Mazda Employees Show Strong Desire for Rotary Sports Car Revival
Mazda is seriously considering bringing back its iconic rotary engine in a new sports car, fueled by an extraordinary level of enthusiasm from within the company. However, the path to production for such a vehicle is fraught with financial considerations. The company is actively assessing market interest through concepts and internal discussions, with the ultimate goal of reviving a spiritual successor to the beloved RX-7 or RX-8 models.
Mazda's Rotary Ambitions: A Deep Dive into the Dream of a New Sports Car
In an interview with Auto Express, Moritz Oswald, Mazda Europe's Project Manager and Supervisor for Product Planning, confirmed the intense internal passion for a new flagship sports car featuring a rotary engine. He noted an "insane" number of enthusiasts within the company pushing for this project. While Mazda is exploring the possibility of an RX revival, the primary hurdle remains financial feasibility. The company, like any other, needs to ensure profitability before committing to such a specialized vehicle.
Concepts like the Iconic SP, unveiled in October 2023, and the Vision X-Coupe, presented last year, are not just design exercises. Mazda uses these concepts to gauge public and market interest, gathering crucial feedback to understand the potential demand for a rotary-powered sports car. Unlike the MX-30 R-EV, where the rotary engine primarily functions as a generator, a future production RX model would likely see the rotary engine directly powering the wheels, offering a more traditional sports car driving experience.
Despite a dedicated team working on rotary engine development and strong internal support, Chief Technology Officer Ryuichi Umeshita highlighted that finances are the "only outstanding issue." Mazda must balance the revival of a niche rotary sports car with its existing successful models, particularly the Miata. The company has assured that the MX-5 Miata's future is secure, regardless of whether a more expensive, larger performance model joins the lineup. The Miata, currently in its 11th year with the ND generation, is expected to continue with a fifth-generation model, retaining its core characteristics of rear-wheel drive, manual transmission, lightweight construction, and potentially a larger naturally aspirated engine. Therefore, while the dream of a new rotary sports car burns brightly within Mazda, its realization is not expected before the end of the decade, if at all.
The automotive world watches with bated breath as Mazda navigates the complexities of balancing its heritage, employee passion, and financial realities. The enduring allure of the rotary engine, with its unique characteristics and rich history, undoubtedly makes the prospect of a new RX model an exciting one. However, in today's dynamic automotive landscape, where profitability and market viability are paramount, Mazda's journey to rekindle the rotary sports car flame is a testament to both its innovative spirit and the challenges faced by smaller manufacturers in pursuing niche passions. The development of new models often comes with significant financial investment, and ensuring a return on that investment is crucial for the company's long-term health. Perhaps a hybrid approach or a strategic partnership could unlock the financial viability needed to bring this cherished dream to fruition. For now, the automotive community can only hope that the collective passion within Mazda, coupled with a sound business strategy, will eventually lead to the roar of a new rotary sports car on the streets.