There are a ton of rumors going around lately. We have a somewhat unique perspective on the rotary world, so lets go through the RX-9, Kabura, RX-7, RX-8, 16X and Furai rumors.

RX-9/Kabura The Winding Road rendered what they though the RX-9 would look like. This rendering is based on the Kabura, and is what they think the next RX-Coupe would look like, based on conversations with Mazda execs, designers and engineers. We agree to a certain point. However, the bean-counters have a huge grip on what Mazda produces. In the 1970's the engineers and designers basically had free reign, and produced what they wanted. These days, committees, design reviewers, and MBA Finance types have more say in future product than the engineers. If it can't make money, it won't be produced.

RX-7 There is a every growing camp within Mazda that wants a true 2-door hard-roof Rotary powered sports car to be sold. If the RX-7 were to return it would need a firm business case that the car could make money for Mazda, much more than just internet "I'd buy it" postings.

RX-8 The major-minor change will be unveiled at Detroit next month. Mostly cosmetic, the 16x will NOT be part of the change. There were rumors of the 16X testing in the US. These appear not to be true.



16X This future engine has gone through 5 years of development, but it isn't quite ready for a production car. It could be 3+ years before there is a platform ready for the engine. Expect to see this in the next generation, fully redesigned car, not the major-minor change that the 2009 RX-8 is going through.

Furai This thing is just wild. It was conceived as a halo-car, something that marketing can use to point at and say: "we know how to go fast around a track." We will find out more about Mazda's plans for this, however judging on the reaction of the automotive press, websites, and rotary community, Mazda would be foolish not to put something like this into production, all be it, in a less radical form.