There is another chapter in the RX rumor mill, as Mazda will debut the so-called RX-9 at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show. Before this, the Zoom-Zoom company will preview the production model with a concept at next year's Tokyo Motor Show. 2017 is important, marking 50 years since Felix Wankel had the screwy idea for his eponymous engine and 40 years after the company's first rotary powered car, the Cosmo, hit the market.
The design of the new Mazda RX-9 will change considerably from the RX-Vision concept. It has produced these new renderings showing what it believes will be its look. While the RX-9’s shape is currently unknown, as these are just renderings after all, the Japanese outlet is reporting that it will be powered by two 800cc rotors for a total displacement of 1.6 liters. The car will be able to produce 400 horsepower. Engineers are targeting a meager 1,300 kilograms for the production model. This weight should be pretty evenly split, too, thanks to a rear transaxle. So this is the reason why the RX-9 will be stupid fast and extremely agile.
Assuming that the car achieves its power and weight targets, the new RX-9 could compete favorably against the Alfa Romeo 4C, Chevrolet Corvette, Jaguar F-type, and Porsche Cayman. The price for the 2019 Mazda RX-9 will start at $79,641. It’s at least two years away, so don’t expect it before the 2019 model year.
