October DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsSlow PC?RecommendedPC slow today? Run a repair scan before it gets worseResolve common Windows issues and optimize system performance.Scan NowOctober DealsAmazon USDeal season is back - check today's better picksAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.See Picks×
Skip to content
CarCodyAdvertise
Service recordThe Garage

The Mazda RX-9’s Most Anticipated Features: What Mazda Has Actually Revealed

Mazda has shown two rotary sports-car concepts and renewed rotary-engine development, but no official announcement confirms an RX-9 or its features.
Entry869 Date Time4 min MechanicCarCody Team
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Mazda has not confirmed a production RX-9 or announced its specifications. The features enthusiasts associate with a possible next rotary sports car come from two separate concepts: the rotary-powered RX-VISION and the rotary-electric ICONIC SP. Mazda’s renewed rotary-engine development is real, but its public statements do not tie that work to an RX-9.

Is Mazda making an RX-9?

In the official Mazda announcements discussed here, there is no confirmed RX-9 production model, release date, or specification sheet. That means claims about its final design, engine, output, drivetrain, transmission, weight, price, or sales markets should be treated as unconfirmed unless Mazda announces them directly.

There are, however, two Mazda sports-car concepts that help explain what fans anticipate. RX-VISION presented a rotary-powered, front-engine, rear-wheel-drive sports-car vision. ICONIC SP showed a compact sports-car concept whose rotary engine generates electricity. Neither concept has been confirmed as the production blueprint for an RX-9.

What features have Mazda’s sports-car concepts shown?

RX-VISION: a rotary-powered, front-engine sports-car vision

Mazda introduced RX-VISION in 2015 as a rotary-powered sports-car concept and described it as a vision the company hoped to make real. Mazda specified a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, KODO design proportions, and a next-generation SKYACTIV-R rotary engine for the concept. At the same time, it said mass production of rotary engines was on hold, while rotary research and development continued. Those statements describe the concept and Mazda’s position at the time—not a confirmed RX-9 program. Mazda’s RX-VISION announcement

What’s actually slowing this PC down?

Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
Sale
Matchbox 2002 Mazda RX-7 Spirit R Die Cast Car, Silver, 1:64 Scale, #45/125
  • AUTHENTIC REPLICA: Faithfully recreates the iconic 2002 Mazda RX-7 Spirit R in stunning silver with precise detailing.
  • 1:64 SCALE: Compact die cast model accurately captures the look and proportions of the legendary Mazda RX-7 Spirit R.
  • DIE CAST CONSTRUCTION: Made from quality die cast metal for a durable, solid feel and long-lasting collectible appeal.
  • COLLECTOR SERIES: Numbered 45 out of 125 in the series, making it a great addition to any die cast car collection.
  • MATCHBOX BRAND: A trusted name in die cast vehicles, delivering authentic and detailed miniature car models for all ages.

ICONIC SP: rotary electricity generation in a compact sports-car concept

Unveiled in 2023, ICONIC SP uses a two-rotor rotary engine as part of an electric power-generation system. Mazda described the engine as capable of using different fuels, including hydrogen, and discussed carbon-neutral fuel and renewable electricity in connection with the concept. The rotary engine’s stated role is to generate electricity; Mazda did not describe ICONIC SP as an RX-9 or announce that this system will be used in a future production sports car.

Mazda emphasized a low center of gravity and approximately 50:50 weight distribution for ICONIC SP. Its published concept figures are:

Rank #2
Jada Fast & Furious Han's Mazda RX-7 1:24 Die - Cast Vehicle
  • Licensed product from the Fast & Furious Saga
  • As seen in The Fast & Furious Tokyo Drift, the Mazda RX-7 has been taken directly from the big screen and brought to you in a 1:24 scale die - cast model.
  • Crafted from durable materials such as 100% die - cast metal and premium rubber tires.
  • Our high - end casting method allows for feature rich details, such as an opening hood, doors , detailed interior, and trunk.
  • This premium die - cast model is a must have for any Fast & Furious collection.
ICONIC SP concept specification Mazda’s published figure
Length × width × height 4,180 × 1,850 × 1,150 mm
Wheelbase 2,590 mm
Maximum output 370 PS
Weight 1,450 kg
Power-weight ratio 3.9, as listed by Mazda

These are figures for Mazda’s 2023 concept, not targets or specifications for an RX-9. Mazda’s ICONIC SP announcement

How do RX-VISION and ICONIC SP differ?

Feature RX-VISION ICONIC SP
Rotary engine’s role Presented as the engine in a rotary-powered sports-car concept Part of a system in which the rotary engine generates electricity
Layout or packaging described Front-engine, rear-wheel drive Compact sports-car concept; Mazda highlighted a low center of gravity and approximately 50:50 weight distribution
Published concept specifications The cited 2015 announcement does not provide the ICONIC SP-style set of dimensions, output, weight, and power-weight ratio Dimensions, wheelbase, output, weight, and power-weight ratio are listed above
What it establishes about an RX-9 Nothing confirmed; Mazda has not identified it as an RX-9 specification Nothing confirmed; Mazda has not identified it as an RX-9 specification

What does Mazda’s rotary-engine development mean for a future sports car?

In February 2024, Mazda said it had reinstated its Rotary Engine Development Group. The group’s stated work includes evolving rotary engines used as generators and researching compliance with regulations in major markets and carbon-neutral fuels. Mazda CTO Ichiro Hirose called the rotary engine “a special symbol of our ‘challenger spirit.’” This is evidence of continued engineering activity, but Mazda’s announcement did not name an RX-9, promise a rotary-powered sports car, or give a launch plan. Mazda’s Rotary Engine Development Group announcement

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #3
Jada Toys JDM Tuners 1:24 Scale Die-Cast 1985 Mazda RX-7 (FC) Volk Racing, Opening Doors, Detailed Interior, Rubber Tires, Collectible for Ages 8+(White)
  • Crafted from durable materials such as 100% die - cast metal and premium rubber tires
  • Our high - end casting method allows for feature rich details, such as an opening hood, doors , detailed interior, and trunk
  • Scale is 1:24
  • Collect them all
  • Suitable for ages 8+

Mazda’s 2018 electrification strategy provides related technical context: it described a small rotary engine as a range extender for a battery electric vehicle, recharging the battery when needed. Mazda also said that range extender was designed to use LPG and supply electricity in emergencies. The strategy did not connect the technology to an RX-9. Mazda’s 2018 electrification strategy

Mazda says rotary-engine vehicle production resumed in June 2023 with the MX-30 e-SKYACTIV R-EV, after RX-8 production ended in 2012. In October 2023, the company reported that cumulative production of rotary-engine vehicles had passed two million units. Those milestones establish rotary-engine vehicle history, not plans for a new RX sports car. Mazda’s rotary production milestone announcement

Rank #4
Tamiya Mazda RX-7 R1-1/24 Scale Model Kit 24116
  • Plastic model kit-assembly required
  • Glue and paint sold separately
  • Manufacturer item #: 24116

Is the Mazda ICONIC SP the new RX-9?

Mazda presented ICONIC SP as a compact sports-car concept, not as a named RX-9 successor or confirmed production model. Its rotary-electric system and published figures make it relevant to discussion about Mazda’s sports-car direction, but they do not establish that an RX-9 will share its powertrain, proportions, or specifications. Mazda President and CEO Masahiro Moro said at the concept unveiling: “Mazda will always deliver vehicles that remind people that cars are pure joy and an indispensable part of their lives.” That expresses the company’s intent for its cars; it is not a production commitment for ICONIC SP or RX-9.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Which anticipated RX-9 features are still unconfirmed?

Because Mazda has not confirmed a production RX-9 in the official announcements cited above, the following details remain unannounced:

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Best Value
Jada Toys Fast & Furious 1:32 Han's Mazda RX-7 Die-cast Car, Toys for Kids and Adults
  • Authentically licensed product from the Fast & Furious Saga.
  • As seen in Fast & Furious Tokyo Drift, Han's Mazda RX-7 has been taken directly from the big screen and brought to you in a 1:32 scale die - cast model
  • Crafted from durable materials such as 100% die - cast metal and premium rubber tires.
  • Our superior casting method allows us to capture the feature rich details of the Han's Mazda RX-7, regardless of size!
  • This premium die - cast model is a must have for any Fast & Furious collection
  • Whether Mazda will build or sell a vehicle called RX-9
  • Production timing and markets
  • Final body design and relationship to RX-VISION or ICONIC SP
  • Powertrain, including whether any rotary engine would drive the wheels or generate electricity
  • Output, weight, drivetrain, and transmission
  • Price

For now, the soundest way to describe the RX-9 is as an anticipated, hypothetical model. Mazda has shown rotary sports-car concepts and has documented ongoing rotary-engine development, but it has not confirmed that these efforts will become an RX-9.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 2
Jada Fast & Furious Han's Mazda RX-7 1:24 Die - Cast Vehicle
Jada Fast & Furious Han's Mazda RX-7 1:24 Die - Cast Vehicle
Licensed product from the Fast & Furious Saga; Crafted from durable materials such as 100% die - cast metal and premium rubber tires.
$30.74
Bestseller No. 3
Jada Toys JDM Tuners 1:24 Scale Die-Cast 1985 Mazda RX-7 (FC) Volk Racing, Opening Doors, Detailed Interior, Rubber Tires, Collectible for Ages 8+(White)
Jada Toys JDM Tuners 1:24 Scale Die-Cast 1985 Mazda RX-7 (FC) Volk Racing, Opening Doors, Detailed Interior, Rubber Tires, Collectible for Ages 8+(White)
Crafted from durable materials such as 100% die - cast metal and premium rubber tires; Scale is 1:24
$29.99
Bestseller No. 4
Tamiya Mazda RX-7 R1-1/24 Scale Model Kit 24116
Tamiya Mazda RX-7 R1-1/24 Scale Model Kit 24116
Plastic model kit-assembly required; Glue and paint sold separately; Manufacturer item #: 24116
$24.64
Bestseller No. 5
Jada Toys Fast & Furious 1:32 Han's Mazda RX-7 Die-cast Car, Toys for Kids and Adults
Jada Toys Fast & Furious 1:32 Han's Mazda RX-7 Die-cast Car, Toys for Kids and Adults
Authentically licensed product from the Fast & Furious Saga.; Crafted from durable materials such as 100% die - cast metal and premium rubber tires.
$13.78

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

More from the Garage

  1. Entry001Date09 OCT 26Time3 minWhich Brake Pad Should You Buy From RockAuto or Elsewhere?Section: Blog
  2. Entry002Date09 OCT 26Time5 minThe Pros and Cons of Touchless Car Wash SystemsSection: Blog
  3. Entry003Date09 OCT 26Time3 minCan a Trickle Charger or Battery Tender Properly Charge a Car Battery?Section: Blog

Thanks for visiting Carcody

Carcody.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.co

Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They SpreadFree repair scan
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?Free driver scan

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.