Mazda is not giving up on the thermal: it is planning a new petrol engine, the Skyyactiv-Z euro 7
The first models with the new engine will arrive in 2027 and one of these could be the production version of the SP Sport Coupé concept unveiled at the Japan Mobility Swow 2028
2' min read
Key points
2' min read
New Mazdas, perhaps even the fuura MX-5, but also the production version of the iconic SP Sport Coupe concept, could bring the new Skyactiv-Z petrol engine to debut.
The first details Mazda has released on the matter are that it should replace both the Skyactiv-G and Skyactiv-X as well as exploiting the Japanese brand's experience gained on cylinders. The aim is to achieve higher thermal efficiency by producing combustion that will be super lean over a wide range of engine speeds, from the lowest to the highest, in order to offer significantly more efficient driving and environmental performance.
EPA's Euro 7 and Tier 4 compliant engine
.According to what the Japanese carmaker has said so far, the intention is to offer the new Skyactiv-Z initially in Europe and the US with engineers already working to make the four-cylinder unit compliant with Euro 7 directives as well as EPA Tier 4 standards. It remains to be seen whether the new engine will have some form of electrification. Preferred destination of the new engine should be the production version of the iconic SP Sport Coupe, which has been officially confirmed in the brand's range with a rotary engine.
The successor to the iconic RX7 and RX8
.Mazda's design chief, Masashi Nakayama, has confirmed the news that the concept will not remain one of many show cars as it has been designed with the intention of turning it into a production model in the not so distant future. The concept's striking shape could turn it into the successor of a sports car like the iconic RX7 and RX8, even if the car will be the size of the current MX-5. Naohito Saga, Mazda's ceo of the strategic planning division, for his part, emphasised the meticulous attention to detail in the design of the Iconic SP.
Also under the bonnet is a twin-rotor engine
.While, however, the Japanese manufacturer has not shared any details on what might power the production version, at the heart of the Iconic SP concept is a compact twin-rotor engine mated to an EV gearbox. All to produce a combined power output of 365 hp. The rotary engine at this point could be very compact and at the same time also very powerful. A further advantage as it could be powered by various types of fuel including the new 4-cylinder petrol engine and this could be a novel solution for Mazda's future mobility.
