New Mazda Patent Will Please Rotor Heads

Mazda's Iconic SP rotary powered sports car is closing in on production, and according to a patent filing in Japan its Wankel engine will be much more than just a range-extender for an EV powertrain.

When it was first shown as a concept in 2023 it appeared that the Iconic SP would employ a similar setup to the MX-30 R-EV, with a compact rotary engine generating electricity for a trio of electric motors. In fact, says a report by Japan's Best Car, the car's Wankel motor will be the main source of motion for the pretty coupe.

A recent patent for a "vehicle drive system" shows a mild hybrid installation with the rotary engine mounted behind the front axle, connected to a 33-hp electric motor which then sends power via a propshaft to a rear transaxle transmission. This arrangement means that the e-motor could provide useful torque-fill for the rotary at lower engine speeds. Two further electric motors of 23-hp apiece drive the front wheels and could allow the car run in pure EV configuration without firing up the Doritos in the engine bay.

By stitching together two of the 830 cc rotary units featured in the MX-30 it is estimated that the total output would top 350 horsepower, making it the most powerful rotary road car in Mazda's history. What's more Mazda has proven that the rotary can run on a wide range of fuels from pump gas to bio and e-fuels, and even hydrogen, which would future proof the sports car.

Best Car reckons it will be on sale in 2026. Hopefully it will also mark a return for the RX moniker-Mazda just needs to pick a number.