Mazda has unveiled a new rotary engine sports car concept called the RX Vision at this year’s Tokyo Motor Show. The sports car concept is powered by a next- generation SKYACTIV-R rotary engine, the unconventional technology that is perhaps the most compelling symbol of the carmaker’s challenger spirit.
A proportioned front-engine, rear-wheel drive model, the RX Vision represents a vision of the future from Mazda. Rotary engines are unique in that they generate power through the rotational motion of triangular rotors (unlike the reciprocating pistons in conventional automotive engines). Overcoming numerous technical difficulties, Mazda succeeded in commercialising rotary power, first in the Mazda Cosmo Sport 110S in 1967 and then in several other models. The most successful of these was the Mazda RX-7, the most-sold rotary car ever with more than 800,000 produced between 1978 and 2002.
Although not currently mass-producing any rotary models, Mazda never ceased its research and developed activities. The carmaker chose the SkyActiv-R label for the next-generation rotary engine to express its determination to continue delivering its customers convention-defying technology and an uncompromising SkyActiv experience behind the wheel.
all images and video courtesy of Mazda