Mazda ‘RX-9’ still on the production backburner

The gorgeous RX-Vision concept captured minds and hearts alike when it premiered six-months ago, while it also gave a glimpse at where Mazda was at with the rotary engine — its spiritual hallmark. Mazda called this update the SkyActiv-R engine

Naturally, people immediately began to speculate that the concept would morph into a new RX sports coupe, perhaps called RX-9.

Many suggested a 2020 world premiere to coincide wth Mazda’s centenary. Many also suggested said the rotary engine would be turbocharged. Some even speculated on electrification. The common denominator was constant chatter.

However, we spoke with Mazda Corporation’s visiting global director and senior managing executive officer, Yuji Nakemine, in Melbourne this week with other local motoring media. His stance towards RX-Vision went like this.

“I was encouraged by the concept but still think, we just created that kind of concept, kind of a dream of bringing that to market in the future but at this moment, no specific plan to mass-produce the vehicle,” he said.

“I think Mazda R&D will continue to look, that’s their dream as engineers. When it comes to business I think we have to study lots of elements, recovering engineering costs, tooling, we have to be realistic.

“At this time we have MX-5 RF and soft-top, we shouldn't be, kind of, distracted by so many rumours… our sales organisation should take advantage of the current product line-up.

“Then if we make good money, and are more robust and can afford more engineering resources, we can again talk about new concepts or visions or whatever. To be honest, I’m very careful about this concept, but unless we continue to create that kind of concept we cannot realise our dream in future. Thats where we are.”

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