Since news first began circulating about Mazda unveiling a concept at this year's Tokyo Motor Show, auto enthusiasts everywhere predicted the model would debut with the brand's next-generation rotary engine. Well, the day finally came for Mazda to show off its all-new concept, dubbed the RX-VISION, and right along with it was the reveal of the manufacturer’s new SKYACTIV-R rotatory displacement.
Mazda has dreamed of creating a front-engine, rear-wheel drive sports car and the KODO-designed RX-VISION concept represents the vision. What makes the brand's use of the rotary engine so special is the history Mazda has with the unconventional displacement. Mazda was the first automaker to commercialize the use of rotary engines, outfitting the Cosmo Sport with the variant back in 1967. The company went on to use the engine in other models, including its 1991 racecar, which took first place at 24 Hours of Le Mans.
As technology evolved, Mazda put the use of the rotary engine on hold, but has never completely abandoned the displacement. Now, it has plans to revitalize the engine and eventually introduce it back into its model lineup.
As Mazda releases more information about the next-gen SKYACTIV rotary engine, we’ll be sure to deliver additional details in the future.
