By now, it’s pretty much common knowledge that Mazda is hard at work on bringing back a next-gen version of its famous rotary-engined sports cars, widely expected to be called the RX-9.
However, Kiyoshi Fujiwara, Mazda’s chief of research and development, has said that the future of the rotary sports car will largely depend on how successful its crossover models like the CX-5 are.
Speaking to Autocar, Mr Fujiwara said that Mazda wants to be in a healthy financial position before it brings the RX-9 to market given that a new rotary sports car would be something of a serious gamble.
He said: “Starting with the CX-5, we will try to build robust business health from here. Then after, if we are successful, we can build a robust business structure for the next generation and then the RX Vision will be a possibility.”
Fujiwara also said that Mazda currently has a team of up to 100 people working on developing the next-gen rotary engine, though not much is known about the next-gen RX car yet.
“There is no word to say 'stop' for rotary technology in my dictionary,” he added. “In terms of the technology for rotary, we are developing new tech still. I'm an engineer and I believe there is a possibility to find new technology to make rotary work.”
Some have criticised Mazda for pushing on with the rotary technology, given flaws like high oil consumption and poor fuel economy that come as a result of the engines’ inherent design.
However, recently discovered patent applications submitted by Mazda have offered a better look at the design of the new rotary engine, which has been named the SkyActiv-R.
For a start, the engine has a displacement 23 per cent larger than the engine in the RX-8 to provide better low-end torque, while an aluminium-intensive design reduces the motor’s weight.
The SkyActiv-R also features a redesigned fuel injection system which enables it to run much cleaner than previous rotary engines, while a turbocharger will boost its performance.
Whether the RX-9 will come to market any time soon is still unknown, but Mazda has previously said that it will build the car provided that there’s enough demand from consumers.
It’s good news if it’s using CX-5 sales to provide the funding for the sports car. That's because the CX-5 is one of the most popular cars in its segment, so hopefully we’ll be seeing a brand-new rotary-powered Mazda very shortly.
