2013 Mazda RX-7 to use turbocharged rotary

By Brett Davis | July 22nd, 2010

A recent report by Autocar reveals Mazda could be pretty serious about bringing out an RX-7 successor, possibly called a Mazda RX-9.

Early speculations suggested the proposal of such a model would use a redesigned, naturally aspirated RX-8 13B, twin-rotor engine. Now, reports are saying the next/new RX-9 could use a turbocharged variant, swinging back to the days of the 13B turbo used in the Series 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 RX-7s.

An insider was quoted as saying to Autocar,

“We’re testing the rotary in conjunction with technologies including an electric turbocharger.”

This could be a technological first for the company as it hopes to compete, economically, with the likes of other fuel efficient sports cars and coupes like the Volkswagen Scirocco.

The news comes at the wake of Mazda ending production of the RX-8, too, which ends next month. So it is a sign the company isn’t planning on leaving its sports car fans behind.

Insiders are also saying the new RX-9 will include the current Nagare design language, which uses wind and flowing water as inspiration. Look out for more renderings here as development progresses.

J

That is one sweet concept. If I have the cash when the time comes, (plus the cash to regularly fix the oil seals as per the old 13B) I’d buy one!

Hung Low

The Apex seal issues were predominantly a major issue with the original 10A engine!
The 13B has moved on with the RX8 Renesis!

J

Then I stand corrected – thanks.

Fenno

Yippee….
Just traded the RX8 on a Diesel Polo….Looks like I’ll have something to trade back into!
cannot wait!

Hung Low

Lose a bet??

Fenno

No, doing a thousand kays a week and the old rotor loves a drink (both oil and petrol). Used my head for once instead of the heart to buy this time.

Hung Low

Fair enough!

Justin

Finally a car which can worthy of replacing my rx-7 if it looks like that
Toxic_Horse

bankstown mazda will sell thousands

Nugsdad

And that’s just because it’s purple
Gilly

Do they even sell brand new cars in Bankstown? To who??

Moe

Haha whats wrong with Bankstown i see nicer cars here then were ever your living

Gilly

At least the cars where I live are bought legitimately with hard earned money, not some late model stolen, prestige cut and shut job posing in the front yard of a 2br Fibro cottage!

Toxic_Horse

Hey i was only cracking a joke that people around there love rotarys. didn’t mean for it to get nasty.

TomJ

Ill believe that when i see it.
Paul

Forget the renderings, an electric turbo would certainly eliminate the phase “turbo-lag” and could give a rotary some significant torque below 7000 rpm which would be a first.

Hung Low

There has been development of an ‘electric assist’ turbo which has an motor fitted within the centre cartridge enclosed with the b/bearings and main shaft.
Like you mentioned the aim was simply to spool up the turbo until adequate exhaust pressure could take over.
This new technology will revolutionise the performance turbo engine, allowing the fitment of larger wheeled and A/R housings turbo’s that have no lag!
davie

Maybe RX9 with VW’s Twincharger technology would work?

Hung Low

The twin charger technology is not VW’s, rotaries do not have a problem with lag if the right turbo is used for the application which can be a dark art considering the engines flow characteristics.

rlawlals

i thought it was a genesis coupe at first… hm…

Owler

No, It\’s a Renesis Coupe…

NRD80Y

I thought it was mentioned somewhere that the Mazda8 would be the last model to use the Nagare design?

NRD80Y

Sorry, I ment Mazda 5. And found the article – http://www.caradvice.com.au/71550/mazdas-nagare-design-language-over/

Qikturbo

I suppose Mazda is going to take the fight right up to Nissan’s 370Z.
I am however,still wary of the “washing machine”engine
Vibe

I’m sure it would go really well, it’s just they need to make it sound a little more powerful than a dishwasher. The concept looks great.
RK

Another year, another story about the next Mazda rotary being still a few years away. It seems pretty much that the new generation of the rotary sports car was a bust, and they’re desperately trying to get the next generation tech up and running before Mazda beancounters pull the plug on the whole thing. Hope they can get something concrete sooner rather than later.
Hung Low

The 16X (all alloy direct injected rotary) was to designated to the new RX7. Now this mention of a RX9 and turbocharged variant of the 13B Renesis makes me think that this is pure speculation!
At least the 16X is a certainty that has already been developed, whether it is for the next RX8 or RX7 I do not care, I want to see this little egg beater in any car!
Shak

Do the rear lights off of that concept look like the ones on the Insignia.
UMWAHT

from those pictures it’s like i can see bits and pieces of Mazda3, BMW Z4, RX-8, audi S5, BMW 6 series, porsche cayman and dare i say aston martin V8 vantage?
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=601641422 Brian Ho

First off, I’m glad to hear where the mazda is going with the new 16x

BUT! Mazda has said they are steering away from the nagare theme and will be going for a “thrusting motion” theme, saying it want’s to be a Japanese Alfa romeo =S