Mazda RX-9 rotary to get Toyota hybrid setup: report

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By Brett Davis | May 26th, 2011

According to a number of international reports, Mazda is currently developing the next-generation in its rotary-powered sports cars. Called the Mazda RX-9, inside word has it it will be powered by a hybrid rotary engine developed in part by Toyota.

A report from Motor Trend in the US says the electric motor section of the hybrid setup could be borrowed from Toyota, thanks to an agreement signed by manufacturers last year. Even though it will be a hybrid, the RX-9 will be powered predominately by a proper petrol-powered rotary unit.

Reports say the electric element will simply offer an extended range on the rotary engine and offer power boosts much like the KERS setup on Formula One cars. It’s expected batteries for the electric motor will be recharged during deceleration and provide extra power, on top of the rotary engine, when the driver desires maximum acceleration.

Don’t get too excited just yet though, Mazda insiders have apparently said the Mazda RX-9 project has been put on hold a number of times. Insiders say Mazda is more concerned with the next-generation MX-5 and is concentrating on Mazda SkyActiv technology. Mazda is hoping SkyActiv technology will help bolster the company’s target of reducing its showroom vehicle emissions by 30 percent. A company insider told Motor Trend recently,

“We want to take the RX-9 to the next level but just can’t find the man-hours to do it. We have a guideline. We know what we have to do. But as we must give priority to the next-gen MX-5, we only have a small band of guys working on the RX-9.”

When it does eventuate though, the RX-9 will be a strict two-door coupe, unlike the RX-8 which uses small reverse-hinge access doors for rear passengers. It’s said the RX-9 will offer proportions much like the old Mazda RX-7 sports cars, being lighter and smaller than the RX-8 (rumour has it the car will be developed on the same platform as the next-generation Mazda MX-5, which gives an indication of its size).

As for styling, no images have been released yet but the RX-9 is likely to take on the design language seen on the Mazda Shinari Concept, offering flowing panel contours, sharp lines and angled creases; overall a stunning piece of automotive art. We certainly hope the new model will take much of its inspiration from the concept.

The Mazda RX-9 release has been hinted towards 2013. We’ll keep you updated though.

Justin

Twin-turbo would be nice as well

Ash

THIS IS A FALSE REPORT MAZDA ARE NOT WORKING ON A RX-9 HYBRID..

Go to Car and Driver online and Search MAZDA

svd

Why do they call it hybrid engine when talking about the current Toyota technology? Toyota does not even call it a hybrid engine in the Prius but its correct name being Hybrid Synergy Drive. The Prius and the Camry as well as a few other vehicles in the range have a storage battery which is charged up by a Petrol engine. When demand exists the Petrol engine assists the electric motor to propel the vehicle. This can occur when the battery is discharged or when greater torque or speed is required. A Hybrid engined vehicle runs on more than one different type of fuel eg LPG/Petrol. The Volt runs on two different sources of fuel and is a hybrid electric vehicle because it can be charged via the domestic mains power outlet or via the petrol engine. Under high demand the petrol engine can supply additional electrical energy via the generator.

JD

SVD. What the hell have you done here. You wrote a whole essay of irrelevance without any moral.

Anyway, it’s good that Mazda continued with the RX models. I’m sure this one will be a big hit.

SZQ

another reason not to buy one
Technofreak

Hope Mazda doesn’t end up with a Hybrid Boring Drive like Toyota
I am a bit concerned about this move.

Acfsambo

If i have read the post correctly, it is saying they will be suing the motors and batteries that toyota use, though using them in a different way. It will be to assist the engine and add performance, not to act before the engine to assist fuel economy (like the KERS system in F1)

maple leaf

do not judge all hybrids as slow. Try the Lexus LS hybrid for example or the Porsche Cayenne hybrid. The Prius is designed for fuel economy which it does well.

Hybrid Synergy Drive is the future.Its a shame, Toyota does not put HSD into a decent performance car. finally Mazda is waking up to hybrid power.
Someguy

Rotary with a Hybrid setup? Is that so it uses as much fuel as a normal car would?

flash

No, it’s to provide extra low down torque that rotary engines lack.

Devil’s Advocate

It is a good idea actually, the max torque at 0 rpm of an electric motor with the high rpm power of a rotary. It would be one extremely smooth, linear powerplant….

Corkas

I was not so keen on hybrid or electric cars, but I’m beginning to see the potential of them. give it a few more years for the manufactures to do the R&D, find out what works well and what doesn’t and I’m sure there will be some well preforming sports cars coming from the larger company’s.
In saying that there will be some that just don’t cut it.
UMWHAT

Just give it some more horsepower without the hybrid. rotaries were never about low end torque anyway
Octavian

Mazda cars have got a lot more emotion than many other Japanese cars.

troy

they sure do, the 2 made me cringe when i drove it, and the current 3 makes me cry when i look at it.

the sedan at the top of the page excites me too!

Ash

That is why the Mazda 2 won WCOTY in 2008, is selling in record numbers more than the Fiesta and the Mazda 3 is the N0 1 selling car in Australia and Canada for private Buyers..
I suggest YOU try and design a car today that has to conform to ALL safety requirement for every Country???..

Ford uses a similar grille turns it up upside down..see C-Max, so it looks mean..yeah right.

It is extremely difficult to design any small car that does not look like a shoe box with wheels…and pass all regs.

gg

how hard can it be to design the new mx-5, it’ll look pretty much like the current one. But at least mazda are honest about delays unlike toyota and the FT86 which will never be released.

Bring on the new rotary!
Ash

Car and Driver have annouced this Internet REport is FALSE..
Mazda are NOT working on a Hybrid RX-9…

They are working on the ND MX-5…
Hung Low

MX5 with the new 16X Rotary option please Mazda!