2013 Mazda RX-7 to use turbocharged rotary
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.
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