New Mazda RX-9 Rumored To Be Coming In 2019, Debut At Tokyo Motor Show

Here we go again

4y ago
17.9K

To my highly trained and in no way professional eye it seemed as though that the exact nanosecond in time when the Mazda RX-8 was killed off was when the RX-9 rumors started. For a car that was never truly popular outside of enthusiast and tuner culture, it sure has quite the following. Or maybe it's the rumors that have the following? People do love them some drama.

After reporting on this issue just under 7 billion times, it looks like I'll have to ad a 1 to that first digit column yet again. Another rumor about the Mazda RX-9 has emerged and it's a doozy.

According to our good friends over at Motor1.com, several Asian websites (dare i call them sources?) are saying that Mazda is expected to unveil a 2-door (oh yes), rotary-powered (keep going I'm almost there!), sports coupe (SHAZAMMMMM!) at the Tokyo auto show.

"According to this scuttlebutt, the RX-9 takes liberal styling cues from 2015’s RX-Vision concept (pictured above). The vehicle allegedly uses Mazda’s newly patented rotary engine design that turns the layout 180 degrees from traditional applications. The switch moves the exhaust ports to the top of the powerplant for easier packaging of the exhaust manifold and the presumed turbocharger. The mill would allegedly make in excess of 400 horsepower (298 kilowatts). The model’s overall weight would also be low at around 2,866 pounds (1,300 kilograms) to 2,976 pounds (1,350 kg). For reference the current MX-5 Miata tips the scales at 2,332 pounds (1,058 kg) in softtop guise or 2,445 pounds (1,109 kg) as the RF retractable hardtop.

These reports suggest the RX-9 could be Mazda’s most expensive vehicle ever with prices between 8 million and 10 million yen ($71,150 and $88,950 at current exchange rates). If accurate, the cost means the RX-9 would be cheaper, but also less powerful, than Japanese halo models like the Nissan GT-R and Acura NSX, which each carry six-figure prices. "

Of course, these are rumors so this is all quite meaningless until it actually happens. However, I really hope it does, but in a very discrete way. Because outside of Ford bombshelling the GT a few years ago, nothing, and I do mean NOTHING, is much of a surprise anymore. And that's a true shame. I hope Mazda doesn't debut anything. Then, 6 months prior to production, has a massive unveiling of a production ready RX-9 with no concept at all. No hype. No nothing.

Could you imagine the insanity that would drum up? Mazda, if you're listening, don't do what Toyota did by letting us know there would be another Supra, like, 2 years in advance. Keep it wrapped up. If you do, the RX-9 could be the halo sports car Mazda has needed for decades.

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Comments (2)

  • Hope its true hope its true hope its true

      3 years ago
  • Wait what! 400 hp and 1200 kilo! 333 hp/ton OMFG

      4 years ago
2