Tokyo Motor Show: Mazda Resurrects the Rotary for the RX-Vision Concept

[William Maley]

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If you thought the rotary engine was dead at Mazda, think again. Today at the Tokyo Motor Show, Mazda introduced the RX-Vision concept, complete with a rotary engine.

 

The RX-Vision's design fits the profile of front-engine, rear-wheel drive sports coupe with a long, low front end with a short rear deck. Elements of the Kodo design are here as well with the distinctive grille and slim lights. Unfortunately to our eyes, it looks like every other coupe that's on sale today.

 

The interior takes a minimalist approach with a deeply dished steering wheel, three-pod instrument cluster, leather pulls for the doors, and a metal gearshift.

 

Now to the most important bit of the RX-Vision, the rotary engine. The concept has Mazda's next-generation rotary engine called SkyActiv-R. Mazda is keeping quiet on details about the engine, including displacement. But they make clear they are working on this engine.

 

Source: Mazda

 

 

Press Release is on Page 2

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Mazda Reveals Mazda RX-VISION Concept

• Powered by next-generation rotary engine SKYACTIV-R, represents Mazda’s vision of the future
  

HIROSHIMA, Japan—Mazda Motor Corporation unveiled the rotary-powered Mazda RX-VISION sports car concept at the Tokyo Motor Show*1 today. The rotary engine is a symbol of the company’s “never-stop-challenging” spirit.

 

RX-VISION represents a vision of the future that Mazda hopes to one day make into reality; a front-engine, rear-wheel drive sports car with exquisite, KODO design-based proportions only Mazda could envision, and powered by the next-generation SKYACTIV-R rotary engine.

 

Rotary engines feature a unique construction, generating power through the rotational motion of a triangular rotor. Overcoming numerous technical difficulties, Mazda succeeded in commercializing the rotary engine, fitting it in the Cosmo Sport (known as Mazda 110S overseas) in 1967. As the only automaker to mass-produce the rotary engine, Mazda continued efforts to improve power output, fuel economy and durability, and in 1991 took overall victory at 24 Hours of Le Mans with a rotary engine-powered race car. Over the years, the rotary engine has come to symbolize Mazda’s creativity and tireless endeavor in the face of difficult challenges.

 

While mass production is currently on hold, Mazda has never stopped research and development efforts towards the rotary engine. The next rotary engine has been named SKYACTIV-R, expressing the company’s determination to take on challenges with convention-defying aspirations and the latest technology, just as it did when developing SKAYCTIV TECHNOLOGY.

 

“I look forward to talking with you more about this vision we have 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.”

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[oldshurst442]

WOW! Those are some nice lines to that car!

 

It feels like a Japanese Maserati Grand Turismo! I would prefer less of a chopped roof line, the car definitely exudes sex appeal and style.

[aurora97]

In keeping with the '93 RX-7 vibe, Mazda has also thrown in some Mercedes gull-wing appeal, as well. Very appealing.

[Drew Dowdell]

I'm sure it will be less chopped in production (if).

 

But I'm mostly excited about the return of the rotary.

[G. David Felt]

Is a good looking concept, not a fan of the eye lids over the front head lights and clearly the dash is not airbagged so a clean concept approach.

 

Bigger question is how are they going to get the MPG and the clean emissions out of the Rotary. Mazda has failed to get their Skyactiv Diesel emissions legal and they have stated that the rotary is not a future motor due to the inefficient use of petrol and emissions. So I am wondering how they will get it to market.

 

Here was a chance for Mazda to bring back the RX but with a future power train like a VOLT type power train or a pure Tesla like EV powertrain. Sad that they did this with an outdated motor.

 

This feels more like just a paper bag concept to keep people excited till they figure out what to do for the real product line they are selling.

[Cory Wolfe]

Hmm, this has potential, if produced, given Mazda's recent history. One can only hope, anyways.

[loki]

i wonder if...."liquid piston" has been tapped, or some IP has been paid for....