Mazda CEO says RX9 coming in 2026
Thread Starter
40th anniversary Edition
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,949
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From: Grapevine, Texas
This from the recent autoshow in Thailand. All reports agree it will be twin-rotor powering EV motors.
New Mazda RX-7 CONFIRMED! IN DEPTH look at Iconic SP Rotary-EV on Thai debut at Bangkok Motor Show!
Thread Starter
40th anniversary Edition
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,949
Likes: 141
From: Grapevine, Texas
I guess until you trip over one of these in your local Mazda dealership, you wont believe it, LOL
FYI, I have owned seven rotary cars since the 70's, stock and modified for street and track, with over a million rotary miles driven.
From Forbes Magazine: https://www.forbes.com/sites/peterly...s-eye-opening/
Cheers and best to you all.
FYI, I have owned seven rotary cars since the 70's, stock and modified for street and track, with over a million rotary miles driven.
From Forbes Magazine: https://www.forbes.com/sites/peterly...s-eye-opening/
Cheers and best to you all.
Last edited by gwilliams6; Jun 26, 2025 at 02:22 PM.
Thread Starter
40th anniversary Edition
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,949
Likes: 141
From: Grapevine, Texas
From Forbes Magazine: https://www.forbes.com/sites/peterly...s-eye-opening/
Contributor.
Peter Lyon is based in Tokyo and writes about the car industry.
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Aug 19, 2024, 10:34am EDTAug 19, 2024, 05:41pm EDT
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Patents lodged by Mazda appear to show the next-gen rotary as a mild hybrid that actually uses its ... More
Photo by Peter LyonAt the renamed Japan Mobility Show last year, Mazda revealed the drop-dead gorgeous Iconic SP concept car propelled by a next-generation rotary-hybrid powertrain. Or so it seemed when I ran my initial story last November. We are now hearing that the system destined for production might be very different.
Last November, the concept Mazda revealed was an electric car with a range extender engine, a gasoline engine that the company says could run on a variety of sustainable fuels. Now that may sound a little too futuristic for many, but such a powertrain already exists in a production car, powering Mazda’s MX-30 R-EV, an SUV that features a rotary engine which does not power the wheels but instead drives a generator to recharge batteries.
According to Mazda, the Iconic SP however, would employ that same basic system, but get two 830cc rotors instead of the MX-30’s single rotor and produce a lot more horsepower—try upwards of 350 hp in total. And unlike the MX-30, power would be channeled to the rear wheels, like a true sports car. But there’s more.
PROMOTED
When Mazda revealed details of its next generation ‘rotary-powered sports car,’ many punters initially drooled at the potential, and the car’s spectacular lines, but then soon felt robbed when told that the car would not actually be powered by the rotary engine — which would instead act only as an onboard generator.
The next-gen rotary will employ a 350hp powertrain.
By Cassidy Horton, ContributorFast forward 10 months. Things are not quite what they seem. We are now hearing from Japan’s biggest-selling car magazine Best Car that a patent has been lodged by Mazda at the patent office in Japan which is proof that the carmaker are serious about putting this vehicle into production. And with a seemingly different powertrain.
The content of that patent sent our eyebrows skywards. Why? Because it now appears that the rotary engine will drive the rear wheels in a mild hybrid system, not a range extender setup. In fact, we queried the original Mazda explanation last year as the Iconic SP concept car employed a rather thick center tunnel between the driver and passenger down which a propeller shaft would run. When we asked a nearby Mazda staffer whether this concept’s rotary engine would definitely take on the role of ‘generator’ to charge the batteries, the nonchalant answer was ‘not necessarily.’ So the patent has confirmed our original queries.
.What the patent hints at is that the rotary engine will be located just behind the front axle in a so-called ‘front midship’ setup making the car rear wheel drive without a flywheel. The patent also suggests that the rotary engine will be directly connected to a 33hp electric motor that will take on the role of a flywheel, powering the rear wheels.
00:3603:12
Read More
In addition, the transmission would be located above the rear axle in the form of a transaxle and feature an AMT (automated manual transmission) setup with the potential for a 6-speed manual option as well. The patent also suggests that in addition to the rotary engine and motor combination driving the rear wheels, two 23hp in-wheel motors could propel the front wheels as well, giving the car 4WD capability to complement its rear wheel prowess.
The hybrid system would also allow for the engine to be completely cut off permitting the car to run exclusively on its electric motor. So, from what we are now hearing, the next-generation rotary powered sports car will be just that—a car that is driven by its rotary engine which could run on a variety of different fuels, but at the same time gets assistance from electric motors, thus allowing the Mazda to clear more stringent emissions laws.
Expect to see the Iconic SP, which will most probably appear with a more practical name, to launch in late 2026 for around $45,000 to $50,000.
The Truth Emerging About Mazda’s New Rotary Sports Car Is Eye-Opening
LifestyleCars & BikesThe Truth Emerging About Mazda’s New Rotary Sports Car Is Eye-Opening
ByPeter Lyon,Contributor.
Peter Lyon is based in Tokyo and writes about the car industry.
Follow Author
Aug 19, 2024, 10:34am EDTAug 19, 2024, 05:41pm EDT
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SaveComment0
Patents lodged by Mazda appear to show the next-gen rotary as a mild hybrid that actually uses its ... MorePhoto by Peter LyonAt the renamed Japan Mobility Show last year, Mazda revealed the drop-dead gorgeous Iconic SP concept car propelled by a next-generation rotary-hybrid powertrain. Or so it seemed when I ran my initial story last November. We are now hearing that the system destined for production might be very different.
Last November, the concept Mazda revealed was an electric car with a range extender engine, a gasoline engine that the company says could run on a variety of sustainable fuels. Now that may sound a little too futuristic for many, but such a powertrain already exists in a production car, powering Mazda’s MX-30 R-EV, an SUV that features a rotary engine which does not power the wheels but instead drives a generator to recharge batteries.
According to Mazda, the Iconic SP however, would employ that same basic system, but get two 830cc rotors instead of the MX-30’s single rotor and produce a lot more horsepower—try upwards of 350 hp in total. And unlike the MX-30, power would be channeled to the rear wheels, like a true sports car. But there’s more.
PROMOTED
When Mazda revealed details of its next generation ‘rotary-powered sports car,’ many punters initially drooled at the potential, and the car’s spectacular lines, but then soon felt robbed when told that the car would not actually be powered by the rotary engine — which would instead act only as an onboard generator.
The next-gen rotary will employ a 350hp powertrain.By Cassidy Horton, ContributorFast forward 10 months. Things are not quite what they seem. We are now hearing from Japan’s biggest-selling car magazine Best Car that a patent has been lodged by Mazda at the patent office in Japan which is proof that the carmaker are serious about putting this vehicle into production. And with a seemingly different powertrain.
The content of that patent sent our eyebrows skywards. Why? Because it now appears that the rotary engine will drive the rear wheels in a mild hybrid system, not a range extender setup. In fact, we queried the original Mazda explanation last year as the Iconic SP concept car employed a rather thick center tunnel between the driver and passenger down which a propeller shaft would run. When we asked a nearby Mazda staffer whether this concept’s rotary engine would definitely take on the role of ‘generator’ to charge the batteries, the nonchalant answer was ‘not necessarily.’ So the patent has confirmed our original queries.
.What the patent hints at is that the rotary engine will be located just behind the front axle in a so-called ‘front midship’ setup making the car rear wheel drive without a flywheel. The patent also suggests that the rotary engine will be directly connected to a 33hp electric motor that will take on the role of a flywheel, powering the rear wheels.
00:3603:12
Read More
In addition, the transmission would be located above the rear axle in the form of a transaxle and feature an AMT (automated manual transmission) setup with the potential for a 6-speed manual option as well. The patent also suggests that in addition to the rotary engine and motor combination driving the rear wheels, two 23hp in-wheel motors could propel the front wheels as well, giving the car 4WD capability to complement its rear wheel prowess.
The hybrid system would also allow for the engine to be completely cut off permitting the car to run exclusively on its electric motor. So, from what we are now hearing, the next-generation rotary powered sports car will be just that—a car that is driven by its rotary engine which could run on a variety of different fuels, but at the same time gets assistance from electric motors, thus allowing the Mazda to clear more stringent emissions laws.
Expect to see the Iconic SP, which will most probably appear with a more practical name, to launch in late 2026 for around $45,000 to $50,000.
The Blue Blur
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From: Green Hill Zone Running in Loops
lol keep making the font larger, it truly gets the point across.
Obviously I stuck a nerve, I'll see my self out. As you said I'll believe it when I can place a down payment.
Untill then.
Obviously I stuck a nerve, I'll see my self out. As you said I'll believe it when I can place a down payment.
Untill then.
Thread Starter
40th anniversary Edition
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,949
Likes: 141
From: Grapevine, Texas
The RX9 is a different and separate vehicle made in Hiroshima, Japan and powered by a rotary-EV drive system (not a range extender setup) .
Countless Mazda-connected journalists have been reporting on all this.
You are usually on top of Mazda stuff, but you are missing the facts here.
Cheers and best to you.
Last edited by gwilliams6; Jun 26, 2025 at 05:09 PM.
Thread Starter
40th anniversary Edition
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,949
Likes: 141
From: Grapevine, Texas
Cheers and best to you.
I didnt want to do all the work, so I had AI do the work for me.
Originally it would state many claims are true, but ONLY because the were using other bloat articles made by Forbes to fact-check the article these statements came from. The article is listed here below.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/peterly...s-eye-opening/
For the record, published Aug 19, 2024, 10:34am EDT and most recently updated Aug 19, 2024, 05:41pm EDT
Here’s the fact-check, relying only on official Mazda sources and third-party reputable outlets—excluding Forbes:
🔧 Claim A: Rotary engine in sports car will both generate electricity and drive wheels (mild-hybrid / series-parallel in-wheel)
- Mazda's Iconic SP Concept uses a twin‑rotor rotary engine purely as a series hybrid, meaning the engine charges a battery, and electric motor(s) drive the wheels—not a mechanical connection from engine to wheels (uk.mazda-press.com, motor1.com).
- While Mazda patents hint at novel layouts, no official release confirms a drivetrain where the rotary engine directly drives the wheels or uses in-wheel motors.
⚙️ Claim B: Mazda established a dedicated Rotary Engine Development Group on February 1, 2024
- Mazda's newsroom explicitly states the reinstated “RE Development Group” began work on February 1, 2024, focusing on generator usage and future fuel adaptation (wired.com, newsroom.mazda.com).
- Carscoops confirms this special group of ~36 engineers will explore rotary technologies including next-gen powertrains (carscoops.com).
🔋 Claim C: Upcoming rotary-hybrid sports car to output ~360 hp, run on sustainable fuels (e.g., hydrogen)
- Mazda’s Iconic SP concept is publicly stated to produce around 365 hp from its twin-rotor + electric setup — this includes hybrid motors (carscoops.com).
- Mazda also confirms the rotary engine can burn multiple fuels, including hydrogen, for carbon‑neutral operation (motor1.com).
🔌 Claim D: Rotary system will be mild-hybrid or series/plug-in hybrid (as range extender)
- Mazda’s current MX‑30 e‑Skyactiv R‑EV uses an 830 cc single-rotor rotary as a range-extending generator in a series PHEV setup—never connected to the wheels (newsroom.mazda.com).
- Awards and Mazda statements emphasize its rotary is solely a generator supporting electric driving (uk.mazda-press.com).
🧾 Summary Table (Mazda-verified sources only)
Claim Mazda’s Official Word? Rotary will drive wheels in mild-hybrid (not generator only) ❌ NOT supported – series hybrid only confirmed Juventus rotary development team started Feb 1, 2024 ✅ Fully confirmed Twin-rotor hybrid idea outputs ~365 hp, uses hydrogen/carbon-neutral fuels ✅ Verified in concept specs Rotary used only as generator in mild/series hybrid ✅ Confirmed via MX‑30 R‑EV info🏁 Final Context
- Claims about hybrid power output (~365 hp) and fuel versatility (including hydrogen) match Mazda’s concept specs.
- The RE Development Group launch on February 1, 2024 is clearly validated.
- However, Mazda has not confirmed that the rotary engine will mechanically drive wheels—only series hybrid setups have been officially described.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/peterly...s-eye-opening/
For the record, published Aug 19, 2024, 10:34am EDT and most recently updated Aug 19, 2024, 05:41pm EDT
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Joined: Feb 2019
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Likes: 69
Let's allow for a moment that the next RX-X does come out in 2026. Based on everything I've read, the rotary (8X or 16X) will act as a range extender, and not actually do what it is rotaries do that makes them so much fun (drive the actual wheels with that smooth linear power curve). Pretty much negates the whole point of the thing. In this context, it is, at the absolute best, a novelty and a relative liability (compared to piston engines, which have benefitted from many billions of dollars of additional development). In this context, a rotary is smooth (said another way for the purposes sought by those guilty of this implementation: unnoticeable, innocuous, unobtrusive), small, and light weight. This are all excellent attributes depending on the application, but not why I have one in the driveway. In an EV, a range extender contributes nothing positive to the character of the vehicle, and character is what rotaries are all about. I love rotaries, but I'm fairly certain the Wankel died with the RX-8. The S2 is the final iteration.
Nope, fake, also quoting old b.s to get clicks. Thats how that content creator makes money is clicks and views. Video can't be monetized unless it's at least 60 seconds and he made it just past that. Perfect example of how misinformation continues to spread and then AI generated search results will cite misinformation and credit it as factual because thats all it can find.
Might want to do some reading and research into the dead internet theory.
Might want to do some reading and research into the dead internet theory.
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Posts: 10,880
Likes: 339
From: Australia
Well here we go again, a 'twin' Rotor RE as a GENERATOR ONLY!... the RE MX-30-RE in Europe is a disaster,
Single Rotary Engines are seizing, high oil consumption and cannot take on high demand use of engine, it overheats.
All new CX-5 Images are already out in Europe, see it at cx5forum.com
Mazda Confirms Next Gen CX-5 | Mazda CX-5 Forum
Interior Dash has a big 15.1 inch Screen for Connect Info, HVAC, Audio, Navigation, and the Steering Wheel is bloody awful, looks like out of a Tonka Toy Truck.
To be honest the all new CX-5 looks a little 'cheap'. BUT as I always say pictures don't do justice, see it in the flesh.
All new Mazda6e is said to be released in 2026 all throughout Europe/UK, made in China.
Don't know about North America, Australia or South Africa, ME?
All new MX-5 Miata, yes my source says it will be final and last MX-5, demand for NDs has fallen off a cliff worldwide in past 2 years.
There will be an Upgrade for Mazda 3 and CX-30, but will be the end of Mazda 3 Gasolene.
All new Mazda 3 will be Mazda3e (if it gets the approval).
Flip Flop EPA Regulations and EU Emission Regs, Tariffs, has left the Auto industry with one giant headache as commitments are 10 year out plans
not a change at the next election (2028), you can't production plan when a new Admin might reverse all of ****** welcomed EPA Rollbacks.
EVERY Car Manufacturer who had committed in production EV models and a switch to all electric (like Volvo by end of 2025) has abandoned
this 'DREAM', why because nobody is buying enough.
All of these Hybrids and EVs are just too expensive, 95% of people will still buy ICE Models, why would you spend another $15K-$25K
just to have EV.
Wait when the subsidised Teslas in US go when the retail price goes up by $7700+.
Single Rotary Engines are seizing, high oil consumption and cannot take on high demand use of engine, it overheats.
All new CX-5 Images are already out in Europe, see it at cx5forum.com
Mazda Confirms Next Gen CX-5 | Mazda CX-5 Forum
Interior Dash has a big 15.1 inch Screen for Connect Info, HVAC, Audio, Navigation, and the Steering Wheel is bloody awful, looks like out of a Tonka Toy Truck.
To be honest the all new CX-5 looks a little 'cheap'. BUT as I always say pictures don't do justice, see it in the flesh.
All new Mazda6e is said to be released in 2026 all throughout Europe/UK, made in China.
Don't know about North America, Australia or South Africa, ME?
All new MX-5 Miata, yes my source says it will be final and last MX-5, demand for NDs has fallen off a cliff worldwide in past 2 years.
There will be an Upgrade for Mazda 3 and CX-30, but will be the end of Mazda 3 Gasolene.
All new Mazda 3 will be Mazda3e (if it gets the approval).
Flip Flop EPA Regulations and EU Emission Regs, Tariffs, has left the Auto industry with one giant headache as commitments are 10 year out plans
not a change at the next election (2028), you can't production plan when a new Admin might reverse all of ****** welcomed EPA Rollbacks.
EVERY Car Manufacturer who had committed in production EV models and a switch to all electric (like Volvo by end of 2025) has abandoned
this 'DREAM', why because nobody is buying enough.
All of these Hybrids and EVs are just too expensive, 95% of people will still buy ICE Models, why would you spend another $15K-$25K
just to have EV.
Wait when the subsidised Teslas in US go when the retail price goes up by $7700+.
Well here we go again, a 'twin' Rotor RE as a GENERATOR ONLY!... the RE MX-30-RE in Europe is a disaster,
Single Rotary Engines are seizing, high oil consumption and cannot take on high demand use of engine, it overheats.
All new CX-5 Images are already out in Europe, see it at cx5forum.com
Mazda Confirms Next Gen CX-5 | Mazda CX-5 Forum
Interior Dash has a big 15.1 inch Screen for Connect Info, HVAC, Audio, Navigation, and the Steering Wheel is bloody awful, looks like out of a Tonka Toy Truck.
To be honest the all new CX-5 looks a little 'cheap'. BUT as I always say pictures don't do justice, see it in the flesh.
All new Mazda6e is said to be released in 2026 all throughout Europe/UK, made in China.
Don't know about North America, Australia or South Africa, ME?
All new MX-5 Miata, yes my source says it will be final and last MX-5, demand for NDs has fallen off a cliff worldwide in past 2 years.
There will be an Upgrade for Mazda 3 and CX-30, but will be the end of Mazda 3 Gasolene.
All new Mazda 3 will be Mazda3e (if it gets the approval).
Flip Flop EPA Regulations and EU Emission Regs, Tariffs, has left the Auto industry with one giant headache as commitments are 10 year out plans
not a change at the next election (2028), you can't production plan when a new Admin might reverse all of ****** welcomed EPA Rollbacks.
EVERY Car Manufacturer who had committed in production EV models and a switch to all electric (like Volvo by end of 2025) has abandoned
this 'DREAM', why because nobody is buying enough.
All of these Hybrids and EVs are just too expensive, 95% of people will still buy ICE Models, why would you spend another $15K-$25K
just to have EV.
Wait when the subsidised Teslas in US go when the retail price goes up by $7700+.
Single Rotary Engines are seizing, high oil consumption and cannot take on high demand use of engine, it overheats.
All new CX-5 Images are already out in Europe, see it at cx5forum.com
Mazda Confirms Next Gen CX-5 | Mazda CX-5 Forum
Interior Dash has a big 15.1 inch Screen for Connect Info, HVAC, Audio, Navigation, and the Steering Wheel is bloody awful, looks like out of a Tonka Toy Truck.
To be honest the all new CX-5 looks a little 'cheap'. BUT as I always say pictures don't do justice, see it in the flesh.
All new Mazda6e is said to be released in 2026 all throughout Europe/UK, made in China.
Don't know about North America, Australia or South Africa, ME?
All new MX-5 Miata, yes my source says it will be final and last MX-5, demand for NDs has fallen off a cliff worldwide in past 2 years.
There will be an Upgrade for Mazda 3 and CX-30, but will be the end of Mazda 3 Gasolene.
All new Mazda 3 will be Mazda3e (if it gets the approval).
Flip Flop EPA Regulations and EU Emission Regs, Tariffs, has left the Auto industry with one giant headache as commitments are 10 year out plans
not a change at the next election (2028), you can't production plan when a new Admin might reverse all of ****** welcomed EPA Rollbacks.
EVERY Car Manufacturer who had committed in production EV models and a switch to all electric (like Volvo by end of 2025) has abandoned
this 'DREAM', why because nobody is buying enough.
All of these Hybrids and EVs are just too expensive, 95% of people will still buy ICE Models, why would you spend another $15K-$25K
just to have EV.
Wait when the subsidised Teslas in US go when the retail price goes up by $7700+.
