Mazda and Toyota speculated to jointly develop new ‘RX-9’ with hybrid rotary engine
Shaun · Apr 26, 2022 02:48 PM
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Based on the Toyota GR GT3 Concept
Similar proportions to Mazda RX-Vision Concept
Deep ties between Mazda and Toyota
Japan’s BestCarWeb speculates that a new rotary-engine sports car by Mazda – assuming the name of ‘RX-9’ – is planned for joint development with Toyota.
Toyota GR GT3 Concept
The Japanese publication drew similarities with the Toyota GR GT3 Concept, which was unveiled earlier this year at the 2022 Tokyo Auto Salon, and the Mazda RX-Vision that was revealed in 2015.
It was pointed out that although the designs of the rear and rooflines are different, the overall proportions of the two concept cars are the same.
As for the engine, it was discovered last year that Mazda has applied for a trademark for a new logo that resembles the triangle-shaped engine. Aside from the logo, Mazda has also trademarked three names with relation to its future electrified models – e-SKYACTIV R-Energy, e-SKYACTIV R-HEV, and e-SKYACTIV R-EV.
BestCarWeb also highlighted the ties between Mazda and Toyota. Toyota’s president Akio Toyoda thinks highly of Mazda and their Jinba Ittai philosophy. He has pushed for deeper ties with Mazda, which Toyota now has a 5 percent stake in.
Also, the Toyota GR GT3 Concept is not based on any known production car but the GT3 homologation rules would mean that a certain number of roadgoing cars will have to be built.
There’s virtually no detail about the GR GT3 Concept though the company did say, “TGR intends to use feedback and technologies refined through participation in various motorsports activities to develop both GT3 and mass-production cars and further promote making ever-better motorsports-bred cars.”
Developing a new rotary-engine sports car would be a challenge for a relatively small company like Mazda but if teamed up with Toyota, it might just become feasible. But as mentioned earlier, these are merely speculations. Time will tell if Mazda and Toyota have indeed collaborated on a project such as this.
Meanwhile, have a listen to what a 4-rotor rotary engine – which the Mazda RX-Vision GT3 was imagined to receive – sounds like. It’s heavenly.
The quest for automotive knowledge began as soon as the earliest memories. Various sources information, even questionable ones, have been explored including video games, television, magazines, or even internet forums. Still stuck in that rabbit hole.
