Next-Gen Mazda RX-7 & MX-5 Currently in Development – Report

Mazda is reportedly developing the next-gen RX-7 and MX-5 sportscars, with the former set to feature a hybrid rotary engine.

Remember the sporty Mazda Iconic SP concept unveiled back in 2023? Turns out the production version of this radical concept could arrive as early as next year, where it will reportedly carry not only a new rotary engine but also the iconic RX-7 nameplate.

Even better, the new RX-7 is expected to be sold alongside the next-gen MX-5 Miata, although the new roadster is still years from rolling off the production line.

This revelation was confirmed by Mazda Chief Technical Officer Ryuichi Umeshita, who spoke to Motor Trend about the latest update regarding the production of the Iconic SP concept. The CTO also said that enthusiasts can expect the Iconic SP to be a “good successor for the RX-7,” thus hinting at the possibility of the RX-7 nameplate revival.

Umeshita also added that the production of the Iconic SP could begin as early as 2026, with the new rotary engine for this sportscar said to be nearly ready for production. That being said, the CTO did warn that the production timing is “also dependent on a viable business case.”

Mazda RX-7 FD

As for the naming, Umeshita kept things rather ambiguous on whether this new sportscar will carry the iconic RX-7 nameplate. The technical boss did note that this new model isn’t meant to directly succeed any existing nameplate but didn’t outright dismiss the possibility of reviving one of their previous nameplates, albeit with a fresh identity altogether.

The production version of the Iconic SP was said to be powered by a new hybrid rotary engine that delivers a combined output of 365 HP, featuring a dual-rotor rotary engine acting as a range extender, paired with a single electric motor and a battery pack. However, CarScoops reported that Mazda may also offer a more traditional powertrain configuration for the Iconic SP, this time with the rotary engine serving as the main source of propulsion.

Once it debuts, the production Iconic SP will be a low-volume model, with Umeshita stating it will “complement” rather than replace the MX-5 in its sportscar lineup.

Speaking of the MX-5, the Hiroshima-based automaker is also in the midst of developing the next-gen version of its beloved roadster. While its development is already underway, the new Miata is still a few years off, meaning that the current ND-gen model, which debuted back in 2014, will soldier on for the time being.

Mazda design chief Masashi Nakayama told Motor Trend that the new roadster will keep the same compact footprint, lightweight feel, and affordability that have made the MX-5 famous while reworking “everything else.” The design boss also said that the new Miata will heavily borrow some design bits from the Iconic SP concept while at the same time retaining its two-seater roadster bodystyle.

On the powertrain front, the new Miata will feature a four-cylinder petrol engine, possibly adopting the new Skyactiv-Z powertrain that is poised to feature on the new CX-5. Said to feature 2.5-litre displacement, Mazda claims the new Skyactiv-Z offers better fuel efficiency and performance over the current 2.0-litre Skyactiv-G unit used on the ND model.

Source: Motor Trend, CarScoops