Mazda RX-VISION Concept – the rotary-engined Mazda RX returns

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The Mazda RX-VISION Concept has been revealed at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show previewing a future rotary-engined Mazda RX-9 (or RX-7) and Mazda’s commitment to the Wankel.

At the end of last month we had a tease for a new Mazda Concept heading for the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show, and we speculated that it could be a new rotary-engined RX. And it is – the Mazda RX-VISION Concept.

The Mazda RX-VISION Concept isn’t exactly a first look at a new Mazda RX-9 (or even a re-boot of the RX-7), but it is the first proper tangible evidence that Mazda still has plans for the Wankel engine, and are looking to turn it in to a production model at some point in the not too distant future.

With the Wankel engine at the front, a sleek, appealing, sporty design and rear-wheel drive, the RX-Vision has all the ingredients to be a properly appealing left-field choice.

Mazda aren’t giving away anything about the rotary engine (is is turbo powered? Is it a hybrid?) but they do seem to think they’ve addressed the downfalls – poor efficiency, reliability, economy, low torque and a propensity to drink oil – which will make a rotary-engined Mazda RX a commercially viable option.

The RX-VISION does employ some of Mazda’s Kodo design themes, with a familiar grill and flowing lines, with an interior that’s minimalist in design and focussed on the driver.

But despite the lack of detail, it does look like Mazda are well on the way to a new RX with a rotary engine aimed squarely at cars like the Porsche Cayman.