Patent filings hint at Mazda RX-9
Work seemingly continues on a new rotary-powered halo car for Mazda, but it's unclear when such a vehicle may make its debut.
Recently-discovered patent filings suggest Mazda could be developing a new two-door coupe powered by a rotary engine.
Motor magazine in Japan has recently uncovered a patent for a "vehicle shock absorption structure".
The accompanying diagram shows a new spaceframe design with a small engine bay, which seems too snug to fit a non-rotary internal combustion engine.
Given the car in the patent also features double wishbone front suspension, a visible crossmember, and has a body constructed from a mixture of aluminium alloy and carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) components, it's likely this vehicle has quite a strong sporting intent.
A Mazda source told Motor the "RX-9" will have its own unique platform distinct from the premium rear-wheel drive architecture also under development.
In January the automaker patented a new port and twin-scroll turbo design, and the magazine claims Mazda has its eyes set on a power figure of around 295kW.
It's unknown if the so-called RX-9 will share any design elements with the 2015 RX-Vision concept car (above).
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