BREAKING NEWS: Mazda Just Unveiled a Stunning RX-7 Rotary SP Concept!

[@91_C4_FL]

Shout out to Mazda for designing a car with smooth, flowy lines rather than the hard edges in everything else these days.

[@Cloud30000]

In 10 years, people will compliment designs that use sharp edges instead of rounded everything; these designs are cyclical, from sharp to smooth and back again.

[@LOVE-VIBES-X-PROJECT-CARS]

​@@Cloud30000nope

[@noseboop4354]

It looks like a car from the past and the future at the same time.

[@ksiaa814]

Yeah but I highly doubt it's gonna look like that. Obviously I don't mean we all don't know that but I'm talking about that specific look they're gonna dumb it down a lot. It's too much of a beautiful car to produce that way.

[@rattlehead999]

And it's also NOT fat!

[@rokawei4613]

Dang, Mazda really knows how to build beautiful cars! I will never let go of my RX8, and I told my girlfriend that if Mazda makes another rotary it’s an non-negotiable purchase.

[@ThomasCorfield-r4n]

That's right: she needs to accept the fundamentals.👍

[@21PHAZES]

same here i wont let m mine go even tho it’s always been working on, always a fun drive tho

[@Tenasedeinc]

So you’re sleeping in it 😂😂😂

[@adnanabbas6900]

But the rotary is only to charge the battery, give me your gfs contact details so I can tell her that she can argue with you about this

[@tom11zz884]

They sure do! The RX7 was always the best looking out of all the Japanese sports cars.

[@trustbuster23]

I hope they make it. The rotary as a generator in PHEV actually makes a lot of sense. The biggest problem with a PHEV is that you constantly haul around a heavy gas engine in electric mode, just to extend battery range. A rotary is very small and light in comparison to the power it can make, and I suspect running at a standard speed will make it easier to solve the emission and fuel economy issues that have always plagued the design. I had an RX-8 and loved it in so many ways, but the fuel economy was simply absurd given the relatively modest power it made. Forget the fact that you had to carry a quart of oil in the trunk at all times and the long-term reliability issues, it drank premium at rates that would make the Dodge Demon blush.

[@rdramos13]

The biggest problem with a PHEV is constantly hauling a heavy battery pack that can't recharge without it being plugged in, just to extend driving range. As for rotary, RX-8 had a several issues, especially the apex seals. Those issues are probably why Mazda didn't put a turbo on it.

[@gerrybailey447]

I had the RX8 for eight years and yes the fuel consumption was crazy, 55 litre tank and I once drove it like I'd stolen it for 20 minutes and it consumed half the tank. I don't believe the rotary is a good idea as a range extender or using it just to charge a battery as doing that means it's going to run at a constant RPM, probably somewhere between 3 to 4 thousand RPM, rotarys don't like that, they preform best between 5.5 to 8 thousand RPM, that's where they make their power. Sounds like they are going to use it in the same way Nissan are doing with the X Trail e power, which I currently drive and can't imagine the rotary having any advantage over 1.5 litre turbo variable compression the Nissan is using which only seems to run between 2 and 4 thousand, so the ice is never stressed, rotarys don't like running at constant low RPM, they need to be redlined regularly, that's when they preform at their best.

[@reyfetsalmo3346]

​@@gerrybailey447i think the reason they went to rotary is because of the weight and size. It will be used as generator so no need to worry about red lining it to get torque.

[@captain-pn8yv]

I really hope the specialty fuel doesn't make it too expensive to fill up, otherwise im really excited

[@McShrimp]

@@gerrybailey447you simply don’t understand

[@Levibetz]

It really seems like Mazda is the only company left with the concept of beauty up on their design vision boards. Design like this is just so rare now. If this is to be an RX-7, it would fit right in with the FD which IMO was one of the, if not the most beautiful car of the 90s.

[@neo-filthyfrank1347]

I think I'm the only one who thinks the FTO looks like the FD, shame it doesn't seem to have much tuner potential.

[@Enidx10]

Truly gorgeous. The first modern car I don’t hate. Too bad it’s only a concept :( Also, too bad I’m too poor to afford it lol

[@razatiger22]

I mean its gotta be in the price range of the Supra and the 400z or else they are completely missing their target audience and competitors at the price point. I'm guessing its gonna start in the mid 50s and fully specced out sport edition might have 400hp and start at MSRP 70k. probably wont be able to find one under 90k though.

[@tz7710]

​@@razatiger22100k

[@chancewilson207]

The pop-up headlights are ultra cool.

[@Anamnesis]

I knew this would have more of an RX vibe than an MX vibe. It doesn't mean the end for the MX-5, it just means it will have a big brother halo model to share the spotlight with. I think Mazda doesn't want to step on the toes of the MX-5 community by replacing it with this, it's destined to have a modern grand touring flair that the MX-5 prides itself on NOT having. This would be a departure from the MX-5's classic and uncomplicated formula, with its own unique character, and will be a lot more upscale with a big premium attached. Most manufacturers launch higher tier halo products with a hefty price tag before costs come down later on down the line for the more mainstream models. It's going to be an interesting path forward for Mazda.

[@markcoopers1930]

Doors and rear haunches are slick. Mazda definitely knows how to make some good looking concept vehicles. Although 3200 lbs is about the weight of a 6 cylinder Supra and Porsche Boxster S, with about the same rated HP. That's going to be inline with current sports cars on offer today, EV or otherwise. Just read the rotaries are flex fuel. Can burn liquid hydrogen or gasoline.

[@rickybobby7276]

They also burn oil at an insane rate like 1/4 quart per tank of gas. I don't see that passing any modern emissions test. Oh and the rx-8 engines are cursed. That's why you seem them for sale used super cheap. So I just don't see this making a comeback.

[@markcoopers1930]

@@rickybobby7276 they already introduced the rotory as a range extender in the MX-30 in the UK and EU. If a challenger hellcat red-eye passed emissions I'm sure a rotory that only runs part of the time will pass emissions just fine. When a rotory is allowed to be used as a generator operating at a steady state and not subject to the stress and fluctuation of powering a vehicle drivetrain they're far more efficient and long lasting. That's true for all gas engines: a little Honda standing generator is far more efficient and long lasting than the same displacement engine in a motorcycle. Besides, Mazda designed it to burn gas or Liquid hydrogen. Something they already did in the Rx-8 2 decades ago.

[@boyscouts5000]

If those are infact pop-up head lights, I hope to see them make it to production version. It be a nice comeback

[@darkchild130]

Unlikely as they don’t meet modern safety standards

[@boyscouts5000]

I know but it would be cool

[@user-vx9jy7jl2l]

I’d be happy if those were somehow Euro-style adaptive headlights since those are (supposedly) finally allowed here in the US.

[@Diontb]

@@darkchild130 you can get around with different style pop up headlights as others have, but this specific design wont for sure

[@zgSH4DOW]

​@@darkchild130How do you know

[@cjvaans4484]

It's gorgeous. I don't mind if its hybrid as long as it's not full EV. They need to make this to production and revive the RX7.

[@mk_cichlids]

A new rotary powered RX-7 needs to be an aspirational car like it was in the 90's. Something to compete with the likes of Corvette. Would it be cheap? No. Fuel efficient? No. But was the Lexus LFA cheap? Are hellcats fuel efficient? No. Give us something with a modernized turbo 20b triple rotor to compete with todays v8's. Rotary fans would actually be excited.

[@baileymarks-ed5oh]

Mic drop 🎤

[@faheemabbas3965]

And fight the EPA and European emissions laws

[@razatiger22]

It's going to compete with its other Japanese brothers like the Supra and the 400z.

[@jedispartancoolman]

No one would buy it. Muscles heads wouldn't buy it, jdm would juat buy something cheaper and faster such as the mk5 or Z. It needs to compete with those cheap sports cars and have a similar mpg

[@DxModel219]

I think if it’s not atleast a hybrid it ain’t gonna be too futuristic. Honestly everything is going Electric or Hybrid in 10 years.

[@trspotr]

Mazda is one of those companies that like to build the concept cars and end there. But their business is doing better so 🤞😏

[@bernardausterberry9795]

A smooth and tidy design. Like the idea simular to the GM Volt. Aways electric with rotary charging and conventional charging. By far the most reliable way to create range and usability. A lot of people live in apartment buildings with outdoor parking and no easy access to overnight charging.

[@tonyl7286]

That's a good way to do popups. Old halogen popups were too bulky to pass pedestrian safety regulations but these look like they could retract in an accident fairly quickly.

[@gzenno]

I became a fan of the RX 8 when someone who shared the daily driving route with me got one. I always liked what it looked like when we'd pass each other on the interstate. I hope this one comes to market with some unique doors and styling too.

[@richard-mai]

I WISH that red comes to the current ND Miata!

[@anonanon5978]

Beautiful design and great that they brought back the pop up headlights. A plugin makes so much sense. For the lower revs with less torque the electric motor will help bit when the driver wants to rev up more than 9000 rpm he can go crazy.

[@jaytrabucco2714]

What a beauty. Knowing Mazda it will never go to production, and only be used as an inspiration when designing future vehicles.. just like they did with the RX Vision.

[@Jonjon_Daniel]

1st. Good job TFL. You're all over the place. More more videos for us to enjoy. Thanks for sharing your passion. 🇵🇭🇵🇭🇵🇭

[@jaepark6648]

Great design. Hope the design language carry to their production models like it did with Furai.

[@URCARSUX]

It better be rwd!

[@bavarianbanshee]

I'll be surprised if it is, but I'm holding out hope.

[@matsudakodo]

​@@bavarianbansheethis is definitely not a FWD design

[@cl1nt34stw0od]

given its an electric car its probably AWD

[@cbarronie2361]

​@@cl1nt34stw0odThat was my thought, but given the weight possibly not 🤔

[@angelo747]

If you saw the animation of it in motion, you'd agree it's definitely RWD

[@LeesChannel]

The rotary engine is about as likely to make a comeback as the rotary phone.

[@jedi77palmer]

😢

[@Magusman]

Mazda makes stunning concept cars. Too bad they don't completely translate to production. SP is stunning. So was the Vision from years ago. Some themes make it to production car designs but not all of it.

[@ws1814]

Just Wow ❤, better than any European sports car.

[@cliftonjackson441]

Reminds me of the fd and nb era i think we may have both a miata and a rx succesor in spirit if not a full on rx9

[@IntegraDIY]

Exterior wise, It’s literally a revised FD. All it needs is a turbo rotary.. pushing 400hp.. to keep up with the competition. Because that hybrid system isn’t going to cut it /:

[@cl1nt34stw0od]

Im not a big EV advocate but you do know that electric motors can produce way more than 400hps right

[@ffl2609]

looks almost too cool to a point you know its not going to make it to production anywhere near this. 3:53 That back half will make Ferrari jealous.

[@jeff92k7]

It's a gorgeous car. At first view, I wasn't too sure about the taillights, but seeing it in this video, even the back end looks really nice. Hope they do make a production version close to this concept. I'd absolutely buy it.

[@abou824]

Looks amazing, if they somehow include the pop up headlights in a production car...🥵🥵🥵

[@user-vx9jy7jl2l]

They’re not allowed anymore, unfortunately.

[@bottledwaterprod]

Love to see Mazda bring back smooth smart flowing lines. I personally prefer a touch more detail and flourish, but it's great. I hate to see the market stagnate on brutalist minimalism when the possibilities for design are wide open these days. So much potential for wild designs like we saw in the 50s and 60s now that tech has advanced.

[@LawrenceCamera]

Omg you guys are in Japan? It's Larry. You should have told me as I just got back. I would have stayed and met up with you guys at the show.

[@Jcruises_]

That’s what I’m talking about!!! That’s how you make a Roadster unlike Tesla

[@SuperSenis]

The talented and visionary people at Mazda are true car enthusiast keeping the rotary alive whilst competing with Italian designers.

[@repingers9777]

i think the miata and rx7 actually where partially helped and designed by a Italian dude

[@rickybobby7276]

Screw the rotary. Could you imagine if this were electric?

[@SuperSenis]

@@rickybobby7276 I don't think you understand how the rotary is used here (as a generator). Also, the rotary is one of the most unique car sounds so shut it. haha

[@donaldduncan7095]

This reminds me of the 1993 Long Beach Auto Show where they unveiled the new design of the RX-7, I spent an hour just taking it in. 😍

[@bryancenterfitt7127]

Definitely interested in the new RX-7! Mazda finally ready to go zoom zoom again!? As for the hybrid.. I'm not at all interested in it unfortunately. I wasn't a fan as a tech and now that EV's are being pushed down our throats, I like them even less. Sure it looks cool, but not one manufacturer has had any real success with hybrids and EV technology and in my opinion it's not worth the money, especially once the battery packs or motors bite the dust.

[@faheemabbas3965]

They’re probably using Toyota’s hybrid technology actually. A part of Mazda is owned by Toyota. Mazda’s inline-6 (which is a mild hybrid btw) was developed with Toyota according to 2019 articles when Mazda announced the development of the engine. The first generation Honda Insight offered a manual transmission. A manual hybrid isn’t impossible. There are many Toyota hybrids with hundreds of thousands of miles and still on their original batteries running well. Someone on the Toyota subreddit has a 2020 RAV4 hybrid with over 450,000 miles. As much as I agree with you, personally I would trust them. The world isn’t completely planned obsolescence…. yet. Being someone who isn’t into hybrids is going to suck for the next 10 years sadly. This car will only do well if it’s a mild hybrid like the CX-90. Then we can actually hear the rotary!

[@friedpork_owl]

Definitely 👍 the lines are hot. I found driving the last gen to be such an enjoyable & unique experience. Cheers!

[@matthewtorchiana6418]

It's a very handsome design. I think it resembles a Lotus Evora much more than any "Italian" sports cars. The head lamps are a nice design touch.

[@marrkeemark]

This car is phenomenal. They better actually produce it cause 😮‍💨😍

[@cloudyview]

Even though it's larger, that looks super miata-ish in it's styling. Will be interesting to see what actually comes out of the concept

[@Barbwire710]

Imo even the original RX7 looks a bit “Miata-ish”. The original RX7 was only an inch longer than a modern BRZ (so not much bigger than an MX5 anyway) and weighed about the same as a modern BRZ too.

[@cloudyview]

@@Barbwire710 yeah, Mazda has actually had a very strong design language for a long time - that rear screams Miata though. The front is absolutely reminiscent of the rx7 though

[@j.alonsogonzalez277]

Beautiful!! Mazda is a hidden gem if you own their products. No complaints here.

[@Unchainedmaple888]

Super excited about this, but a more realistic/practical model that I've been waiting forever for is a hybrid CX-30 making around 200 HP and 45 MPG

[@plumtiger1]

Love it! I wonder if it'll handle as well as the rx8

[@Gripen047]

If this does come to production, hopefully it eschews the gas-electric traction system. While I would love to have a gas-only rotary again, if they just made it so that the motor/generator was an assist like Honda's earlier IMA system in their first-gen Insight, that would allow for a proper manual transmission and I'd be very interested.

[@feddora5776]

Pop up headlight are back baby

[@josh2011miller80]

This new concept car by Mazda is timeless and enchanting

[@nadiakent4082]

Sorry don’t have time to comment, I’m busy putting a picture of this car on an empty coffee so I can start saving for it. I’m in love.

[@Tonga2]

Wow!! Would I be interested ?? OH YES !!! Come on Mazda start building this beauty !!

[@bavarianbanshee]

I dont want to be too pessimistic, but I think that other journalist is on-point with his assessment.

[@markwoods6943]

Beautiful vehicle. Had a ‘78 RX-7 and was a blast to drive. Hope it makes production.

[@aswinhoola]

That's one of the sexiest cars I've ever seen

[@WorkzGarage]

Mazda needs to make this. It's the sexiest car i've seen in years! Would be awesome even in a production model, with the changes.

[@Arcturuseyes]

Cameras pick up on LED lighting pulse, you see it in headlights from videos, and the main lighting was LED for that car, hence the crazy flashy effect

[@newbwheeler9777]

As one of the first people to own a 2004 RX-8 I’d buy this in a heart beat.😊

[@MouldyCheez]

I love how the head lights look like pop ups

[@El_GordoTV]

I’m first 😊 other than the Mazda rx-7 what other car they should bring back? You think, they should bring back the Mazda B-series( pick up truck).?

[@NCrdwlf]

Yes I had one , it's excellent . I would love a US market market cosmo as well .

[@sharpeyes5583]

The B Series was such a different truck, now that mazda is becoming more and more mid end Luxury, I wonder how a modern B Series truck will compete with the likes of toyota, gm and ford

[@kensakata5124]

I could have sworn I saw you both at Shirakawago late October/early November last year. Based on the timing of this video, I'm 99.86% sure it was you! Hope you enjoyed Japan!

[@jldude84]

What do I think? Well....the front is gorgeous, the rear is even more gorgeous, I'm not super stoked about the shape of the doors and the weird, tiny side mirrors, but overall I'd say it's a hit (at least until I can see the interior). And I love that it still keeps the rotary but simply repurposes it to charge the hybrid system (hopefully this will improve it's reliability/fuel consumption). I LOVE that they made an effort to keep the weight down, even being a plug in hybrid. Only thing I'm dreading is the price tag if they put it into production.

[@Madd_Jack]

I love this SMOOTH No-nonsense design! No fake whatever's, no corners for the sake of corners. Simple, but beautiful. Hope the production vehicle with bumpers keeps the same smooth no-nonsense idea.

[@jeton924s]

WOW !! Imagen it with an in line 6 the new Mazda engine and regular doors and keep those pop ups lights awesome where do I sign?

[@starlightwolves1525]

Let’s pray this ships. I can only dream of 2nd gen or performance package versions. It doesn’t need a giant wing… but it needs a giant wing!

[@ckhound1]

I love my Mazda, and if this car makes it to production in some fashion itll be amazing. This thing is gorgeous.

[@hendrikjan9116]

When can i pre-order? and hopefully in a turqoise color option

[@johngenis344]

Looks very much like a much smaller Vantage and or a Roma well things for sure it's absolutely incredibly beautiful

[@kaldarleifar]

Absolutely stunning! They have to make this, best looking design i´ve seen years.

[@davidhunternyc1]

That red color is very deep and saturated. Incredible paint technology.

[@4u2nvinmtl]

@2:08 Wouldn't the rotary motor spin a generator that charges a battery or capacitor, which then powers the electric motors that drive the car?

[@podatus1098]

The proportions of the profile are more and more interesting. Really beautiful.

[@bt5252]

Very pretty, but still not sure what to make of the hints of ND Miata + RX-7 + Lotus design.

[@JarmelSingsKaraoke]

🔥🔥🔥THANK YOU FOR GOING TO THE AUTO SHOW

[@zetecryt]

From styling point of view worthy successor to the FD that, while paying homage to the legendary forebear, surpasses it in purity of line and stance. As a 53 year-old fossil, I dream of one of these with a turbo 20B and 6-speed manual, but I guess those times are well-behind us now..

[@thomasrandall6367]

Looks like Mazda made a Lotus Elise without the engine bay air intake on the side skirts

[@HippasosofMetapontum]

that looks super sexy but like an MX5 somewhat - i liked that the RX8 cabin is a bit bigger

[@Queensizemusic]

Holy smokes! That Mazda Icon is elegantly beautiful.

[@Bosn1ac]

Definitely has some RX-7 lines especially towards the rear doors and rear window glass

[@rjbiker66]

I think there are some styling hints in that concept car that will show up in the ND replacement

[@johngenis344]

As I listened on you didn't mention Roma good for you I'm glad you see that too

[@BillyJ10]

I got my license in 1986, my first car was a 1980 RX-7. Absolutely loved that car

[@pastedtomato]

I am PRAYING this gets to production

[@robertmyers6488]

What is the point of the battery except to add weight?

[@revampted]

that one thing on my bucket list, go to Japan and visit a the Tokyo autoshow

[@SVTStrikesback]

I really like it. The doors are stupid though. Where are you going to park that? Obviously they won’t produce it with that angle or, the doors opening different at all.

[@nicolasnicou2859]

Gorgeous machine ....will it make it to production? As an Rx7 or Mx5 ..i would sell my TT to get it ..if it looks like that

[@evanriel]

Had me until I found out the rotary doesn’t drive the wheels, I’m all for hybrids but prefer when the ICE also drives the wheels not acts as a generator :/

[@markburke2414]

From being at the show, how did the booth formulate a story between the generations of MX5s and the concept car?

[@subieasunayuuki]

MX5 and RX7 in one? It's definitely beautiful and it brings back pop-up like headlights into the modern era

[@erikhanes9491]

That's badass , but I bet it will cost an outrageous amount of money.

[@dannyphamous]

Beautiful! 3190lbs, twin rotary, pop-up headlights 😂😍

[@Diontb]

forgetting EV too this is trash lol

[@turbodarkle]

Maybe the most beautiful Mazda ever. Looks even better than the FD3S RX-7 in my opinion. I really really hope this goes to production

[@aymansaid1253]

i like this more than the 2015 rx vision concept. hope it goes into production

[@turbo_marc]

Kinda looks like a Lotus, hopefully it reaches production in some form!

[@PorscheTurbo9]

Must say, this is the best auto show I’ve seen. Even though they are concepts we got some cool cars, like this Mazda, A cool Mitsubishi, finally some hope with a new GTR, a Toyota electric sports car like a new MR-2, and a return of the prelude.

[@challacustica9049]

It's simply the best looking modern car I've seen. Please make it Mazda. I don't care what it is, rotary, piston, pedal, donkey powered, as long as we get that great body in that weight, with Mazda's suspension know how, it will be a good driver's car.

[@mrknoklene]

How about a mosquito-powered Mazda sportscar?

[@challacustica9049]

@@mrknoklene I'll take it, as long as it has that body.

[@mrknoklene]

@@challacustica9049 😄

[@bobthestinky7369]

That's kinda fire. A modern car with character is rare but Mazda made one.

[@ultimatesimpers9706]

Popup head Light is back baby..... Still cool even with modern touch

[@garageblitztv3215]

Thanks guys, that Mazda SP is absolutely beautiful … hopefully they sort out the driveline - not sure how they will get a thermodynamically inefficient rotary approved, that’s then made even more inefficient driving a generator that then drives electric motors!

[@LeesChannel]

That vehicle sure did look beautiful

[@turbowankel1264]

I dig that. I don't see the need fir conventional mirrors, we have many vehicles on the r ad now with camera

[@Headcase650]

The styling reminds me of the Opal GT concept from a few years ago. Too bad that never made it to market.

[@Nd4SpdSe]

Front view reminds of me the GT90. Electrification isn't the be-all-end-all, and I'm glad Mazda isn't focusing on that.

[@berky1976]

I mean the doors and headlights wouldn't make it to production and likely side mirrors due to safety regulations. But the car looks amazing.