If a recent report from Auto Express UK is to be believed, Japanese carmaker Mazda could be well on its way to resurrect its famed rotary-engined sports car philosophy. Poised as a successor to two of Mazda’s most popular models – the RX-7 and the RX-8, the upcoming vehicle is likely to be out sometime in 2017.
In all probability, the upcoming Wankel-powered flagship coupe will mark its arrival in 2017 which will also celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Cosmo Sport – Mazda’s first ever model powered by a Wankel rotary engine.
According to the report, Mazda is looking at a 300bhp output for the upcoming sportscar. In comparison, the brand’s last rotary-engined model – the RX-8 had 238bhp to play with. In order to improve the performance further, the carmaker is said to opt for a compact low-slung RX-7 like coupe design instead of the RX-8’s bulky four-door configuration. It won’t be all smooth sailing for Mazda though. The brand will have to find a way round the Wankel engine’s inherent flaws – high fuel and oil consumption and insufficient amount of torque.
Reports about Mazda reviving its rotary-powered sports car have been doing the rounds for a long time now. While we wait for an official word from the company, it will be interesting to see how this upcoming successor to the RX-7 and the RX-8 turns out to be.
Source: AutoExpressUK
