Antoine
Administrator
Word on the street (and in the Japanese car scoop magazines) is the following:
- Mazda is currently focusing on developing the next generation Miata / MX-5 / Roadster platform and once that is set, that platform will be used as the basis for the "RX-9"
- Like the next generation Miata / MX-5 / Roadster, the "RX-9" will be light and compact
- The "RX-9" will be powered by a Rotary engine paired with an Electric Range Extender / Power Assist system
- The "RX-9" will most likely be a two-door unlike the current RX-8
- The RX-8 will most likely be discontinued
- Future Rotary Powered Mazdas will be more compact in size
- Apparently the only part Mazda is using from its Hybrid Technology license deal with Toyota is a "Module" and Mazda is developing its own Electric Motor and Controller...Eventually, Mazda plans to wholly develop its own complete Hybrid System
- Due to the nature of the Rotary Engine (less moving parts, size, weight, power potential etc), creating a "High-Power" Rotary Hybrid system should be easily achievable for Mazda
- It should be possible to run on electric-only power or rotary / gas power or BOTH with the Rotary Hybrid system
- A Hydrogen Rotary is NOT in the short to mid-term plans due to the lack of established infrastructure among other current obstacles
- The "RX-9" could be lighter than the current RX-8
- The ideal characteristics for the next generation Rotary Mazda (aka "RX-9") are Light, Compact and Powerful (with plenty of torque)
- While Mazda's "SKYACTIV" technology is currently in the spotlight, next in line will be Mazda's next generation Rotary technology and the "RX-9"
- We might see Mazda's next Rotary-Powered sports car (aka "RX-9") appear as a 2015 year model..?