2020 will coincide with the 100th anniversary for Mazda and they may have a rotary powered surprise ready just in time for the party. Former VP of European research and development Kenichiro Saruwatari has already stated that 20 engineers are actively working on rotary related engine projects and that the company may have something special ready for 2020.
In 2012 Mazda’s sports car chief Nobuhiro Yamamato stated that they would love to bring back the RX-7 name back but in just what guise?
If the next RX-7 is anything like the RX-Vision then we’re in for a treat. The RX-Vision takes inspiration from the FD3S RX-7’s rear lights and the front lights are designed to give off the illusion of pop up headlights.
Patents have also been filed by Mazda for a new rotary engine measuring 23% larger than the previous 13b but the new engine has a few new tricks up its sleeve. It’s quite likely that the new rotary will be rotated 180 degrees longitudinally to position the exhaust ports on the upper side and the intake on the lower end of the housings. By doing this longer intake runners can be used for the intake giving more low down torque and also allows for the entire unit to be mounted lower for better handling as the turbo is now placed up the top.
There have also been rumours about a new RX-9 taking shape that will take on the rotary baton.
Mazda RX-9 all but official?
We’ll have to hold our breath until more details are released but considering Mazda released the original MX-5 as part of their 75th birthday celebration then we could be in for something rather special for 100.
