2013 Mazda RX-9

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MAZDA RX-9: RETURN OF THE ROTARY

Mazda RX-9 Rendition

Word from deep inside Mazda's Hiroshima HQ is that development of its much-rumored, rotary-powered RX-9 is well underway. As one source told us, the company has put most of its R&D efforts into its new SkyActiv engines and transmissions and the next-generation MX-5, hampering the RX-9's progress.

"We want to take the RX-9 to the next level, but just can't find the man-hours to do it," says our insider. "We have a guideline. We know what we have to do. But as we must give priority to the next-gen MX-5, we have only a small band of guys working on the RX-9."

Unlike the outgoing RX-8, with its complicated rear-door setup, the RX-9 will be a coupe. This means it will be more of an RX-7 for the 21st century, but with a twist. That twist will reportedly be in the form of hybrid technology Mazda will borrow from Toyota, thanks in part to an agreement the automakers signed last year. Apparently Mazda will only use Toyota's hybrid drive unit, with the main power coming from the Mazda-built rotary. The hybrid unit will reportedly be used primarily as a power booster and range extender. Our confidant tells us there is no point in doing with a rotary what a current gasoline engine can do, hence the move to a hybrid-assisted setup.

"Smaller, lighter, cleaner, more fuel-efficient, and more fun to drive. That's where we want to take the next rotary car," says our source, who hinted at a late 2013 debut. Given the bad rap the RX-8 suffered -- fuel-guzzler, oil-guzzler, weak mid-range torque -- such a radical rotary rebirth is the only way to take Mazda's greatest legacy forward.

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PapoZalsa

They need to make a RX-9 TT and forget about the hybrid technology.

That is not going to sell in the sport car world, another FAIL for Mazda!

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the_student

Id get one...if the price was right and I didnt have a Z lol.

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ImportConvert

I would be interested in a 400+ bhp rotary in TT guise. A hybrid? No thanks.

UNKNOWN_370

My only issue would be that from what I've read, the RX9 will push about 300 horses and 215lbs tq. It just seems they can't pull better torque numbers out of the mazda. If there is a turbo set-up. The lower torque can be compensated with a boost controller and ecm management but, 215 is still a low number to jump off with. This car would have to weigh 2600lbs for that amount of torque to be acceptable.

Hybrid assist doesn't sound like a traditional hybrid like prius and CR-Z. I think the hybrid motor in the rx will be more about powering the ecu, windows,locks, ac, heated seats,lighting, and powering at cruising speeds along with adding power to the rear wheels on launch. I don't think the hybrid is being designed to actually power the car. It will act as an electrical turbo. That's what I'm getting from this article.

kenchan

mazda should just drop the whole rotary thing and work on conventional engines.

they're like coal powered steam engines rock! while we have nuclear subs and turbine jet engines and stuff...get your head out of the pot, mazda. rotary sucks on the street.

Lug

Rotaries have both advantages and disadvantages. Unforunately, they suck for gas mileage and are difficult with emissions which kills their appeal in today's gas concious, emission concious world. Power to weight ratio and power to displacement ratio, they just slaughter normal piston engines. Undertand the new "huge" rotary they are working on is ony 1.6 liter and will have around 300 hp, normally aspirated.

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Waiz

Don't ever say that in front of a Rotary enthusiast, you might get jumped.

They are actually pretty reliable (other than the RX-8's engine)

saqib55

hahaha, so true about getting jumped.

I am a huge rotary fan, but honestly, in today's world it has really lost its appeal. The only way to make it competitive would be with turbos or electronic assist like the article suggests. The turbo set up will be notoriously unreliable, as history can tell us, and the electronic assist will be pretty heavy, which goes against the rx lines low weight philosophy.

Personally, I would love to see the mazdaspeed 3's engine in an rx-8. That will be a win.

Methodical4u

I've said this a couple of times and while I know they want to stick with their roots and I understand this... it just doesn't seem to be very effecient. The RX-8 IMO has been a complete embarassment to Mazda.

kenchan

oh ok, i better keep my rotary comments to myself then... *kenchan hides under chair*

yah, MS3 engine in a light weight RWD platform would be the shitts for sure.

kenchan

yah, the RX8 in AT is like biggest wtf mazda moment...

im sure rotary's are fun on the track, when they're talking about making a hybrid to add a motor to support low-end torque it's like you're just re-confirming rotaries suck for street use...

oh wait, im suppose to keep my comments to myself.

Lug

About the only place that Rotaries really really work out is in Ultralight Aircraft. The power to weight ratio makes them ideal. If gas mileage wasn't such a concern, you could simply make a 3 liter Rotary that would put out 500 hp. Unfortunately, it would probably get about 7 miles to the gallon.

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Zerafian

Sits back and waits for the car to actually look CLOSE to the concept.

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Lug

Are you doubting the concept drawing. They are usually spot on, much like the RX-8 concept drawing.....

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