Skip advert
Advertisement

Mazda RX-Vision - new pics of stunning rotary-engined concept

Concept of sports car unveiled at the Tokyo motor show. Production model due in 2017?

Mazda has unveiled a new concept at the Tokyo motor show that could finally replace the much-missed RX-7 sports car – rotary engine and all.

The RX-Vision concept was revealed in full today, under weighty expectations and the task of creating a ‘vision of the future that harbours the soul of the Mazda brand’.

Advertisement - Article continues below

While Mazda has been wildly successful at selling sports cars along a more basic formula – think the lightweight, four-cylinder roadster format of the MX-5 – the company built its name with cars powered by Wankel rotary power units.

Their experimentation began with the Cosmo Sport in May, 1967 and ended, in production terms at least, when the final RX-8 left the production line in 2012, as the characterful power unit finally succumbed to the demands of emissions regulations and fuel economy targets.

Speaking to evo, Mazda president and CEO Masamichi Kogai hinted that Mazda’s engineers were working hard on making the engine clean enough for modern use. That process will revolve around Mazda’s Skyactiv line of technologies – and the new unit is dubbed ‘Skyactiv-R’.

While he remained coy on specific details – Mazda hasn’t released capacity, power, torque, fuel economy or other important data points for the engine, or even whether Mazda has turned to turbocharging or hybridisation, the message was very clear that Mazda intends to release a rotary-engined sports car in the not-too distant future.

Design will also play a major part in the new car’s placement. It’s the latest iteration of Mazda’s ‘Kodo – Soul of motion’ design language, but the classic sports car proportions, low-slung stance and elimination of ‘character lines’ make it possibly the most beautiful interpretation yet.

It’s also a strong hint that Mazda intends to replace the legendary RX-7, rather than the entertaining but less-fondly remembered four-door RX-8 when a rotary model debuts.

At 4389mm long, 1925mm wide and 1160mm tall, its dramatic front-engined, rear-wheel drive proportions are 104mm shorter, 165mm wider and 70mm lower than the curvy third-generation RX-7.

To be clear, there's no guarantee Mazda will produce its rotary sports car in this form - nor when such a car might appear. But with 2017 marking 50 years of the rotary engine, it may not be long until one of the automotive world's most distinctive powerplants makes its return.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Mazda Iconic SP rotary concept set for production – the return of the RX-7?
Mazda Iconic SP
News

Mazda Iconic SP rotary concept set for production – the return of the RX-7?

Mazda will turn its rotary-equipped Iconic SP concept into a production sports car in the 'not-so-distant future'
8 Nov 2024
Lotus Theory 1 concept is a three-seat, 986bhp hypercar
Lotus Theory 1
News

Lotus Theory 1 concept is a three-seat, 986bhp hypercar

With Veyron power, a carbon tub and EV underpinnings, the Lotus Theory 1 is more junior Evija than Emira successor
17 Sep 2024
Mazda 787B: the anatomy of a rotary Le Mans icon
Mazda 787B
Features

Mazda 787B: the anatomy of a rotary Le Mans icon

Mazda’s screaming rotary underdog is one of Le Mans’ most iconic winners. Three decades on, there’s still magic in car no. 55
8 Jun 2024
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Cupra Leon 2025 review – the Golf GTI you want wears a Spanish frock
Cupra Leon review front
In-depth reviews

Cupra Leon 2025 review – the Golf GTI you want wears a Spanish frock

The Cupra Leon has a new face and gnarly bucket seats for 2024. There’s more appeal over its German counterpart than ever
19 Dec 2024
BMW 230i 2025 review – a BMW coupe of the old school?
BMW 2-series front
Reviews

BMW 230i 2025 review – a BMW coupe of the old school?

BMW’s 230i has been refreshed. Is it still BMW’s undercover driver’s car?
20 Dec 2024
BMW i8 – the car world's greatest misses
BMW i8
Features

BMW i8 – the car world's greatest misses

A bold concept with a visionary powertrain, but the i8 was too far ahead of the game for its own good
20 Dec 2024