Mazda Unveils RX-Vision Concept at Tokyo Motor Show
Fans of the old Mazda RX-7 and RX-8 have lamented the demise of the Japanese brand’s rotary-powered sport coupes and their unique powertrains, slick handling and sexy sheet metal. Mazda unveiled a new concept car at this week’s Tokyo Motor Show that has rotary fans salivating.
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Behold the RX-Vision concept, a two-seat, rear-drive rotary-engine sports car concept that fans hope heralds a rebirth of the RX-7. There aren’t many details on the car itself just yet, including any possible production plans, but Mazda says that it uses an engine called the SkyActiv-R, a “next-generation” rotary engine that’s in development.
The RX-Vision is gorgeous. A long hood and short rear deck combine with a squat greenhouse and minimal overhangs to produce a sexy sports car look (with more than a little resemblance to the Mercedes-AMG GT coupe). The Mazda “Kodo” design language worn by the rest of the lineup shines through in the concept, and the RX-Vision’s styling can easily be tied back to the latest MX-5 Miata roadster.
The interior is minimalist, with gauges arranged in a three-dial pod, and not much else to distract the driver – even the door handles are just leather pull straps.
Mazda is mum on any production possibilities for either the RX-Vision or its powertrain, and the automaker hasn’t even provided any details of what’s under the concept’s hood (turbocharged? displacement? number of rotors?), making us wonder if it’s really a powered model at all or just a mock-up. But as a design concept, the RX-Vision looks like a winner.
