The dream of a new Mazda rotary sports car—a successor to the iconic RX-8—has flickered on and off for years, captivating enthusiasts with promises of that unique, high-revving Wankel engine sound. But despite glimpses of hope (like the striking RX Vision concept in 2015), reality has consistently intervened, pushing those dreams further into the distance.
Mazda’s recent actions underscore this stark contrast between aspiration and practicality. The company briefly rekindled rotary hopes with the MX-30 E-Skyactiv R-EV crossover in 2023 and the Iconic SP concept later that year. However, these vehicles employed the Wankel engine solely as a generator to recharge the battery, essentially turning it into a range extender for an electric powertrain. While this showcased innovative use of the rotary, it was far from the visceral driving experience fans crave.
This brings us to the crux of the issue: money talks, and for Mazda, a relatively small automaker compared to giants like BMW (which outsold Mazda almost twice over in 2024), making a niche sports car simply doesn’t add up financially. Mazda’s Chief Technology Officer Ryuichi Umeshita bluntly stated in an interview that the primary obstacle to producing the Iconic SP concept—a potential rotary-powered sports car—was “the only outstanding issue [being] financial.”
Juggling Priorities: From Rotary Dreams to Emissions Reality
The decision makes sense when considering Mazda’s current priorities. The company is pouring resources into developing its first dedicated electric platform, a new hybrid system, and a next-generation gasoline engine dubbed “Skyactiv-Z.” This last development is framed as the ultimate refinement of internal combustion technology before fully embracing electrification. These projects are crucial not only for meeting increasingly stringent global emissions regulations but also for securing Mazda’s future in an evolving automotive landscape.
Adding another layer to the complexity, Mazda is simultaneously working on a new Miata (confirmed for production and set to have a larger engine). The venerable MX-5, which has endured through generations as one of the world’s most beloved sports cars, represents a volume seller that can help fund more daring projects like—perhaps someday—a rotary revival.
A Practical Dilemma: Where Does Enthusiasm Fit?
From an enthusiast standpoint, it seems logical to prioritize the new MX-5 and let the rotary dreams simmer on the back burner for now. The resources devoted to a niche sports car could be better spent bolstering Mazda’s core competency in driver’s cars—the Miata.
There are some intriguing possibilities beyond the rotary, however. While a BMW competitor powered by Mazda’s new inline-six engine might not be in the cards right now, it speaks volumes about their internal discussions and potential future direction. The Vision X-Coupe concept (with its plug-in hybrid setup) hints at Mazda’s design language for 2035, but as Umeshita stated, it’s a vision of the future, not an imminent production car.
While Mazda isn’t dismissing the idea of a rotary engine powering the wheels again—Umeshita acknowledged it’s technically feasible, albeit challenging—its current focus remains on optimizing the engine for generator duty and ultimately meeting global emissions standards.
Ultimately, Mazda finds itself navigating a difficult balance. The allure of reviving a legendary engine like the Wankel is undeniable, but it clashes with the pragmatism required to maintain financial stability in an increasingly complex automotive market. Right now, that means focusing on volume models, ensuring a strong future for the Miata, and perhaps, some day down the road, revisiting the rotary dream on its own terms.
