Tokyo 2015: Mazda RX-Vision concept showcased

There have been speculations going on for a long time that Mazda is working on a new rotary-powered sportscar as a successor to the hugely popular RX-8. Mazda has now made the rumour mills go into a frenzy as it unveiled the spectacular RX-Vision concept at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show. Mazda calls the styling of the RX-Vision concept as KODO design language. As for us, it is stretched dimensions, curvy proportions and sensuous crease lines make the Mazda RX-Vision among the most stunning concept cars in the recent past and if the production car manages to hold on even half of the design drama of the concept car, we are in for a visual treat.

Mazda is the specialist when it comes to rotary engines as they are the only manufacturer to mass-produce rotary power plants. In fact, they also took overall victory at 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1991 with a rotary engine-powered race car. The next generation rotary motor has been christened SKYACTIV-R. According to Mazda officials the SKYACTIV-R is still under development stages and a possibility of it hitting production hasn’t been denied.

According to Kiyoshi Fujiwarujiwara, R&D chief Mazda, the next generation RX-8 will compete against Porsche Cayman and the German sportscar has been set has the benchmark. He also mentioned that manual gearbox might be offered, which should be a petrolhead's wet dream given the fact that the car will be rear-wheel drive. Fujiwarujiwara though added that a dual-clutch gearbox might be required for the performance that they are striving for. Well, we can’t wait for the production car to be launched soon and see another epic Germany vs Japan battle being fought on the race track.