Mazda Confirms Iconic SP Concept Production, Skyactiv-Z, And Next-Gen CX-5

Mazda is poised to put its stunning Iconic SP Concept sports coupe into production, and it's set to harness the marque's signature rotary engine tech too.

Japanese automaker Mazda is set to keep itself busy in the coming years. That’s because the firm reportedly confirmed big plans to develop and produce several new models plus new powertrain technologies too.

We’ll start with the most exciting news, that being the Hiroshima-based marque’s decision to put its stunning Iconic SP Concept into production. Revealed last year, this sports coupe is destined to be a direct successor to Mazda’s signature RX-7 and RX-8 sportscars.

That’s because the production version of the Iconic SP Concept will adopt the marque’s signature rotary engine tech, albeit in the capacity of a range-extender. Reports online also indicate that this sleek coupe will adopt a dual-rotor mill that’s paired with an electric (EV) powertrain.

The production bound Iconic SP Concept will pack a range-extender rotary mill paired with an EV powetrain.

Mazda even claims that its rotary range-extender can run on any type of carbon-neutral fuel and could potentially lower emissions by up to 90%. Said rotary mill is also expected to be both very compact and very powerful.

Though Mazda hasn’t shared any details surrounding which, expect the Iconic SP Concept's electrified rotary powerplant to output no less than 365 HP. As to “when” this coupe’s production could commence, Mazda didn’t elaborate other than promising it arrival in “the near future.”

Mazda also detailed its next-gen CX-5 crossover, and it is set to harness an electrified new powertrain that uses hybrid tech developed in-house by Mazda.

Next, Mazda also reportedly confirm details for its next generation CX-5 crossover – arguably its biggest global seller – which is set to play a pivotal role in Mazda’s Phase 2 plans where the automaker transitions to electrified power between 2025 and 2027.

Part of this includes hybridising the CX-5 using hybrid tech developed in-house by Mazda. Additionally, the next-gen CX-5 will be roughly 60% less complex than today’s version too, likely through streamlined specifications and equipment, so expect smaller and less complicated line-up for the nameplate in its next generation iteration.

The next-gen CX-5 is also set to be 60% less  complex, whilst streamlined specs and kit could also see its variant range reduced drastically.

Moving on, Mazda will also debut a new electric vehicle (EV) that’s reportedly based on a new dedicated platform. Mazda says it is also studying plug-in hybrid variants based on the architecture, suggesting that these would be relatively inexpensive to develop.

Separately, Mazda also remains committed towards the creation of a new electric crossover offering through its Mazda Changan joint venture in China. This was previewed through the Arata concept shown by the brand at the Beijing Auto Show earlier this year.

Shown at the Beijing Auto Show earlier this year, a production version of the Mazda Arata concept pictured is also set to spawn through the Mazda Changan joint-venture in China.

Despite a strong focus on electrification, Mazda also confirmed that development is well under way for its new Skyactiv-Z engine. Slated for launch in 2027, Mazda says this engine promises “more ideal combustion” with “enhanced environmental and driving performance.”

Mazda bills its upcoming Skyactiv-Z as a 4-cyl successor to both its existing Skyactiv-G and Skyactiv-X engines, and it will use the “lambda one combustion method” that promises high thermal efficiency using super lean combustion over a wide rev range (low to high).

Mazda also continues efforts to simplify its ICE range, noting that its new Syactiv-Z powertrain development is progressing well.

The effort sees Mazda reiterating its intent to simplify its internal combustion engine (ICE) line-up, which means its range of ICE engines will shrink in the coming years, and the firm will eventually apply new combustion tech to its existing in-line 6-cyl as well.

Lastly comes Mazda’s Phase 3 plans, set to occur between 2028 and 2030,. Less is known about this this period, but the company is promising a “full-scale launch” of EVs.