RX-9 Pleads The Case For The Birth Of A NEW Rotary Engine

Like the positioning of driver in the middle between wheels, rather than toward the rear

Agreed and Mazda is certainly on to something with this, priced right, they could have a hit on their hands

It would have to be priced right and "right" means $35K base $50K loaded. The last RX7 was terribly overpriced for what it was. The Supra is grossly overpriced and interest is collapsing.

Putting an RX9 in the Mustang GT price band with equal performance is the only way this has a snowball's chance in hell.

I know its just a drawing, but I like it. Agree with MDarringer.

Come on Mazda, please make this.

When is the obsolete engine going to die?

much nicer than that waste of time Supra Toyota strained on for so long.

Actually, hybrid with a rotary engine makes sense because it has no low end torque. And as mentioned in the article, rotary is very compact and light.

And also prone to major problems with durability.

Do share, I have had 3 RX7s back in the days and never had issue with any except the one I bought with the only known problem which is the Apex seal. I bought it knowing the leaking Apex seal and rebuild the motor and put 100k miles on it before selling it without any problem.

The turbos did have overheating issues but easily solved by bigger intercoolers. So don't be talking just because you read it on the internet...

I had two mid 1990's RX7 back then. Other than the fact that they were super dangerous even slightly wet weather, the cars were gorgeous, fast and in the dry were great handling sports cars.
The RX-9 in the photo looks very promising. If Mazda can actually redeploy the Wankel into the 21st century, and the price is right, they will have a winner.

The rotary engine is dead as a doornail. Terrible for the environment and unable to pass Emissions Standards all over the world now.

I agree - $35-50k would be the most I'd be willing to pay for a RX-9, probably closer to $38k with a couple options.