Overview
- Chief technology officer Ryuichi Umeshita said the rotary-electric Iconic SP is technically feasible, calling the financial case the only outstanding issue.
- Mazda is developing a dedicated EV architecture slated to underpin its first model around 2027, pushing niche sports projects down the queue.
- Reports indicate planned electrification spending has been reduced by roughly a third, variously framed as about £2.5 billion or around half a trillion yen.
- Rotary work continues with a re-established development team and the Vision X Coupe concept, which pairs a turbocharged rotary with hybrid drive for about 503 hp.
- Engineers target further emissions reductions that could enable the rotary to drive the wheels in two to three years, while a next-generation MX-5 is due later this decade.