Electrified Wankel for the win!
Forget the LS swap, stick with the rotary. Sure, the Small Block Chevy V8 is bulletproof, but there's a long list of reasons why rotary engines are awesome - buttery smooth power delivery, big power-to-weight, sky-high revs, fewer moving parts, brap-tastic soundtrack… we could go on. Unfortunately, there are plenty of drawbacks as well, not the least of which are poor fuel economy and dirty emissions - likely the primary reasons Mazda has failed to deliver a Dorito-powered successor to the RX-8. Now, however, one digital artist is dreaming up a new Mazda RX-9 concept with a hybrid rotary heartbeat.
In case you haven't heard, the rumor mill recently unearthed patent images which suggest Mazda is dreaming up a new triple-rotor hybrid with 48-volt assistance, situated in a front-engine, rear-wheel drive layout.
Enticing? You betcha. After all, hybrid power makes sense for a modern Wankel engine, especially when considering the ever-tightening emissions and fuel economy standards that automakers are facing nowadays.
Now, the digital artists at Rotor & Shaft have transplanted this hypothetical hybrid rotary into the achingly beautiful RX-Vision, creating a drool-worthy new Mazda RX-9 concept.
Specs include an atmospheric 2.4-liter triple-rotor engine up front to power the rear wheels, plus electric motors in front to make all-wheel drive. The hybrid draws its electrical juices from an onboard supercapacitor and twin lithium-ion batteries, as well as regenerative braking capabilities.
To flesh it out, the new Mazda RX-9 concept takes a number of components from other sports cars, such as the Ferrari 599's transaxle, the LaFerrari's batteries, and the carbon fiber monocoque from the McLaren P1.
Put it all together for an estimated combined output of 610 horsepower. Sure, why not.
We'd love to see this Mazda RX-9 concept become a reality, but for now, we'll just have to pore over the renderings and cross our fingers Mazda is paying attention.
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