Mazda Shows New Rotary Engine Vision

Mazda Motor Corp. today took the wraps off its RX-Vision concept sports car at the Tokyo auto show. The sleek rear-wheel-drive coupe, which is expected to preview an all-new RX production model, is powered by a new Skyactiv-R rotary engine.

The low-slung concept features a long hood, steep windshield and an aggressive front fascia with a prominent grille and lip spoiler. It also gets massive alloy wheels, front fender vents, a rear diffuser and a dual exhaust system.

Mazda didn’t disclose any performance information about the Skyactiv-R powerplant. Company officials say engineers have made strides in improving fuel economy, emissions, reliability and torque—all of which have been problems for Mazda’s recent rotary engines. But they caution that further gains still are needed to continue to move the program forward.

Kiyoshi Fujiwara, who heads Mazda’s research and development activities, tells Autocar that advanced computer simulation and prototyping techniques enabled the carmaker to more precisely study and enhance the engine’s combustion cycle. He says fuel efficiency now is equal to a conventional gasoline-fueled engine. The company also is evaluating the potential to turbocharge the engine and add a hybrid-electric variant, Fujiwara says.

Mazda, which launched its first rotary-engine-powered car (the Cosmo Sport/110S) in 1967, last produced a rotary model in 2012 when it dropped the slow-selling RX-8 sports car. Media reports suggest a production version of the RX-Vision concept could be launched as soon as 2017.