Rumors Point Toward a 400-Horsepower RX-9 in 2019

Mazda RX Vision Concept (Credit: © Mazda)

The rumors about the RX-9 continue to swell following the reveal of the RX-Vision concept. Today, a new rumor from Japanese site, Holiday Auto, tosses another helping of fuel on this fire, sending RX fans into a frenzy.

According to the report, the next-generation RX—unofficially named the RX-9—will boast a 1.6-liter SKYACTIV-R (“R” for rotary, of course) engine that will use boost from a single turbo to develop around 400 horsepower. The addition of a turbo will also solve the problematic lack of torque that the RX-8 suffered from. On top of the insane level of power, the report also says that Mazda is planning to keep the curb weight under 1,300 kg (2,866 pounds).

Should the power and weight estimates be accurate, we are looking at insane levels of performance that, as Holiday Auto says, will deliver “bike like acceleration.”

Mazda RX Vision Concept (Credit: © Mazda)

As for pricing…well, power and technology come at a cost, you know? According to the report, the target price in Japan is in the ¥8 million ($79,673). There is a chance that price may fall slightly when translated to U.S. currency, but it’ll likely still be near the $70,000 mark.

In terms of a timeline, the report claims the concept version of the RX-9 will launch at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show in celebration of the rotary engine’s 50th birthday. The production model will debut in 2019 and will hit showrooms in 2020 as a celebratory model of Mazda’s 100th birthday.

While all of this sounds great, it is all still rumors from one website. If they prove to be true, then the RX-9 will be the most awesome Mazda ever built. However, if they never materialize, we’ll have a lot of ticked off Mazda fans. Stay tuned for more.