2019 Mazda RX-9 Rotary Engine

The RX-7 is probably one of the best known Japanese sports cars right alongside the RX-8, the Nissan GT-R, and the Supra. Unfortunately, though, the RX-7 has been missing from the market for more than a decade. Its successor, the RX-8, has been discontinued back in 2012 mostly due to its engine which was no longer able to meet all the emissions standards. Many people hoped for a successor and so far there have been quite a few rumors. Luckily, though, more recently there have been inside sources suggesting that the 2019 Mazda RX-9 is real.

It seems that the car is based on the RX-Vision concept and it would still feature a Wankel engine which is by far one of the most interesting powertrains ever to be fitted to a car.

Source: autoblog.com

The platform

Just like before, it seems that the upcoming RX-9 will be based on an extended MX-5 chassis. Unlike the previous model, the new MX-5 is quite a bit lighter, narrower and shorter than before. The RX-9 would be wider, longer and it would feature a longer wheelbase as well. Also, despite the rumors suggesting for a carbon fiber construction, it seems that Mazda will go for regular steel and aluminum. This will allow them to keep costs down while not adding much to the weight of the car.

Many inside sources suggest at a total weight of fewer than 2,700 pounds which would be quite impressive.

Its price is expected to start around $50,000 where it would face competition from the Cayman, the TT-RS as well as a few other cars like the GT350 Mustang or the new Camaro.

2019 Mazda RX-9

There is no doubt that the RX-Vision is a stunning looking car. Well, it seems that the 2019 Mazda RX-9 will borrow quite a bit from it. The long hood, short rear end, and low height are all expected to be seen on the production version to a certain extent. The car is also expected to feature an evolution of the current Kodo design with an accent on aggressiveness. Expect much slimmer headlights, a larger grille as well as curvy lines throughout the body. Some also suggested a retractable spoiler in order to keep the flowing design while parked as well as active air intakes in the front.

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Inside the cabin

Here, the RX-9 will most likely feature just two seats. This has been the trend with the original RX-7 with the only exception being the RX-8. The car will be a proper two-door sports car with a cockpit mostly designed around the driver. Like with the previous models, most of the controls and the center stack are all expected to be aimed at the driver. This will allow it to focus on experiencing driving characteristics of the car and nothing more.

Source: autoblog.com

2019 Mazda RX-9 Powertrain

As we previously suggested, the 2019 Mazda RX-9 is expected to be the first Wankel-powered car in years. Even though not much is known about this engine, a Mazda representative did say a while ago that the reliability, fuel consumption, and power delivery will be improved by a big margin over the Genesis. So far it seems that the new Wankel is larger. Many suggested that it will use two 0.8 liter rotors for a total displacement of 1.6 liters. Also, unlike the RX-8 engine, this will be turbocharged, and it might use a new type of direct injection. Its Apex-seals have been rumored to be improved tremendously over the original.

The result should be a 1.6-liter engine that will develop as much as 400 horsepower and well over 300 lb-ft of torque. All of this will be routed to the rear wheels via a manual gearbox. An automatic transmission is definitely going to be an option for those wanting it, but the most visceral driving experience will be offered by the manual for sure.

The biggest competitors are: Chevrolet Corvette, Jaguar F-type, Alfa Romeo 4C and Porsche Cayman.