When Mazda revealed the Iconic SP a few years again, the overall consensus was that it was too good to stay only a idea. Fortunately the Japanese firm had been listening…
Idea vehicles are sometimes used to signpost a model’s future and barely seem as manufacturing variations that keep true to the unique design. Oftentimes this both on account of regulatory necessities or bold designs that had been by no means actually meant for manufacturing. When Mazda unveiled its Iconic SP idea on the 2023 Japan Mobility Present, it was only a idea, a touch, possibly, of the Japanese producer’s intentions for the long run.
A yr on from its debut although, Masashi Nakayama, Common Supervisor at Mazda’s Design Division has revealed the alternative: “This idea is not only a kind of empty present vehicles,” he mentioned, “It’s been designed with actual intent to show it right into a manufacturing mannequin within the not-so-distant future.”
Not like most ideas that target exterior and inside design initially, the Iconic SP was crafted round its dual-rotor rotary engine EV powertrain. “Standing by the automobile, it is best to have the ability to image what kind of engine could be housed beneath the bonnet,” mentioned Naohito Saga, Govt Officer at Mazda’s R&D Technique Planning Division. “That’s how dedicated we had been to crafting this idea automobile. Within the growth course of, every thing from the place of the doorways and tires to the size of the automobile, the seating place of the occupants and visibility was meticulously researched earlier than reaching the ultimate specs. It actually reveals how a lot we wished to make it a automobile that manifests Mazda’s dedication for the long run, particularly by way of sustainability and the long run function of our rotary engine expertise.”
Circling the sq.
Underlining its dedication to this sort of engine and different hybrid expertise, Mazda reinstated its rotary engine growth group as a part of its powertrain expertise growth division in the beginning of 2024. “For the final six years, rotary engine engineers have been a part of the engine growth group the place they engaged within the growth of state-of-the-art inner combustion engine capabilities in addition to the final word enchancment in effectivity,” mentioned Ichiro Hirose, Director, Senior Managing Govt Officer, and Chief Know-how Officer. “These engineers have broadened their perspective past the boundaries of engine methods and have educated themselves to grasp model-based growth, which is one in every of Mazda’s engineering strengths. This time, 36 engineers will collect in a single group to make a breakthrough within the analysis and growth of rotary engines.”
Though Mazda’s final rotary-engined mannequin, the RX-8, was discontinued in 2012, the expertise was reintroduced in a brand new means in 2023. The Mazda MX-30 R-EV tackles a few of the key points with rotary engines through the use of the engine as an on-board generator. Using the identical idea, the Iconic SP makes use of a dual-rotor system as an alternative of a single-rotor configuration just like the collection plug-in hybrid MX-30 R-EV. That is designed to extend energy output to 365bhp.
“The rotary engine may be very compact and really highly effective on the identical time,” mentioned Saga. “That’s one benefit, but additionally it may be powered by varied sorts of fuels, and that would give us an edge within the race to discover a possible resolution for the way forward for mobility.” This mixture of traits makes it a great powertrain to make use of in a futuristic light-weight sports activities automobile.
Whereas the Iconic SP will incorporate an electrified powertrain, Mazda hopes to maximise its sustainability credentials through the use of carbon impartial fuels resembling e-fuels, biofuels and hydrogen. In a great state of affairs, any extra energy wanted to recharge the battery would even be from a sustainable supply to facilitate carbon impartial driving utilizing a combustion engine as a generator. Effectivity and emissions compliance contributed to the downfall of the RX-8, so repositioning the rotary engine as a generator might assist to offer larger management over the engine’s output.
Carbon seize
Contemplating the challenges on the way in which to its carbon impartial rotary engine hybrid powertrain purpose, Mazda mentioned, “A prerequisite for engines to be utilized within the age of electrification is their emission compliance, and the rotary engine has the very best hurdle in comparison with different engines. Mazda will proceed to tackle the problem of growing for emission compliance of rotary engines, believing that it could contribute to Japanese manufacturing by opening the teachings realized from this problem as applied sciences to be utilized not solely to Mazda engines, but additionally to engines from different firms.”
Whereas Mazda is but to launch full particulars on the way it expects to bundle the Iconic SP’s dual-rotor rotary engine generator and EV powertrain, the compact nature of the engine and accompanying electrical elements is predicted to permit for a extra versatile format. As soon as an appropriate battery measurement is decided, the staff will resolve the place to put in the battery. Because the Iconic SP mannequin doesn’t have a drive shaft, there’s a larger vary of choices out there to mount the batteries. Mazda additionally anticipates technological progress will help optimum battery format and integration.
“We’ll proceed to supply clients thrilling vehicles by honing inner combustion engines for the electrification period and increasing the multi-pathway potentialities for attaining carbon neutrality,” mentioned Masahiro Moro, Consultant Director, President and CEO of Mazda Motor Company. “Given the rotary engine’s compatibility with electrification and carbon-neutral fuels, Mazda will proceed to develop the expertise by co-creation and competitors to make sure it could contribute broadly to society.”
All this ties in with Mazda’s goal to realize its goal of “the extra you drive, the cleaner the air”. In addition to implementing carbon impartial fuels, the corporate desires to seize CO2 emitted within the combustion course of. Mazda is focusing on CO2 discount by 90% utilizing carbon impartial fuels and hoping to seize 20% of CO2 emitted to realize 10% CO2 destructive emissions. “Mazda is making an attempt to seize CO2 from the exhaust gasoline,” mentioned an organization assertion. “Because the focus of CO2 in exhaust gasoline is increased than that in air, it’s attainable to seize CO2 effectively. Alternatively, the problem of the expertise required will increase, resembling decreasing the gasoline temperature to a temperature that’s simpler to seize. We’re at the moment engaged on primary purposeful exams primarily based on the model-based strategy to determine the expertise.”
BEV provide chain in Japan
Whereas Mazda plans forward for the way forward for rotary engines, the corporate can also be securing provide chains to help a wider roll out of EVs. Panasonic Vitality is about to provide Mazda with cylindrical lithium ion batteries from 2027 which Mazda will module-package in-house. To fulfill demand as soon as Mazda launches its first mannequin on a devoted EV platform, Panasonic Vitality plans to extend capability at its Suminoe and Kaizuka factories in Osaka, Japan.
Kazuo Tadanobu, President and CEO of Panasonic Vitality mentioned, “By way of this collaboration, we’re poised to drive the growth of BEV manufacturing and increase the competitiveness of Japan’s battery trade. Our final purpose is to foster a sustainable society, and we’re devoted to attaining this mission.”
By 2030, Panasonic Vitality is aiming to succeed in Japanese manufacturing capability of 10GWh yearly working with Mazda. The mission is designed to create a steady battery provide chain in Japan and enhance the nation’s manufacturing presence on this trade.
Masahiro Moro, President and CEO of Mazda, mentioned, “Mazda is dedicated to attaining carbon neutrality and is driving the transition to electrification by a variety of options that cater to our clients’ wants and life. We’ll benefit from the extremely environment friendly, excessive efficiency, and secure batteries equipped by Panasonic Vitality, and ship distinctive Mazda BEVs to our clients that completely stability design, comfort, and driving vary.”
Fastback hatchback
Initially of the yr Mazda unveiled its newest EV, the Mazda6e, on the Brussels Motor Present, signaling a big transformation of its standard mid-sized sedan for the European market.
The brand new EV presents two battery configurations: the smaller 68.8kWh model supplies a variety of as much as 300 miles and may cost from 10 to 80 % in simply 22 minutes, including 145 miles of vary in a quarter-hour. Its electrical motor delivers 258 horsepower, enabling a 0-62 mph acceleration in 7.6 seconds. Whereas the bigger 80kWh battery extends the vary to 345 miles, with barely diminished efficiency, reaching 62 mph in 7.8 seconds. Each variations characteristic a rear-wheel drive format and produce 320 Newton-meters of torque.
Designed beneath Mazda’s ‘Kodo Soul of Movement’ philosophy, the automobile showcases a smooth exterior with easy flowing strains and daring options. Distinctive design components embrace frameless doorways, built-in door handles, and a novel entrance lighting signature that dynamically illuminates throughout charging.
“The Mazda6e is the automobile our sellers have been ready for,” mentioned Jeremy Thomson, Managing Director of Mazda Motors UK. “It’s an actual assertion of intent for the long run and illustrates how Mazda can convey nice design, expertise, and magnificence to battery electrical autos.”
The inside emphasizes sophistication and spaciousness, impressed by the Japanese idea of ‘Ma’, which interprets as a niche, area or pause. Certainly, you would possibly need to take a second to understand the panoramic roof, which floods the cabin with pure gentle, in addition to the cockpit encompasses a 14.6-inch touchscreen, 10.2-inch instrument set, and an augmented actuality head-up show.
Thomson additionally highlighted Mazda’s strategy to electrification. “Within the UK, we face distinctive challenges in balancing EV laws and shopper demand. We’ll introduce new fashions that match the tempo of precise shopper demand, providing a multi-solution strategy together with mild-hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and battery electrical applied sciences.”
With its 330-litre boot, 70-litre entrance storage, and punctiliously calibrated suspension by Mazda Analysis Europe in Frankfurt, the Mazda6e represents the model’s dedication to delivering a fascinating electrical driving expertise tailor-made to European preferences.
The all-electric hatchback with a fastback saloon design is about to reach in left-hand drive European markets this yr, whereas UK clients should wait till the primary half of 2026.
