Follow us today...
It is tough to admit that car enthusiasts make a very small percentage of car buyers. While they are the most vocal of the bunch, the harsh reality is that they don’t bring carmakers the biggest profit. This is especially true in times when automotive companies axe many of their affordable models in favor of those that bring higher profit margin.
Yes, manufacturers sometimes listen to fans. It’s how we got a manual GR Supra and a manual NISMO Z, but the industry has multiple layers that help decide what the most feasible way forward is. Mazda’s resurrection of the rotary sports car has been a highly-discussed topic, and I count myself as the many gearheads who fervently awaited the RX-7 successor.
Back in 2023, Mazda unveiled the SP Iconic Concept, which aimed to preview the company’s next-generation flagship sports car. Eight years earlier, we got the stunning-looking RX Vision Concept, but it never transitioned into a production model.
However, things are looking much brighter than before for a couple of reasons.
At the time of the SP Iconic Concept’s arrival, Mazda's general manager of design, Masashi Nakayama, stated that the model “has been designed with real intent to turn it into a production model in the not-so-distant future.”
This is a stark contrast to most concept vehicles, which are purely meant to showcase innovative tech that will be featured in a company’s future models. Last year, I reported on how Mazda’s CEO is interested in making more performance models, including a rear-wheel-drive Mazda 6, but it depends on how the company’s SUV models perform. It seems they are performing well, so now is the right time to ask “what about the rear-wheel-drive Mazda 6 and RX-7 successor?”
The latest patents suggest Mazda has been working on a rotary hybrid sports car that would use the ICE to power the rear wheels, along with three electric motors )two of which in the front for AWD capability).
“If there's a feasible way to do that, then I'm sure if somebody will do it, it's Mazda, because here the enthusiasts still make things happen”, Moritz Oswald, the company’s European product planning supervisor, said. He also added, “The amount of car enthusiasts in this company is insane. Everybody loves cars, so of course, there is a deep desire to keep on launching emotional products. So are we looking into that? Yes, of course. But again, we are also a company that has to bring in revenues.”
He also added, “that's also why we are showing these kinds of concepts, because we also want to see how it is resonating, what's the feedback, to try and find out how big is the opportunity is that we have there.”
Meanwhile, the MX-5 continues to be Mazda’s halo car, and it will get a larger engine for its next generation. The small roadster continues to embody all the values of the brand’s sports car philosophy - balance and lightness above raw horsepower.
Could Mazda finally bring back the rotary engine through its Chinese partners?
Mazda works with a variety of partners, including Toyota. The two Japanese carmakers share platforms and powertrains for certain models in order to reduce developmental costs and boost profit. Another company that works with Mazda is the Chinese Changan Automotive Group, so is it a coincidence that its subsidiary, Dongan, has come up with a rotary engine?
Granted, the new Wankel unit is meant for use in VTOL aircraft, but the engine’s high versatility makes it possible for integration into land-bound vehicles (like sports cars). Moreover, the Chinese company is already developing a twin-rotary variant.
If you are a JDM fan, you are probably less than excited by the prospect of a Mazda flagship sports car featuring a Chinese-built rotary engine. If this comes to fruition, Mazda will no doubt go through everything with a microscope, just like Toyota did with BMW’s B58 engine and Z4 platform.
Despite various reports, it seems the future of Mazda’s rotary sports car hangs in the air. I am curious to hear your thoughts on the matter. Would you buy a Japanese halo car with a Chinese-built rotary engine? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Related stories:
Dimitar Angelov's automotive interests made him an expert in a wide variety of vehicles. Over 10 years of experience make him an expert in creating car content. Japanese brands like Toyota and Nissan are closest to his heart, but he is especially passionate about performance cars. Dimitar Angelov's car passion and knack for the written word led him to complete a Master of Arts in Media and Communications, and classic car restoration. Dim is happy to get behind the wheel of any car and share his impressions. You can follow Dimitar on X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.
Image source: 2023 Mazda Iconic SP Concept
Set as google preferred source
Follow us today...
