Mazda has confirmed that the Iconic SP concept will be developed into a production model, signaling the return of a successor to the RX-7 and RX-8. However, Japanese tuner RE Amemiya couldn’t wait for the official reveal and decided to create their own version of the RX-7. This custom build, inspired by both the 2015 RX-Vision and 2023 Iconic SP concepts, will be featured at the Tokyo Auto Salon, offering an early look at what might be coming for the future of Mazda sports cars.
The modified RX-7 from RE Amemiya features a completely reworked body, with only the roof and greenhouse maintaining elements of the original design. The front end stands out with a grille almost identical to the one on the Iconic SP, directing airflow to the vented hood. The fenders have a more pronounced bulge, and the car’s overall proportions are designed with a long axle-to-dash ratio. The headlights, sourced from the MX-5 ND, have been slightly altered by covering part of the light to create a smoother, rounder shape.
At the rear, the modifications continue with round taillights, a sculpted bumper that includes integrated vents, and a large diffuser. The signature rear glass of the RX-7 is preserved, but the final version of the car is expected to feature a fixed rear wing on the tailgate, further enhancing its sporty and aggressive look. These updates modernize the classic design while maintaining key features that made the RX-7 famous.
The dimensions of the RE Amemiya RX-7 are noticeably larger than the stock model. It measures 4,389 mm (172.8 inches) in length and 1,925 mm (75.8 inches) in width, making it 104 mm (4.1 inches) longer and 165 mm (6.5 inches) wider than the original RX-7 FD. This increase in size contributes to the car’s more powerful and road-hugging appearance, with an emphasis on performance.
Under the hood, the car is powered by a three-rotor rotary engine tuned to produce around 345 hp (257 kW / 350 PS), paired with a six-speed manual gearbox from the Mazda RX-8. This setup promises a dynamic driving experience. As part of its 50th-anniversary celebrations in 2025, RE Amemiya is putting the finishing touches on the project, aiming to have it ready for a January 10th reveal. Founder Isami Amemiya has been sharing progress updates on social media, showcasing the team’s dedication to completing the build in time for the event.
