into production?

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Mazda Iconic SP production has not been confirmed, but it is possible it could enter production in 2026.

Will the Mazda Iconic SP have a rotary engine?

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Should the Mazda Iconic SP go into production, it is likely it will have a rotary engine as either a range extender generator or as the primary means of propulsion.

When was the last rotary Mazda in Australia?

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The last rotary-powered Mazda sold in Australia was the RX-8, production of which ended in 2012.

Is the Mazda Iconic SP a successor to the RX-7?

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The Mazda Iconic SP could be an RX-7 successor according to Mazda's chief technical officer, Ryuichi Umeshita.

Will the Mazda Iconic SP replace the Mazda MX-5?

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The Mazda Iconic SP is not expected to replace the Mazda MX-5.

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Jack MacKenzie
Jack MacKenzie first wrote about cars at the age of 11 as “The Car Buyer of the Future” for Best Selling Cars Blog, having already spent the previous year creating car videos of his own. This set him off down the road to becoming an automotive journalist, joining CarSauce as a university graduate 11 years later. Jack made a name for himself in the world of motorsport, both real and virtual. He published videos on YouTube with a heavy focus on sports car and endurance racing, and has previously written for The Checkered Flag, Coach Dave Academy, Sim Grid and SimStaff. Jack’s daily driver is a 916 Alfa Romeo Spider, and on the weekends, he races go-karts in endurance races across his home state of New South Wales.
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