What is it
The future Mazda RX-9? We certainly hope so. With the RX-Vision concept unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show, Mazda is finally giving us a successor to the beloved, rotary-powered RX-7 sports coupes.
Signature feature
The rotary engine is best known for drinking oil, poor fuel economy — and for sounding like half of an old Formula One engine. Those who love them, love them a lot. But in the age of strict emissions standards, can the rotary survive? Mazda's CEO Masamichi Kogai acknowledged in a press conference that there are, "still many issues to overcome." But Mazda claims it has made a breakthrough in rotary engine efficiency. What exactly that is, we don't yet know.
What else is new
You can tell everyone at Mazda is extremely passionate about this car. They build a bunch of SUVs, yes, but the RX-Vision is really the sort of machine they want to make. "I have dreamed about this car for so many years," said Mazda's design boss Ikuo Maeda. "This model represents our dream, but we will not let it stay a dream forever." So, that means you'll built it Ikuo-san?
Under the hood
Mazda has given precious little information about the concept, saying only that it's powered by a rotary engine — we'd guess it's a two rotor. We also know the concept uses a classic, front-engine, rear-wheel drive layout. It's one for the purists. And, wow — is it ever gorgeous. It makes us nostalgic for the '90s golden age of Japanese sports cars.
When can we buy it, and for how much
Mazda's 100th anniversary will be in 2020. But hopefully we won't have to wait that long for an RX-9. It's way too early to talk about pricing — we don't know for sure if Mazda will build it — but it'd sit above the MX-5 in the lineup.
Cool quotient
5 stars (out of 5)
Just build it! Come on Mazda: the RX-Vision is beautiful, it's exciting, and the company could seriously use a halo car to grab attention. Plus, RX-9 has a nice ring to it.
The writer was a guest of the auto maker. Content was not subject to approval.
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