Mazda RX-VISION Concept – A vision of the Future that Harbors the Soul of the Mazda Brand
An exquisitely proportioned front-engine, rear-wheel drive model, the RX-VISION represents a “vision” of the future that could only come from Mazda. And one that countless fans of the brand around the world hope will become a reality.
The Mazda RX-VISION rotary sports car concept introduces the next-generation SKYACTIV-R rotary engine and Mazda’s vision of the ultimate in front-engine, rear-wheel-drive sports car styling. Making its world premiere in Tokyo, the RX-VISION represents an ideal of the future that harbors the soul of the Mazda brand.
Rotary engines are unique in that they generate power through the rotational motion of triangular rotors (unlike the reciprocating pistons in conventional automotive engines). Overcoming numerous technical difficulties, Mazda succeeded in commercialising rotary power, first in the Mazda Cosmo Sport 110S in 1967 and then in several other models. The most successful of these was the Mazda RX-7, the most-sold rotary car ever with more than 800,000 produced between 1978 and 2002.
Continually striving to improve output, fuel economy and durability, Mazda was the only company to ever win the 24 Hours of Le Mans with a rotary-powered race car, a feat it managed in 1991 in the Mazda 787B.
The RX-VISION adopts the beautiful proportions of a front-engined, rear drive sports car such as could only be envisioned by the principles of Mazda’s KODO design philosophy. The styling is modern but maintains a sense of lineage and authenticity, encapsulating Mazda’s entire history of sports car design.
A low and wide body, short overhangs, a taut cabin and a low overall height make the model immediately recognizable as a serious sports car. These elements combine with an incredibly low hood -made possible by the compact and lightweight next-generation SKYACTIV-R rotary engine- to create truly one-of-a-kind proportions.
The design aim was to shave away all but the essentials, giving birth to the dynamic tension and ambience of a machine that is all business. The fine craftsmanship of Mazda’s renowned clay modelers had created reflections that convey motion, thereby capturing the spirit of the KODO design language without relying on character lines or other such elements. This is an elegant and highly vital form that subtly changes its appearance with even the slightest change of viewing angle.
Weaving specific design motifs that reflect the history of Mazda sports cars into the styling of the RX-VISION reinforces the company’s unchanging passion for the sports car. A unique red body color features both energetic brightness and depth, highlighting the luster and contrast between light and shadow that encapsulates the RX-VISION design.
For the interior, the design team pursued an ultimately simple yet powerful image, fusing the tactility of painstakingly handcrafted work with a sophisticated, machined-finish ambience. Intricate instrumentation gives the cockpit a true mechanical appeal which, in combination with the simple instrument panel and genuine leather trim incorporating a saddle motif on the centre tunnel, creates an interior atmosphere that speaks of handcrafted warmth and quality, yet maintains a sense of tension.
Although not currently mass-producing any rotary models, Mazda never ceased its R&D activities. The carmaker chose the SKYACTIV-R label for the next-generation rotary engine to express its determination to continue delivering its customers convention-defying technology and an uncompromising SKYACTIV experience behind the wheel.
“I look forward to talking with you more about this vision we revealed here today at the Mazda stand,” said Mazda’s Representative Director, President and CEO Masamichi Kogai. “Mazda will continue to take on new challenges in an effort to build a special bond with our customers and become their one and only brand.”
Mazda RX-VISION Rotary Sports Car Concept Information
The RX-VISION Rotary Sports Car Concept can be seen at the Tokyo Motor Show which opens to the public from 30 October to 8 November
Web: www.mazda.com
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