Mazda is known as one of the few automotive manufacturers to produce rotary engine powered cars. The Mazda RX7 and RX8 were very popular with enthusiast and tuners. A lot of people are also hoping that the RX Vision concept car will make the rotary engine comeback a reality.
The Introduction: Mazda RX Vision Concept
The RX Vision concept was introduced in the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show. It was a ray of hope for rotary engine fans. When it was again on display at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este in Monaco, it got a lot of attention. Considering it was displayed along with the Aston Martin Zagato Vanquish and the Bugatti Vision Concept, the attention it got has made some hope that the RX Vision would be made a reality.
Top Gear had a chance to interview design director Kevin Rice and he was admittedly surprised by the reaction of the fans. “We were overwhelmed with the reaction to the RX Vision. Inside Mazda, we all love the car, but to see the reaction of the people here at Villa – car fanatics of the highest level – and for them to be impressed has kind of shocked us. In a good way.” says Kevin.
When he was asked if they would build the car, his answer was teasing and interesting at the same time. “We’d love to build it.” And according to him, the car is still going through the development phase, “In the back rooms at Mazda, we’re still developing it,” Rice said, “and when the world’s ready to buy another rotary, we’ll be ready to provide it.”
So is the world ready for a new rotary engine powered car?
Well, the main challenge for the rotary engine is fuel economy and emissions target. The shift in focus to environmentally friendly regulations with regards to fuel economy and emissions will make developing an engine for the RX Vision quite a feat. But Mazda, as one of the last rotary engine makers, is still trying to find ways to build an economic and clean burning engine to satisfy current regulations.
We hope and pray that the gorgeous looking Mazda RX Vision concept car would progress towards production in the near future. Do you think Mazda should build the RX Vision?
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