Mazda RX-7 successor inches to reality as new rotary engine nears completion
One of the most important parts required for the long-awaited successor to the Mazda RX-7 is nearly complete, but other pieces of the puzzle aren't quite as ready.
According to Motor Trend, work on the next-generation rotary engine is almost done, and it could go into production as early as 2026.
Before it can slip into a new sports car — most likely based on the 2023 Iconic SP concept (pictured throughout) — those working on the project need to build a viable business case.
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
If Mazda can figure out a way to make the numbers add up — a task no doubt complicated by the ever-changing tariff situation in the US — it will give the automaker a second sports car in addition to the evergreen MX-5.
Like the MX-5, the new sports car will be a low volume model. Ryuichi Umeshita, Mazda's chief technical officer, believes the "Iconic SP will be a good successor for RX-7".
It's unclear what the new sports car will be christened. Umeshita-san says a final decision has yet to be made on the name, but it's likely to honour or reference the company's rotary history.
He doesn't rule out RX-7 or RX-9, but is adamant there is "very little possibility that we will name it Cosmo". The Cosmo was a line of luxury coupes sold between 1967 and 1996, and was available with rotary engines, either exclusively or in top-of-the-range variants.
The new RX is expected to be a 2+2 coupe that's larger than the current fourth-generation MX-5. The Iconic SP measures 4180mm long, 1850mm wide, and 1150mm tall, which is 105mm shorter, 90mm wider, and 80mm lower than the third-generation 'FD' RX-7.
Like the Iconic SP, the new RX will have a range extender EV drivetrain — with output of around 270kW — where the rotary engine operates as a generator for the battery pack. A version where the rotary engine drives the wheels is apparently part of the plan too.
The new rotary engine is a development of the motor used in the range extender (EREV) variant of the MX-30. The MX-30 EREV has a single rotor displacing 0.83L and makes 55kW.
Its sole job is to recharge the 17.8kWh battery when it begins running low, while the 125kW electric motor is responsible for driving the front wheels.
The MX-30 marked the return of the rotary engine to the Mazda range after an absence of 11 years, but the EREV version wasn't offered in the US because the rotary didn't meet local emissions regulations, a problem that's been solved in the upcoming version of the engine.
Although the MX-30 has been withdrawn from the Australian market in 2023, it's still in on sale in many parts of the world, including Europe and Japan.
MORE: Everything Mazda
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
One of the most important parts required for the long-awaited successor to the Mazda RX-7 is nearly complete, but other pieces of the puzzle aren't quite as ready.
According to Motor Trend, work on the next-generation rotary engine is almost done, and it could go into production as early as 2026.
Before it can slip into a new sports car — most likely based on the 2023 Iconic SP concept (pictured throughout) — those working on the project need to build a viable business case.
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
If Mazda can figure out a way to make the numbers add up — a task no doubt complicated by the ever-changing tariff situation in the US — it will give the automaker a second sports car in addition to the evergreen MX-5.
Like the MX-5, the new sports car will be a low volume model. Ryuichi Umeshita, Mazda's chief technical officer, believes the "Iconic SP will be a good successor for RX-7".
It's unclear what the new sports car will be christened. Umeshita-san says a final decision has yet to be made on the name, but it's likely to honour or reference the company's rotary history.
He doesn't rule out RX-7 or RX-9, but is adamant there is "very little possibility that we will name it Cosmo". The Cosmo was a line of luxury coupes sold between 1967 and 1996, and was available with rotary engines, either exclusively or in top-of-the-range variants.
The new RX is expected to be a 2+2 coupe that's larger than the current fourth-generation MX-5. The Iconic SP measures 4180mm long, 1850mm wide, and 1150mm tall, which is 105mm shorter, 90mm wider, and 80mm lower than the third-generation 'FD' RX-7.
Like the Iconic SP, the new RX will have a range extender EV drivetrain — with output of around 270kW — where the rotary engine operates as a generator for the battery pack. A version where the rotary engine drives the wheels is apparently part of the plan too.
The new rotary engine is a development of the motor used in the range extender (EREV) variant of the MX-30. The MX-30 EREV has a single rotor displacing 0.83L and makes 55kW.
Its sole job is to recharge the 17.8kWh battery when it begins running low, while the 125kW electric motor is responsible for driving the front wheels.
The MX-30 marked the return of the rotary engine to the Mazda range after an absence of 11 years, but the EREV version wasn't offered in the US because the rotary didn't meet local emissions regulations, a problem that's been solved in the upcoming version of the engine.
Although the MX-30 has been withdrawn from the Australian market in 2023, it's still in on sale in many parts of the world, including Europe and Japan.
MORE: Everything Mazda
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
One of the most important parts required for the long-awaited successor to the Mazda RX-7 is nearly complete, but other pieces of the puzzle aren't quite as ready.
According to Motor Trend, work on the next-generation rotary engine is almost done, and it could go into production as early as 2026.
Before it can slip into a new sports car — most likely based on the 2023 Iconic SP concept (pictured throughout) — those working on the project need to build a viable business case.
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
If Mazda can figure out a way to make the numbers add up — a task no doubt complicated by the ever-changing tariff situation in the US — it will give the automaker a second sports car in addition to the evergreen MX-5.
Like the MX-5, the new sports car will be a low volume model. Ryuichi Umeshita, Mazda's chief technical officer, believes the "Iconic SP will be a good successor for RX-7".
It's unclear what the new sports car will be christened. Umeshita-san says a final decision has yet to be made on the name, but it's likely to honour or reference the company's rotary history.
He doesn't rule out RX-7 or RX-9, but is adamant there is "very little possibility that we will name it Cosmo". The Cosmo was a line of luxury coupes sold between 1967 and 1996, and was available with rotary engines, either exclusively or in top-of-the-range variants.
The new RX is expected to be a 2+2 coupe that's larger than the current fourth-generation MX-5. The Iconic SP measures 4180mm long, 1850mm wide, and 1150mm tall, which is 105mm shorter, 90mm wider, and 80mm lower than the third-generation 'FD' RX-7.
Like the Iconic SP, the new RX will have a range extender EV drivetrain — with output of around 270kW — where the rotary engine operates as a generator for the battery pack. A version where the rotary engine drives the wheels is apparently part of the plan too.
The new rotary engine is a development of the motor used in the range extender (EREV) variant of the MX-30. The MX-30 EREV has a single rotor displacing 0.83L and makes 55kW.
Its sole job is to recharge the 17.8kWh battery when it begins running low, while the 125kW electric motor is responsible for driving the front wheels.
The MX-30 marked the return of the rotary engine to the Mazda range after an absence of 11 years, but the EREV version wasn't offered in the US because the rotary didn't meet local emissions regulations, a problem that's been solved in the upcoming version of the engine.
Although the MX-30 has been withdrawn from the Australian market in 2023, it's still in on sale in many parts of the world, including Europe and Japan.
MORE: Everything Mazda
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
One of the most important parts required for the long-awaited successor to the Mazda RX-7 is nearly complete, but other pieces of the puzzle aren't quite as ready.
According to Motor Trend, work on the next-generation rotary engine is almost done, and it could go into production as early as 2026.
Before it can slip into a new sports car — most likely based on the 2023 Iconic SP concept (pictured throughout) — those working on the project need to build a viable business case.
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
If Mazda can figure out a way to make the numbers add up — a task no doubt complicated by the ever-changing tariff situation in the US — it will give the automaker a second sports car in addition to the evergreen MX-5.
Like the MX-5, the new sports car will be a low volume model. Ryuichi Umeshita, Mazda's chief technical officer, believes the "Iconic SP will be a good successor for RX-7".
It's unclear what the new sports car will be christened. Umeshita-san says a final decision has yet to be made on the name, but it's likely to honour or reference the company's rotary history.
He doesn't rule out RX-7 or RX-9, but is adamant there is "very little possibility that we will name it Cosmo". The Cosmo was a line of luxury coupes sold between 1967 and 1996, and was available with rotary engines, either exclusively or in top-of-the-range variants.
The new RX is expected to be a 2+2 coupe that's larger than the current fourth-generation MX-5. The Iconic SP measures 4180mm long, 1850mm wide, and 1150mm tall, which is 105mm shorter, 90mm wider, and 80mm lower than the third-generation 'FD' RX-7.
Like the Iconic SP, the new RX will have a range extender EV drivetrain — with output of around 270kW — where the rotary engine operates as a generator for the battery pack. A version where the rotary engine drives the wheels is apparently part of the plan too.
The new rotary engine is a development of the motor used in the range extender (EREV) variant of the MX-30. The MX-30 EREV has a single rotor displacing 0.83L and makes 55kW.
Its sole job is to recharge the 17.8kWh battery when it begins running low, while the 125kW electric motor is responsible for driving the front wheels.
The MX-30 marked the return of the rotary engine to the Mazda range after an absence of 11 years, but the EREV version wasn't offered in the US because the rotary didn't meet local emissions regulations, a problem that's been solved in the upcoming version of the engine.
Although the MX-30 has been withdrawn from the Australian market in 2023, it's still in on sale in many parts of the world, including Europe and Japan.
MORE: Everything Mazda
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
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It's big, bold and commands serious presence with its ultra-modern stacked LED headlights, chiselled grille, and muscular body lines. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Its 18-inch two-tone alloy wheels wrapped in 265/60R18 tyres come standard, and the tray is fully lined with tie-down points within its practical dimensions. Plus, unlike many rivals, the T9's tailgate locks with the central locking, keeping your possessions safe and secure. You'll also find heavy-duty metal side steps, a black sports bar and roof rails on Haven variants. A full catalogue of accessories – ranging from tonneau covers and racks to floor mats and nudge bars – is available through JAC's factory-backed program and covered by the same seven-year warranty as the vehicle itself. Now for the clincher. In a market where top-spec dual-cabs routinely sail past the $70,000 mark, the JAC T9 starts from just $45,670 before on-road costs for the entry-level Oasis variant, and costs around $48,737 plus on-roads for the fully-loaded Haven flagship. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Let that sink in. You get a fully appointed dual-cab 4×4 ute with a ZF transmission, full ADAS safety suite, premium infotainment, leather-look trim, and benchmark off-road capability – all for well under $50k drive-away. It's a value proposition that simply doesn't exist elsewhere in the market right now. And it's not just the price either; JAC is backing the T9 with a comprehensive seven-year, unlimited-km warranty, seven-year capped price service program, and nationwide roadside assist. And all that is before JAC's end of financial year offer, with both T9 variants offered with either a $3000 trade-in bonus plus a $500 fuel voucher, or a $3000 grant and $500 fuel voucher. It's significant. Honestly? 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JAC Motors will bring the T9 straight to your home or job site for a 30-minute test drive. No showrooms. No downtime. Just smart, flexible shopping – built for hard-working Aussies like you. The only requirement is that your chosen location falls within 30 minutes of the nearest JAC dealership. There are 58 JAC dealers across Australia and this is a limited-time offer. MORE: Everything JAC
