SPYSHOTS: Mazda RX-9 seen testing in RX-8 clothes

SPYSHOTS: Mazda RX-9 seen testing in RX-8 clothes

This looks like a debadged Mazda RX-8, but of course the four-door coupé has been around for more than a decade and ceased production since 2012. So surely something is up when a tatty example appears to be making the rounds at the Nürburgring Nordschleife.

This, therefore, is quite likely the test mule for the powertrain propelling Mazda’s upcoming rotary-engined sports car replacement, possibly called the RX-9. As you can see, the front end is fitted with an aftermarket bumper with larger air intakes and some additional piping, which should feed more air to what is likely to be a significantly more powerful engine.

What’s more, the car is wearing number plates from the district of Hochtaunuskreis (denoted by the ‘HG’ prefix), something that has been seen on a number of Mazda development mules. That’s not surprising, given that it’s where the town of Oberursel, in which sits Mazda’s European R&D centre, is located.

SPYSHOTS: Mazda RX-9 seen testing in RX-8 clothes

Contrary to earlier reports of the rotary engine consigned to range-extender duties in a hybrid powertrain, the upcoming sports car is said to put the novel-but-problematic mill in a rather more centrestage role in its propulsion. Rumour has it that a 1.6 litre twin-rotor turbo unit will be utilised, developing in the region of 400 hp, and there are also reports of electrification that is set to bring total system output up to 450 hp.

Despite it being early days with technical details consequently scarce at this stage, lightweight construction can be expected to be part of the RX-9’s development programme. The car will likely also feature styling inspired by the RX-Vision Concept shown at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show, meant to presage such a model.

The sighting of this mule should bring enthusiasts relief, as the likelihood of a next-generation rotary sports car has been rather suspect in recent times. This time last year, Mazda president and CEO Masamichi Kogai said that there were no plans for a sports car larger than the MX-5 as yet, something that was repeated by the company’s North American engineers Jay Chen and Yoshiaki Yamane just recently.

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Mick Chan

Open roads and closed circuits hold great allure for Mick Chan. Driving heaven to him is exercising a playful chassis on twisty paths; prizes ergonomics and involvement over gadgetry. Spent three years at a motoring newspaper and short stint with a magazine prior to joining this website.

 

Comments

  • SALgoodguy on Dec 08, 2017 at 6:31 pm

    toyota Supra, honda NSX, mazda RX-9, nissan GTR…. Glory glory nipppon Banzai!!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 41 Thumb down 2
  • Revert back to purely 2 doors & rotary with twin tebos pls.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Bhagal Singh on Dec 08, 2017 at 7:00 pm

    In the 80s and even in the 90s, Malaysian streets had many RX8, Nissan 300 ZX Turbo, Honda Prelude and Toyota Supreme.

    Why? Well these cars were all priced below RM100k.

    But if today, they come in, it becomes RM300k or more

    Strangely, these cars in Japan, have only gone up 40% in price from 1985 to 2017.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 47 Thumb down 17
    • Jibam on Dec 08, 2017 at 11:32 pm

      Ringgit even lower than Thai baht. go figure.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
    • Stange on Dec 09, 2017 at 12:46 pm

      Indeed, it is quite strange that rx 8 can be seen on the street in the 90s

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 0
      • Hehehe. Basher got his “history” mixed up. Perhaps he using Eye of Agamotto to bend his “history” to his own reality.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
    • Batali on Dec 12, 2017 at 8:18 am

      Eh mister don’t forget in the 80s, 100k for a car was like buying a BMW 3-5 series today

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • Mazda will skip number 8 therefore it will be RX X instead.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 13 Thumb down 2
  • twin radiators

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • Semi-Value (Member) on Dec 09, 2017 at 4:06 pm

    yes…i want a new rotary car to wake up my neighbour at night which i dont like

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
 

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