2025 Mazda MX-5 imagined with Iconic SP concept lines

The Japan Mobility Show 2023 isn’t over yet, but imagineering wizard Theottle has already turned out fresh renders of a possible next-gen MX-5, clearly influenced by this week's Iconic SP concept.

Mazda could do a lot worse than translating the SP’s sensuous curves and classical details into the smaller topless MX-5 package, given how well the concept has been received.

The MX-5 is a genuine automotive icon, so the fundamentals of the core vehicle will not be up for debate: Convertible, two seats, rear drive.

Of course, as we’ve seen with the folding hardtop MX-5 RF (and a handful of low-volume models in the past), Mazda is open to additional variants that stray from this formula. Some sort of electrification, possibly a range-extending rotary hybrid, will likely be offered this time.

And the Iconic SP is so well-resolved and downright good looking, could Mazda be planning another MX-5 coupe? Resources permitting, they’d be mad not to.

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Next-gen Mazda MX-5, imagined by Theottle with the Iconic SP as his inspiration

Theo’s concept looks appropriately fun-sized, and Mazda has been extremely successful keeping the roadster properly compact over successive generations. So, we’d expect the 2026 MX-5 to be smaller than the Iconic SP.

But... is Mazda hinting at something? With the Tokyo show presenting a Japanese sports coupe renaissance, it’s perhaps not completely out of the question.

21st century RX-5 coupe, anyone? Take my money...

Below: The current ND MX-5

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