Mazda RX-7 successor could arrive as early as next year

Mazda is developing two sports cars - a successor to the RX-7 and the next-generation MX-5. The rotary-engined model could debut next year with a range-extender hybrid powertrain.

Here's What We Know

Mazda Chief Technical Officer Ryuichi Umeshita confirmed the information in an interview with Motor Trend, saying, "We can expect the Iconic SP to be a good successor to the RX-7." His comments echo earlier statements by Mazda president and CEO Masahiro Moro, who said he would welcome the return of the rotary-powered sports car.

Umeshita also noted that "initial talk was that it could go into production as early as 2026, but the timing also depends on a viable business case." Things are moving faster on the technical side as he confirmed that the next generation of the rotary engine is almost ready.

The naming issue is still unresolved. When asked if the new sports car will carry the RX-7 or RX-9 badge, Umeshita didn't give a straight answer. He noted that the model should not directly inherit any existing nameplate, although it could revive something from the past or introduce an entirely new identity.

The Mazda Iconic SP concept was equipped with a 365bhp hybrid powertrain, which is represented by a rotary engine in the role of generator, complemented by a single electric motor and battery pack. The production model is expected to use a similar setup. However, Mazda may also offer a second configuration, this time with a rotary engine acting as the main source of propulsion.

As for targets, the RX-7 successor will be a low-volume sales model, and Umeshita said it will "complement" rather than absorb sales of the new MX-5. Plus, the next-generation MX-5 won't debut until a few years from now.

Source: MotorTrend