Mazda unveils RX-vision rotary sports car concept in Tokyo

Mazda Motor Corporation has unveiled the Mazda RX-Vision at the Tokyo Motor Show. The sports car concept is powered by next-generation Skyactiv-R rotary engine, an engine which is said to solve three key issues with previous rotary engines – fuel economy, emissions and reliability. However, Mazda has not gone into any specifics on the engine at this stage.

Rotary engines are unique in that they generate power through the rotational motion of triangular rotors (unlike the reciprocating pistons in conventional automotive engines). Overcoming numerous technical difficulties, Mazda succeeded in commercialising rotary power, first in the Mazda Cosmo Sport 110S in 1967 and then in several other models. The most successful of these was the Mazda RX-7, the most-sold rotary car ever with more than 800,000 produced between 1978 and 2002.

The RX-Vision dimensions are 4389mm in length, 1925mm wide and a height of 1160mm on a wheelbase of 2700mm. Going by the dimensions, the concept car is significantly lower, something the compact nature of the rotary engine has allowed. 

The car sits on a unique SkyActiv rear-wheel drive platform, unrelated to the Mazda MX-5. For production, the new RX-7 is likely to be smaller than the concept car, and targeted at the Porsche Cayman.

“I look forward to talking with you more about this vision we revealed here today at the Mazda stand,” said Mazda’s Representative Director, President and CEO Masamichi Kogai. “Mazda will continue to take on new challenges in an effort to build a special bond with our customers and become their one and only brand.”

More from Tokyo:

- Mercedes-Benz reveals Vision Tokyo concept

- Porsche unveils Macan GTS