Mazda’s innovative ICONIC SP concept car has clinched the prestigious EV Concept of the Year award at the 2024 Top Gear Electric Awards. Initially unveiled at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show in Tokyo, the ICONIC SP combines a unique dual rotary engine with an electric vehicle (EV) platform, echoing the technological advancements first seen in the Mazda MX-30 R-EV. This vehicle had previously won the Innovation Award at the same event in 2023.
The ICONIC SP is a testament to Mazda’s ongoing dedication to designing vehicles that fulfill the driving passions of its customers while embracing the shift towards electrification. The vehicle features a striking design with optimal weight distribution, thanks to the central placement of the rotary generator, ensuring a low center of gravity and enhancing driving dynamics.
Tom Ford, Associate Editor at Top Gear, praised the ICONIC SP for its straightforward yet forward-thinking design, which effectively merges Mazda’s rich heritage with its vision for the future. Among many new EV concepts, Ford highlighted the ICONIC SP as the standout model that he hopes will proceed to full production.
During the unveiling, Masahiro Moro, President and CEO of Mazda, emphasized the company’s commitment to preserving the exhilaration of driving in the electrified age. He expressed that the ICONIC SP’s innovative dual rotary power generator EV powertrain represents Mazda’s ideal solution to this challenge, signaling Mazda’s intent to bring this dream to fruition. Moro reiterated Mazda’s promise to deliver vehicles that reinforce the joy and essential role of cars in people’s lives.
The ICONIC SP’s two-rotor rotary EV system is designed for versatility, capable of using various fuels, including hydrogen. This flexibility makes it especially suitable for sports car configurations. Moreover, when charged with electricity sourced from renewable energy, the ICONIC SP can operate in an almost entirely carbon-neutral manner.
Jeremy Thomson, Managing Director of Mazda UK, also commented on the award, noting the significance of receiving accolades from Top Gear’s editorial experts. He expressed pride in the recognition of Mazda’s future-oriented approach to creating vehicles that are both enjoyable to drive and aesthetically appealing.
