Mazda Patents Suggest Rotary RX-9 Is On Its Way
The Mazda RX-9 has been rumoured for quite some time now. But a new patent filed by Mazda suggests that the company is edging closer to bringing us what we’ve been wanting for so long – a modern Rotary powered sports car.
Japan’s Motor Magazine reported that the ‘Vehicle Shock Absorption Structure’ (pictured below) appears to show a spaceframe designed structure, a style that’s usually used on more premium and performance orientated cars, and one that hasn’t been seen on Mazda’s current lineup of cars.
The report also shows a double-wishbone front suspension setup, usually used on high performance cars, and a prominent crossmember. This crossmember would hint at a front to mid-engined layout similar to that of a Mercedes AMG GT.
The engine bay is however small. But this would align with what Mazda has been teasing us with for years – a compact rotary unit that could possibly be mated with a hybrid electric system. The structure also looks to be light, focussing on lightweight materials such as aluminium and carbonfibre-reinforced plastic.
According to a source at Mazda, the RX-9 will feature a new, entirely bespoke platform which will stay individual to the RX line, and with Mazda acquiring a patent earlier this year for a new type of turbocharger to run alongside a rotary engine, we’re looking at a very capable car.
According to Mazda’s design manager Ikuo Maeda, the RX-Vision could very well be in the works.
“When it is decided as a brand that we need a sports car, that’s when we will produce the car,” he said. “As you know, we already have the MX-5. If we need a more premium sports car, then we need to have a serious think about it.”
