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Mazda Iconic SP Marching Towards Production “Step By Step”, Says CEO

  • Mazda CEO Masahiro Moro confirmed that the Iconic SP concept is moving towards production.
  • The production version may retain the concept’s dual-rotor range-extender hybrid powertrain.
  • The new coupe could be a spiritual successor to the RX-7, with innovative technology.

After years of speculation, fans of Mazda’s rotary-powered sports coupes can finally breathe a sigh of relief. If you weren’t convinced by the words of Mazda’s head designer, Masashi Nakayama, the company’s CEO, Masahiro Moro, has stepped in to reaffirm the brand’s commitment to producing a vehicle based on the well-received Iconic SP concept.

More: Mazda On Track For Record US Sales As It Confirms New ICE, Hybrid, And EV Tech

During a wide-ranging interview with Auto News, Moro was asked about a production version of the Iconic SP. He responded, “We still persist in making it happen, and we are marching towards it step by step”. While not exactly a hard launch date, his words are the closest thing we’ll get to a green light for the production version of the Iconic SP. After years of speculation, it looks like Mazda fans might finally get their hands on a legitimate successor to the RX-7 that we all miss.

Mazda’s Vision for the Future

Moro had shown his enthusiasm for the concept right from the start. During the Iconic SP reveal at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show, the CEO described it as a beacon of Mazda’s “commitment to the future”.

As mentioned earlier, this isn’t the first time we’ve heard about the company’s intent to bring the concept to production from a high-ranking official. Last month, design chief Masashi Nakayama stated, “This concept is not just one of those empty show cars. It has been designed with real intent to turn it into a production model in the not-so-distant future.”

 Mazda Iconic SP Marching Towards Production “Step By Step”, Says CEO

During the same interview, the Mazda CEO revealed that the company is developing a new hybrid powertrain with two rotors, one that could cater to America’s thirst for power: “The rotors spin separately in different chambers with one shaft. We need to generate more electricity. Two rotors will generate more power, which is more suitable to U.S. market characteristics”.

The Iconic SP’s hybrid powertrain is an interesting departure from what many expected. Instead of a traditional combustion (rotary) engine, Mazda opted for a dual-rotor engine that serves as a power generator for an electric drivetrain. This hybrid setup produces a combined 365 hp (272 kW/370 PS), which is more than we ever got from the RX-7 and RX-8 models.

A Hybrid with Purpose

The hybrid rotary engine powering the Iconic SP isn’t just a clever throwback. It also addresses one of the most significant challenges in the EV industry today—weight. By using a range-extender internal combustion engine (ICE) to generate electricity, Mazda can use a smaller battery pack, reducing weight and avoiding the cumbersome, energy-hungry batteries found in most BEVs.

Earlier this year, Mazda told Carscoops that a rotary-powered project would reach the market as soon as some “technical hurdles” were overcome.

The Road Ahead

We recently asked Mazda USA about a production version of the concept and received the following reply: “Iconic SP is a design study for future Mazda sports cars. Whether it’s an MX-5 Miata, or any other Mazda vehicle, the people who work at Mazda have a lot of passion for driving and encouraging others to also find that passion through the fun to drive cars that we make and will continue to make.”

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Mazda On Track For Record US Sales As It Confirms New ICE, Hybrid, And EV Tech

  • Mazda expects its U.S. sales to hit a record 410,000-420,000 units in 2024.
  • The automaker has sold 384,181 vehicles year-to-date by the end of November.
  • The CEO highlighted the ongoing development of ICE, hybrid, and EV powertrains.

Mazda is riding high in the U.S. market in 2024, on track to smash its all-time sales record with expectations to hit over 400,000 units. In an industry still reeling from uncertainty, the Japanese automaker is sticking to its guns, pursuing a multi-pronged approach to powertrain development that spans combustion, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, range-extender, and electric models. It’s a strategy that seems to be paying off, at least for now.

2024: A Year of Record-Breaking Sales

Speaking with Auto News, CEO Masahiro Moro forecasted U.S. sales will reach between 410,000 and 420,000 units by the end of 2024, with growth possibly extending into 2025—up to 450,000 units, no less. Quite the prediction, especially when you consider the volatility in the market. So far, Mazda has moved 384,181 vehicles year-to-date, marking an 18.6% uptick compared to 2023. November alone was a record-setter, with 33,422 units sold, making it the brand’s best November performance to date.

More: Mazda Working On Two-Rotor Engine Tech To Satisfy America’s Thirst For Power

Despite being a relative old-timer, the CX-5 remains the best-selling Mazda with 8,733 units in November and 122,954 units year-to-date. Other key models like the CX-30 (87,640 units), the CX-50 (73,358 units), and the CX-90 (48,681 units). round out the top-sellers.

As for non-SUV offerings, the Mazda3 hatchback and sedan have sold a cumulative 34,830 units so far in 2024. Meanwhile, the MX-5 had its best November since 2006, with 798 monthly sales, representing a 76.9% increase compared to November 2023. However, its year-to-date figure of 7,489 units is down a significant 12.4%.

 Mazda On Track For Record US Sales As It Confirms New ICE, Hybrid, And EV Tech
Mazda CX-50 Hybrid

EV, Hybrid, And ICE Development

While Mazda has made some strides in hybrid and electric technology, Moro remains clear-eyed about the brand’s powertrain direction. His expectation? By 2030, hybrid and internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles will still make up about two-thirds of Mazda’s U.S. sales. That leaves a third for plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and full EVs, a reasonable outlook given the current landscape. In the short term, Moro predicts that hybrids will account for roughly 40% of Mazda’s U.S. sales, a notable shift toward electrification, but still firmly rooted in the present.

EV Investment, But Not a Rush to the Finish Line

Despite the slower-than-anticipated EV uptake, Mazda isn’t abandoning its electric dreams. The company is continuing to pour resources into the development of fully electric vehicles, but with a more measured approach. According to Moro, pushing back the EV rollout gives them “a little more time for technology development,” a reassuring spin on an otherwise cautious strategy.

More: Ford EV Sales Surge 21%, But F-150 Lightning Falls 17%, ICE Mustang Crashes 45%

By 2027, Mazda will have completed the in-house development of its first EV-dedicated platform and its own hybrid powertrain. Furthermore, the company is working on next-gen, high-density lithium-ion batteries, also being developed in-house, with a 2030 target for PHEVs and EVs. Mazda is also building a “very advanced research base” for solid-state battery technology.

The Rotary Is Coming Back

 Mazda On Track For Record US Sales As It Confirms New ICE, Hybrid, And EV Tech

We also have official confirmation that Mazda is developing a twin-rotor rotary engine for the U.S. market, likely to serve as a range extender in a hybrid setup. While Moro didn’t provide a specific launch timeline, he did mention that Mazda is close to meeting the emissions regulation targets.

Skyactiv-Z: Mazda’s Ultimate ICE Engine

Finally, the brand’s focus isn’t solely on electrification. Mazda is deep into developing its Skyactiv-Z powertrain, described by Moro as the “ultimate” combustion engine, with “unprecedented efficiency.” Set to arrive by 2027, the Skyactiv-Z promises to push Mazda’s internal combustion efforts “beyond 2030,” likely extending the lifespan of its gasoline engines in a world that’s increasingly electrifying. Alongside this, Mazda is working on the successor to the ever-popular CX-5, with high hopes of keeping its sales momentum alive for years to come.

 Mazda On Track For Record US Sales As It Confirms New ICE, Hybrid, And EV Tech
Mazda CX-90

Mazda Developing Two-Rotor Engine Tech To Satisfy America’s Thirst For Power

  • Mazda CEO Masahiro Moro expressed interest for a rotary engine with two rotors.
  • Moro thinks that this range-extender setup would be suitable for the US market.
  • In another Mazda patent for a hybrid, the rotary engine can directly power the wheels.

Mazda’s rotary engine is coming back in the spotlight, but this time it’s not just a nostalgic callback to the RX-7 glory days. Instead, it’s quietly shaping the brand’s electrified future. Rather than following the well-trodden EV playbook, Mazda is taking an unconventional route by engineering a two-rotor hybrid system to balance power, efficiency, and the ever-tightening noose of emissions regulations.

Mazda’s CEO, Masahiro Moro, recently revealed that the brand’s rotary engine development is accelerating toward a two-rotor configuration, addressing what he described as a critical shortfall of the single-rotor setup: it simply doesn’t generate enough power to meet the needs of the U.S. market.

More: Mazda Confirms Iconic SP Sports Coupe Destined For Production

The news comes on the heels of another revelation, after the brand’s chief designer, Masashi Nakayama confirmed that the Iconic SP has been “designed with real intent to turn it into a production model in the not-so-distant future”. The Iconic SP’s hybrid setup also features a compact, dual-rotor rotary engine working as a range extender alongside an EV drivetrain. When unveiled in October 2023, Mazda boasted the system’s ability to reduce emissions by up to 90% when running on carbon-neutral fuels.

Two Rotors, One Goal: Power and Relevance

In an interview with Autonews, Masahiro Moro spoke about their rotary goals and the challenges of the project: “I want a rotary engine that complies with very stringent emission regulations. That is going to be a significant challenge. We are very close.”

The CEO added: “If we are thinking about the U.S. market, one rotor is not enough. Two rotors are needed to generate more power. We have tested with the single rotor. The next phase will be moving to two. The rotors spin separately in different chambers with one shaft. We need to generate more electricity. Two rotors will generate more power, which is more suitable to U.S. market characteristics.”

 Mazda Developing Two-Rotor Engine Tech To Satisfy America’s Thirst For Power
The Mazda Iconic SP concept that debuted in October 2023.

What’s less clear is which vehicle will house this new powertrain. While the description vaguely mirrors the single-rotor setup of the Mazda MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV, a more likely candidate is the dual-rotor hybrid drivetrain of the Iconic SP. With 365 hp (272 kW/370 PS) and an emphasis on efficiency, it seems better aligned with Moro’s aspirations for a vehicle that marries performance with sustainability.

Could the Rotary Engine Do More Than Charge?

While the CEO clearly referred to the twin-rotor rotary engine as a power generator, a patent drawing filed in June 2024 hints that Mazda may be exploring alternative applications for the technology.

The patent, reported by Japanese media Best Car, outlines a two-seater sports coupe featuring a rotary engine mounted behind the front axle, which delivers power to the rear wheels via a rear-mounted transaxle gearbox. The system also includes hub motors in the front wheels, drawing energy from a battery pack located behind the seats. Unlike the range-extender configuration, the electric motors can be switched off, allowing the rotary engine to act as the sole power source.

More: How Mazda’s SUV Lineup Became The World’s Most Confusing Family Photo

This setup would mark a significant departure from the range-extender approach, offering a more traditional sports-car feel, something rotary purists would no doubt celebrate. However, such a design would face the same emissions hurdles Moro mentioned, unless Mazda doubles down on carbon-neutral fuels to make it viable for production.

Mazda’s Multi-Path Approach: Rotary, ICE, and Beyond

Mazda’s rotary developments aren’t happening in isolation. In May 2024, the automaker reaffirmed its dedication to internal combustion engines (ICEs) during the Multi-Pathway Workshop, collaborating with Toyota and Subaru on next-gen powertrains. Prototypes on display included both a twin-rotor range-extender system and a compact single-rotor engine, underscoring the brand’s determination to keep ICE technology relevant in an increasingly electrified world.

Electrogenic’s Drop-In Mazda MX-5 EV Conversion Weighs Less Than A 2025 Miata RF

  • Electrogenic’s conversion kit for the MX-5 gives the NA Miata 160 hp and 150 miles of real-world range.
  • Weight is up by 220 lbs, but still low by EV standards at just 2,425 lbs, and the weight distribution is identical.
  • The UK-based company already produces ‘drop-in’ EV kits for the original Land Rover, classic Mini and Porsche 911.

First-generation Mazda MX-5 owners look for a power boost have always had plenty of options available to them, including throttle bodies, turbochargers, superchargers and engine swaps. But now a UK company has come up with a greener alternative in the form of a plug and play EV conversion.

You might have heard of UK-based Electrogenic’s previous projects. The Oxford company makes drop-in EV packages for the original Land Rover Series and Defender, classic Minis and Porsche 911s, the Jaguar E-type and DeLorean DMC-12. It also hit the headlines when movie star Jason Momoa contracted the firm to perform a bespoke electro-conversion on his 1929 Rolls Royce Phantom II.

Related: Electrogenic’s DeLorean DMC-12 EV Still Needs Roads, But Not Gas

Like the company’s other EV kits, the Miata package is designed to be relatively simple to install, CAD modelling being employed to slot all of the components into the existing engine bay and tunnel space so no cutting or drilling is required. Electrogenic says the swap can be done by a trained mechanic in only a few days, and the kit is also fully reversible should the owner have a change of heart.

But with the single motor cranking out 160 hp (120 kW / 163 PS) instead of the original 1.6-liter combustion engine’s 116 hp (87 kW / 118 hp) and the zero to 60 mph (97 kmh) tumbling by about 3 seconds to 6 seconds, those owners might be having too much fun to want to switch back.

Yes, the 115 mph (185 km/h) top speed sounds less impressive – and it’s very close to stock – but irrelevant in a car that has always been about cornering fun. And Electrogenic says there’s more of that to be had because the weight distribution is the same as on a donor MX-5, but a huge jump in torque from 100 lb-ft (136 Nm) to 229 lb-ft (310 Nm) gives you more opportunities to exploit the chassis.

 Electrogenic’s Drop-In Mazda MX-5 EV Conversion Weighs Less Than A 2025 Miata RF

Naturally there’s a weight penalty, even if the distribution is the same, but it’s not terrible. The EV swap adds 220 lbs (100 kg), though the resulting 2,425 lbs (1,100 kg) curb weight makes it 27 lbs (12kg) lighter than a 2025 Miata RF, and only 84 lbs (38 kg) porkier than the current rag-top.

You even get multiple driving modes with different torque and regeneration characteristics, and though the 150-mile (240 km) range is way off modern EV standards, it’s probably as far as anyone would want to go in an early MX-5 in one hit no matter what kind of powertrain is under the hood. The 42 kWh battery can also be charged in an hour.

 Electrogenic’s Drop-In Mazda MX-5 EV Conversion Weighs Less Than A 2025 Miata RF

As with all of these classic EV conversions, this is a niche proposition. Maybe more than the others because the cost of the kit (still TBC but sure to be north of $20k) is going to be harder to justify on a car that even in mint condition is only worth $15-20k than it is on a classic 911 worth $120k. Some potential buyers might also be put off by the loss of the MX-5’s manual shift action, always one of the joys of driving a Miata, although Electrogenic has done custom manual conversions for customers in the past, so we image the team would do it again if offered the right kind of financial encouragement.

With Porsche about to reveal its 718 EVs and Alpine’s boss this week claiming the upcoming electric A110 will weigh less than rival combustion sports cars, machines like Electrogenic’s MX-5 kit are highly topical, and we’re sure we’ll only be seeing more in the years to come. Would you EV swap your classic NA Miata?

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What Would Your Dream Mazda Iconic SP Be Powered By?

  • Mazda’s design boss recently confirmed that the 2023 Iconic SP Concept will go into production.
  • Nakayama didn’t give an exact timeframe, saying only that we’d see it in the “not-so-distant future.”
  • The 2023 concept had 365 hp of battery power and a rotary range extender.

Mazda wasn’t just teasing us. We now know from comments made by the Japanese automaker’s design boss that last year’s Iconic SP concept car, or some form of it, will make it to showrooms.

Masashi Nakayama stopped short of giving an ETA for the car, opting to leave us guessing by saying that it would go into production in the “not-so-distant future.” That phrase is open to interpretation, but we take it to mean it’ll be on the street within three years.

Related: Mazda Confirms Iconic SP Sports Coupe For Production

But what kind of powertrain do you think it will have, and is that the same one you’d choose if you were heading up the engineering team? The Iconic SP concept put Mazda’s rotary tech back into the spotlight, but unlike the late, great RX-7, the SP doesn’t use rotary power to drive the wheels directly. Instead, the bi-rotor combustion engine charges a battery pack which drives the wheels, a bit like the setup on Mazda’s range-extender MX-30.

Mazda claims the electric motors produce a relatively modest (by performance EV standards) 365 hp (272 kW / 370 PS) and that the rotary engine can be adapted to run on carbon-neutral fuel, chopping emissions by as much as 90 percent. The automaker also confirmed that the powertrain was not just motor show razzmatazz, telling us that a rotary-powered project would be on sale once “technical hurdles” were overcome.

 What Would Your Dream Mazda Iconic SP Be Powered By?

Rotary engines seem like a great option for range extenders because they spin smoothly – Audi showed just such a range extender concept, the A1 E-Tron, in 2011. But the way we see it, traditional Mazda fans hoping for a something that feels like an old RX-7 are going to be disappointed by what is essentially an EV with a rotary generator.

We’re guessing many of you would like to see Mazda flip the idea on its head and produce a sports car in which the wheels are driven directly by a rotary engine, but one with hybrid electrical assistance to help make more torque and cut fuel consumption and emissions. Or maybe you’d like to see something totally different under the SP’s hood – though looking at how low it is, your combustion options might be limited to boxer engines.

 What Would Your Dream Mazda Iconic SP Be Powered By?

This is all presuming Mazda brings the SP to market as a modern interpretation of the RX-7 that went out of production in 2002. But the other possibility is that the SP was giving us a sneak look at the styling of the next MX-5. That would make sense of the lowish power figure, though the MX-5 is unlikely to go down the EV route, and will almost certainly move to hybrid power instead. In which case, perhaps the range-extender rotary engine will turn up in a totally different car.

But that’s all conjecture. What we know for sure is that Mazda is going to sell a car that looks like the Iconic SP, and what we want to know is what you think should be under the hood. Leave a comment below and give us your thoughts.

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Mazda Confirms New Skyactiv-Z Engine And Next-Gen CX-5

  • Mazda has confirmed plans for a next-gen CX-5 and it will use an all-new hybrid powertrain that was developed in-house.
  • The redesigned crossover will have a streamlined lineup as the automaker is seeking to reduce costs and complexity.
  • A new four-cylinder Skyactiv-Z engine is scheduled for launch in 2027, promising improved efficiency.

Next week will mark eight years since Mazda introduced the second-generation CX-5 at the 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show. That’s a long time, but the crossover remains incredibly popular and is the brand’s best-selling vehicle in the United States. While the CX-50 is often seen as the CX-5’s successor, that’s not the case. Quite the opposite as Mazda has revealed an assortment of details about the next-generation model.

The redesigned crossover will play a central role in Mazda’s Phase 2 plan, which will see the automaker transition to electrification between 2025 and 2027. As part of this effort, the CX-5 will offer a new hybrid powertrain that was developed in-house. This stands in contrast to the CX-50 Hybrid, which raided the Toyota parts bin.

More: 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid Offers Toyota Tech And 38 MPG

Besides packing hybrid power, the next-generation CX-5 will be approximately 60% less complex than today’s model. In order to achieve this, Mazda will streamline specifications as well as equipment.  This means we can expect a smaller and less complicated lineup. That makes a lot of sense as Mazda currently offers eight different trims in the United States.

 Mazda Confirms New Skyactiv-Z Engine And Next-Gen CX-5

In 2027, Mazda will introduce a new electric vehicle based on a dedicated platform. The automaker is also studying plug-in hybrid variants based on the architecture and suggested these would be relatively cheap to develop. This could make them an appealing hedge against lackluster EV adoption.

Speaking of EVs, the company reiterated plans for an electric crossover from Changan Mazda. It was previewed by the Arata concept, which was introduced at the Beijing Auto Show earlier this year.

While much of the focus was on electrification, Mazda confirmed the development of a new Skyactiv-Z engine that is slated to be launched in 2027. The automaker didn’t say much about it, but the engine promises “more ideal combustion” as well as enhanced “environmental and driving performance.”

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The Skyactiv-Z will be a four-cylinder successor to the Skyactiv-G and Skyactiv-X engines of today. It will use the “lambda one combustion method,” which promises to achieve a “high thermal efficiency by realizing super lean burn combustion over a wide range from low to high rpm.”

Mazda also reiterated its intent to simplify its internal combustion engine lineup, aiming to “consolidate and streamline overall engine complexity.” Despite this move toward simplification, they’re committed to rotary engines and are making “smooth progress” in regards to their emission compliance.

While Mazda’s engine lineup will shrink in the coming years, they’ll eventually apply the new combustion technology to their inline-six. This promises to improve its “environmental performance,” which should help the engine comply with future emission standards.

Further out, Mazda’s Phase 3 plan will occur between 2028 and 2030. Less is known about this time period, but the company is promising a “full-scale launch” of electric vehicles.

 Mazda Confirms New Skyactiv-Z Engine And Next-Gen CX-5

Mazda Confirms Iconic SP Sports Coupe For Production

  • Mazda’s design chief confirms the Iconic SP concept will enter production in the “not-so-distant future”.
  • In concept form, it features a dual-rotor rotary engine and an EV drivetrain delivering a combined output of 365 hp.
  • This stunning concept could evolve into a successor for the RX-7 or even shrink down to MX-5 size.

About a year ago, Mazda turned heads with the unveiling of the Iconic SP concept, a gorgeous retro-futuristic coupe powered by an electric motor and a rotary range extender. Now, after months of speculation and rumor-mongering, we finally have official word: this isn’t just another flashy concept destined for obscurity, as it’s actually heading for production.

Masashi Nakayama, Mazda’s design chief, confirmed the news, stating, “This concept is not just one of those empty show cars. It has been designed with real intent to turn it into a production model in the not-so-distant future.”

More: Mazda’s Iconic SP Concept Looks Amazing Out In The Open

This is the first time we’ve heard Mazda commit to building the Iconic SP, along with a tentative timeline, though the signs were there The first hint came during the concept’s debut at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show, where Mazda President and CEO Masahiro Moro described it as a beacon of the brand’s “commitment to the future.” Then, in a later interview, Nakayama hinted that the Iconic SP was a project he’d love to see realized, stoking fires that had already started to smolder among Mazda enthusiasts. Now, with production confirmed, that vision is one step closer to reality.

The Iconic SP’s final form could evolve into a successor of the RX-7 and RX-8 sports cars, although Mazda has hinted that its footprint can also be shrunk down to the size of the MX-5 roadster. Ideally, the production version will hold on to the clean lines and seductive curves of the concept, along with those distinctive pop-up headlights. In a market flooded with overwrought designs, the Iconic SP stands out like a glass of neat scotch in a sea of sugary cocktails.

 Mazda Confirms Iconic SP Sports Coupe For Production

Naohito Saga, the Executive Officer at Mazda’s R&D Strategy Planning Division, emphasized the painstaking attention to detail in the Iconic SP’s design: “The more time you spend looking at it, the more the car will reveal to you”. The high-ranked official went on to mention that “everything from position of the doors and tyres, to the length of the vehicle, the seating position of the occupants and visibility was meticulously researched before reaching the final specifications”.

In other words, this isn’t some cobbled-together concept for auto shows; Mazda clearly invested serious resources into making this a viable production vehicle.

Range-Extender Rotary Engine

While Mazda hasn’t shared any details about what might power the production version, at the heart of the Iconic SP concept lies a compact dual-rotor rotary engine paired with an EV drivetrain. In that car, it produces a combined output of 365 hp (272 kW / 370 PS). The company claims that the range-extender can be adapted to run on any kind of carbon-neutral fuel, potentially reducing emissions by up to 90 percent.

According to Saga, “The rotary engine can be very compact and very powerful at the same time. That’s one advantage, but also it can be powered by various types of fuels, and that could give us an edge in the race to find a feasible solution for the future of mobility”.

Furthermore, Mazda is currently experimenting with a new technology that could capture CO2 from exhaust emissions. If the proof of concept goes to plan, the technology “could play a role in the development of Mazda’s future range of vehicles”.

Earlier this year, Mazda told Carscoops that a rotary-powered project would reach the market as soon as some “technical hurdles” were overcome. Hopefully, this coincides with the launch of the production version of the Iconic SP in the next few years.

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Mazda Set For US Sales Record In 2024 Despite Not Having A Single EV

  • Mazda has already sold 313,452 vehicles through the first nine months of 2024, a 15% increase compared to last year’s figures.
  • While the company had previously projected to sell 500,000 models in 2025, it has now lowered its expectations.

Mazda remains on track to break the 400,000 sales milestone in the U.S. this year—a first for the brand—and is optimistic that this upward trend will carry into 2025. That said, the company has dialed back its expectations, acknowledging that sales might not climb as high as it once projected.

Last year, Mazda’s US sales surged 23 percent, hitting 363,354 units. Through September this year, it has already delivered 313,452 vehicles, 15 percent more than during the first nine months of 2023. Contributing to this rise in sales has been the launch of the related CX-70 and CX-90 SUV. Mazda has also increased production of the CX-50 it builds at its joint venture plant with Toyota in Alabama.

Read: 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid Offers Toyota Tech And 38 MPG

Mazda North America’s CEO, Tom Donnelly, is bullish about hitting 450,000 U.S. sales next year. However, the brand has pulled back from an earlier, more ambitious forecast of 500,000 units, citing a “no shortage of headwinds” facing the industry. “The once in 100-year-plus transformation the industry is going through – all of us are dealing with that,” Donnelly told Auto News. “The core business is still going to be solid.”

Making Mazda’s sales growth particularly impressive is the fact that it doesn’t have a single EV in its line-up, having canceled the poorly-received MX-30 last year. The Japanese company has taken a more measured approach to electrification, and that’s helping it, particularly thanks to shifting consumer interest in hybrid vehicles.

 Mazda Set For US Sales Record In 2024 Despite Not Having A Single EV

The carmaker has been steadily expanding its lineup of hybrid and plug-in hybrid models since last year, with the CX-70 and CX-90 leading the charge as PHEVs. Next month, it’ll start deliveries of the CX-50 hybrid and expects it to account for roughly 40 percent of all CX-50 sales.

“We’re pleased with the impact our multisolution approach is having on our business,” Donnelly said. “On top of the growth that we’re already experiencing this year, we’re excited about the impact that the CX-50 hybrid will have for us.”

Review: The Mazda CX-50 Is A Gateway To The Great Outdoors

The CX-50 hybrid borrows its powertrain from Toyota. It consists of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with three electric motors, an electronically-controlled CVT, and a small battery pack. It produces 219 hp and 163 lb-ft (221 Nm) of torque.

 Mazda Set For US Sales Record In 2024 Despite Not Having A Single EV

Mazda EZ-6 Electric Sedan With 808-Mile Range Extender Starts At $19,600 In China

  • Mazda has launched the EZ-6 in China, which is the spiritual successor to the Mazda6.
  • The model features electric and range-extended powertrains producing up to 255 hp.
  • The EZ-6 comes nicely equipped and the fully electric variant has a range in excess of 373 miles.

When Mazda introduced the EZ-6 at the Beijing Auto Show, they kept things frustratingly vague. They’re now filling in the blanks by releasing detailed pricing and equipment information as well as specifications.

Billed as an “elegant, intelligent, and fun new electric flagship,” the EZ-6 features a streamlined Kobo design with a wide grille that is flanked by LED headlights. They’re joined by frameless doors with flush-mounted handles.

Other highlights include a panoramic glass roof and aerodynamically optimized 19-inch wheels. Buyers will also find rain-sensing wipers and slender taillights that are connected by a thin illuminated strip. Higher-end variants go a step further as they offer an active rear spoiler and a power liftgate. Mazda also mentioned an external voice command function, which can be used to open the liftgate.

More: New Mazda6 Reborn As The Electric RWD EZ-6, But Only In China

In terms of size, the EZ-6 measures 193.7 inches (4921 mm) long and has a wheelbase that spans 114 inches (2895 mm). To put that into perspective, the model is 0.2 inches (5 mm) longer than the Toyota Camry, but has an extra 2.8 inches (71 mm) between the wheels.

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Moving inside, there’s a minimalist cabin with a 10.1-inch digital instrument cluster and a floating 14.6-inch infotainment system. Buyers will also find leather or Nappa leather seats with a matching steering wheel. Rounding out the highlights are a dual-zone automatic climate control system, a six-speaker audio system, and a 50w wireless smartphone charger.

Higher-end variants are more luxurious as they sport a heated steering wheel as well as heated and ventilated front seats. Customers will also find a 64 color ambient lighting system and a 14-speaker Sony premium audio system.

While Mazda initially said the EZ-6 would be offered with electric and plug-in hybrid powertrains, the model actually has electric and range-extended options. The EV has a rear-mounted motor producing 255 hp (190 kW / 258 PS) and 236 lb-ft (320 Nm) of torque. It’s powered by either a 56.1 or 68.8 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery pack. The former provides a CLTC driving range of 298 miles (480 km), while the latter increases that distance to more than 373 miles (600 km).

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The range-extended variant goes in a different direction, featuring a naturally aspirated 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 94hp (70kW), which charges the battery, and an electric motor developing 215 hp (160 kW /  218 PS) and 236 lb-ft (320 Nm) of torque that drives the rear wheels. Customers will also find an 18.9 or 28.4 kWh battery pack.

The smaller of the two batteries provides 65 miles (105 km) of electric-only range, while the bigger unit increases the distance to 99 miles (160 km). More importantly, thanks to the engine, the overall range is in excess of 808 miles (1,300 km).

Pricing starts at ¥139,800 (about $19,600 at current exchange rates) for the range-extended variant, while the EV begins at ¥159,800 ($22,427).

 Mazda EZ-6 Electric Sedan With 808-Mile Range Extender Starts At $19,600 In China
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