When Mazda revealed the Iconic SP a few years again, the final consensus was that it was too good to stay only a idea. Fortunately the Japanese firm had been listening…
Idea automobiles are usually used to signpost a model’s future and infrequently seem as manufacturing variations that keep true to the unique design. Oftentimes this both resulting from 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, perhaps, of the Japanese producer’s intentions for the long run.
A yr on from its debut although, Masashi Nakayama, Basic Supervisor at Mazda’s Design Division has revealed the alternative: “This idea isn’t just a kind of empty present automobiles,” he mentioned, “It’s been designed with actual intent to show it right into a manufacturing mannequin within the not-so-distant future.”
In contrast to most ideas that concentrate on exterior and inside design at the start, the Iconic SP was crafted round its dual-rotor rotary engine EV powertrain. “Standing by the automotive, you must be capable of image what kind of engine could be housed below 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 automotive. Within the improvement course of, every part 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 automotive 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 various hybrid expertise, Mazda reinstated its rotary engine improvement group as a part of its powertrain expertise improvement division initially of 2024. “For the final six years, rotary engine engineers have been a part of the engine improvement group the place they engaged within the improvement of state-of-the-art inside combustion engine capabilities in addition to the final word enchancment in effectivity,” mentioned Ichiro Hirose, Director, Senior Managing Govt Officer, and Chief Expertise Officer. “These engineers have broadened their perspective past the boundaries of engine programs and have skilled themselves to grasp model-based improvement, which is one among Mazda’s engineering strengths. This time, 36 engineers will collect in a single group to make a breakthrough within the analysis and improvement 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 approach in 2023. The Mazda MX-30 R-EV tackles among the key points with rotary engines by utilizing 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 could be very compact and really highly effective on the similar time,” mentioned Saga. “That’s one benefit, but additionally it may be powered by numerous varieties of fuels, and that might 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 automotive.
Whereas the Iconic SP will incorporate an electrified powertrain, Mazda hopes to maximise its sustainability credentials by utilizing carbon impartial fuels equivalent to e-fuels, biofuels and hydrogen. In a great state of affairs, any further 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 higher 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 creating for emission compliance of rotary engines, believing that it could actually contribute to Japanese manufacturing by opening the teachings discovered 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 structure. As soon as an acceptable battery measurement is decided, the workforce will determine the place to put in the battery. For the reason that Iconic SP mannequin doesn’t have a drive shaft, there’s a higher vary of choices accessible to mount the batteries. Mazda additionally anticipates technological progress will assist optimum battery structure and integration.
“We are going to proceed to supply clients thrilling automobiles by honing inside combustion engines for the electrification period and increasing the multi-pathway potentialities for reaching 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 way of co-creation and competitors to make sure it could actually contribute broadly to society.”
All this ties in with Mazda’s purpose to realize its goal of “the extra you drive, the cleaner the air”. In addition to implementing carbon impartial fuels, the corporate needs to seize CO2 emitted within the combustion course of. Mazda is concentrating on CO2 discount by 90% utilizing carbon impartial fuels and hoping to seize 20% of CO2 emitted to realize 10% CO2 adverse emissions. “Mazda is attempting to seize CO2 from the exhaust fuel,” mentioned an organization assertion. “For the reason that focus of CO2 in exhaust fuel is increased than that in air, it’s doable to seize CO2 effectively. Alternatively, the problem of the expertise required will increase, equivalent to decreasing the fuel temperature to a temperature that’s simpler to seize. We’re at present engaged on fundamental practical 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 assist a wider roll out of EVs. Panasonic Power is about to provide Mazda with cylindrical lithium ion batteries from 2027 which Mazda will module-package in-house. To satisfy demand as soon as Mazda launches its first mannequin on a devoted EV platform, Panasonic Power plans to extend capability at its Suminoe and Kaizuka factories in Osaka, Japan.
Kazuo Tadanobu, President and CEO of Panasonic Power mentioned, “Via 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 reaching this mission.”
By 2030, Panasonic Power is aiming to succeed in Japanese manufacturing capability of 10GWh yearly working with Mazda. The challenge is designed to create a steady battery provide chain in Japan and improve the nation’s manufacturing presence on this trade.
Masahiro Moro, President and CEO of Mazda, mentioned, “Mazda is dedicated to reaching carbon neutrality and is driving the transition to electrification by way of a variety of options that cater to our clients’ wants and existence. We are going to take advantage of the extremely environment friendly, excessive efficiency, and secure batteries equipped by Panasonic Power, and ship distinctive Mazda BEVs to our clients that completely steadiness design, comfort, and driving vary.”
Fastback hatchback
At first of the yr Mazda unveiled its newest EV, the Mazda6e, on the Brussels Motor Present, signaling a major transformation of its standard mid-sized sedan for the European market.
The brand new EV affords two battery configurations: the smaller 68.8kWh model offers a variety of as much as 300 miles and might 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 function a rear-wheel drive structure and produce 320 Newton-meters of torque.
Designed below Mazda’s ‘Kodo Soul of Movement’ philosophy, the automobile showcases a modern exterior with clean flowing traces and daring options. Distinctive design components embody frameless doorways, built-in door handles, and a novel entrance lighting signature that dynamically illuminates throughout charging.
“The Mazda6e is the automotive 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 carry nice design, expertise, and elegance to battery electrical automobiles.”
The inside emphasizes sophistication and spaciousness, impressed by the Japanese idea of ‘Ma’, which interprets as a spot, area or pause. Certainly, you would possibly wish 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 client demand. We are going to introduce new fashions that match the tempo of precise client 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 an interesting 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.
