Rumor has it that Mazda plans to develop the 2024 Mazda RX9 while bringing back rotary power altogether. Although the company hasn’t said anything official about whether they will manufacture the RX9, signs of development are pointing there. There are also rumors that Mazda may likely work together with Toyota to develop the rotary power, possibly to figure out how they will tweak it for the electrification system next time. So, what does Mazda have in store regarding the RX9 and the suspected rotary power development?
Mazda and Rotary Power
Considering that the future auto industry would likely be packed with electrified vehicles, it seems that Mazda’s effort in maintaining the rotary power would be useless. However, we don’t know what’s happening with the company and its production and whether they can genuinely tweak the power.
In the past, there had been reports about rotary power would stop production, but the words might be too much. Today’s condition requires fuel efficiency, which means engine technology will have to keep up with the current requests and demands. Rotary power isn’t considered the perfect option because the energy is notorious for always being ‘thirsty’. Despite this fact, Mazda seems to be doing everything it can to keep it alive – and being used in its production.
Mazda Global Production
Mazda Australia has made a confirmation that they are offering the compact electric vehicle, the MX30, with a rotary engine (range) extender. It seems potential and promising. However, the rotary fans yearn for the engine powering a sports ride, which would be ideal if Mazda truly makes their upcoming RX7.
The last time Mazda unveiled its stunning and great RX Vision concept was during Tokyo Motor Show in 2015, the vehicle hasn’t made it into actual production up until now, even after seven years have passed by. The plan for the production of the RX7 high-performance coupe may have been delayed, but it doesn’t mean that Mazda management has stopped hoping and trying.
Mazda and Toyota Collaboration
The rumor about RX9 and RX7 hasn’t subsided yet, and another rumor is appearing. It’s said that Toyota and Mazda are working together to build the future rotary power, which they are going to use for their upcoming production. For Mazda, the future rotary power may be used to power the coupe sports ride RX7 as well as the performance 2024 Mazda RX9. Toyota they are going to use it to build the GR GT3 concept. Even Japanese media deeply believes that both of them would perform a solid collaboration to build those vehicles.
The predictions are made because both vehicles (GR GT3 and RX Vision) concepts seem identical. They have the same height, width, wheelbase, and length. They also share the rear wheel driving system layout, which makes sense if they work together on the rotary power. However, those similarities only stop in physical aspects as things may be different in the mechanical sector. Toyota may be running on a conventional powertrain. On the other hand, Mazda may go with the Wankel engine, which may likely be the hybrid setup for rotary electric units. Moreover, Mazda wants to reach the 370kW power target, so their new coupe will remain solid as their performance ride.
Further Development
Again, what Mazda has in store regarding its future development remains unclear, especially related to the RX badge. Mazda doesn’t seem interested in sharing details of their performance rides. No one knows about the possible price and release date either, so we need to wait until the company reveals its entire plan regarding the 2024 Mazda RX9.