With a name like RX-Vision, clearly Mazda is sending strong signals about a future RX-7 flagship. This RX concept for the 2015 Tokyo Auto Show is the clearest preview yet of a future supercar in the Mazda lineup.
Power is not detailed in output, only in name and philosophy. The name is SkyActiv-R, and the engine layout will be a next-gen Wankel rotary.
Possible turbo and hybrid tech may be employed to suite the car’s performance goals, which are clearly aimed squarely at the new Acura NSX and future Toyota Supra Turbo, expected for 2018 with FT-1-inspired proportions.
The Toyota and Mazda appear to share their front-midengine layout, sending power to the back wheels — versus the NSX with its rear-midengine/AWD hybrid configuration.
The new Mazda RX-Vision concept is an absolutely stunning gran turismo in style and measurements outside. Strong shades of Aston Martin Vanquish-level beauty and elegance to the basic shape, but with all-new and Mazda-specific design language all around. The nose and tail are beautiful and feel production-ready. But the big action is in the flipped and wildly twisted shaping in the front fenders and door surfaces. A gorgeous statement of intent, if not one that will be in stores soon.
2015 Mazda RX-VISION Concept
HIROSHIMA, Japan—Mazda Motor Corporation unveiled the rotary-powered Mazda RX-VISION sports car concept at the Tokyo Motor Show*1 today. The rotary engine is a symbol of the company’s “never-stop-challenging” spirit.
Mazda RX-VISION (Reference Exhibit)
RX-VISION represents a vision of the future that Mazda hopes to one day make into reality; a front-engine, rear-wheel drive sports car with exquisite, KODO design-based proportions only Mazda could envision, and powered by the next-generation SKYACTIV-R rotary engine.
Rotary engines feature a unique construction, generating power through the rotational motion of a triangular rotor. Overcoming numerous technical difficulties, Mazda succeeded in commercializing the rotary engine, fitting it in the Cosmo Sport (known as Mazda 110S overseas) in 1967. As the only automaker to mass-produce the rotary engine, Mazda continued efforts to improve power output, fuel economy and durability, and in 1991 took overall victory at 24 Hours of Le Mans with a rotary engine-powered race car. Over the years, the rotary engine has come to symbolize Mazda’s creativity and tireless endeavor in the face of difficult challenges.
While mass production is currently on hold, Mazda has never stopped research and development efforts towards the rotary engine. The next rotary engine has been named SKYACTIV-R, expressing the company’s determination to take on challenges with convention-defying aspirations and the latest technology, just as it did when developing SKAYCTIV TECHNOLOGY.
“I look forward to talking with you more about this vision we have revealed here today at the Mazda stand,” said Mazda’s Representative Director, President and CEO, Masamichi Kogai. “Mazda will continue to take on new challenges in an effort to build a special bond with our customers and become their ‘one and only’ brand.”
*1 Open to the public from October 30 through November 8, 2015
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