Mazda reveals rotary-powered RX-Vision concept

Mazda Motor Corporation has unveiled the RX-Vision, a rotary-powered sports car concept, at the Tokyo Motor Show. The RX-Vision marks the potential return to production of the rotary engine, an internal-combustion engine that uses a rotating triangular rotor instead of reciprocating pistons. Mazda has been the only manufacturer to mass produce the rotary engine, installing it in now-classic cars Cosmo and RX-7.

The RX-Vision is a low-slung sports car with the classic long hood, short rear-deck proportions. One of the advantages of the rotary engine is its relative compactness, leading to the very low hood and overall height. Mazda says that the RX-Vision shaves away all but the essentials.

Mazda CEO Masamichi Kogai revealed the car, saying, “Under the hood [of the RX-Vision] is our next-generation rotary engine, the Skyactiv-R. This name expresses our intention to make breakthroughs in the rotary engine’s dynamic and environmental performance with the same high aspirations that made Skyactiv technology possible.”

Mazda did not announce a definite date for the production version of the RX-Vision, but Mr. Kogai said, “There are still many issues to overcome, but we will continue our development efforts in the spirit of ‘never stop challenging.'”