The time has finally come for Mazda’s iconic rotary-engine sports car to make a comeback. Approximately 14 years after the end of sales of the RX-8 and more than 20 years since the end of production of the legendary RX-7, the new RX-9 is scheduled to be released in 2026. It is attracting attention as an innovative sports car that combines a new generation rotary engine with electrification technology.
Overview of the new RX-9: from concept to production
MAZDA ICONIC SP
Evolution from the Mazda Iconic SP
The foundation of the new RX-9 is the Mazda Iconic SP, which was unveiled at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show. This concept model showcased a modern and sophisticated sports car, while retaining Mazda’s KODO design.
In preparation for commercialization, adjustments are being made to take practicality and compliance with regulations into account, but the concept model’s beautiful proportions and innovative powertrain will essentially be retained.
MAZDA ICONIC SP
Exterior design: beauty and functionality combined
Front design
- Hexagonal Grille : Inheriting Mazda’s design icon
- Air intake : Large air intakes are placed on both sides of the grille
- Headlights : Sharp, raised design with inverted L-shaped LED daytime running lights
- Retractable headlights : compact retractable headlights (concept model)
Side view
- Door handles : Window-mounted type, typical of sports cars
- Side skirts : accentuated design towards the front
- Low center of gravity proportions : Achieved by downsizing the rotary engine
Rear design
The biggest feature of the car is the patent-pending active rear spoiler . It is located above the taillights and automatically adjusts its angle to generate downforce when driving at high speeds. This technology combines aesthetic beauty with aerodynamic performance.
Body size: Compact and nimble sports car
Estimated body size
- Total length : 4,180mm
- Overall width : 1,850mm
- Overall height : 1,150mm
- Wheelbase : 2,590mm
Comparison with the previous model
Compared to the RX-8, everything except the width has been reduced:
- RX-8: 4,435 x 1,770 x 1,340 mm, wheelbase 2,700 mm
This compact design allows for lighter, more agile handling, and the front-to-rear weight distribution is set at an ideal 50:50 ratio, improving cornering performance.
Powertrain: New generation rotary x electrification
SKYACTIV-R + electric motor
The new RX-9 will be equipped with a hybrid system that combines Mazda’s newly developed 800cc x 2-rotor rotary engine with an electric motor.
Main features:
- Displacement : 800cc x 2 rotors (treated as 1,600cc when rotary coefficient is applied)
- Layout : Vertical placement
- Drive system : FR (front engine, rear drive)
- System : Rotary engine generates electricity, motor drives
Performance Specifications
- Maximum power output : 350-370PS
- Vehicle weight : Approximately 1,450 kg
- Power-to-weight ratio : approx. 3.9 kg/PS
- Transmission : 6-speed manual / 6-speed automatic
Dry sump system adopted
The new engine uses a dry sump system to achieve an even lower center of gravity, resulting in both excellent handling and high driving stability.
Interior: Specially designed for 2-seater
Basic Layout
Unlike the RX-7 and RX-8, the new RX-9 will be designed exclusively as a two-seater , emphasising its pure sports car character.
Design Features
- Coloring : High-quality finish based on black
- Meter : 3-eye meter (tachometer centered)
- Controls : Driver-centric layout
- Shift knob : Short stroke type
- Material : Carbon-like decorations placed in various places
Fuel efficiency: Significant improvement in environmental performance
Estimated fuel consumption
The new RX-9 is expected to achieve fuel economy of approximately 13.0 km/L , a significant improvement over the previous RX-8’s approximately 10 km/L.
Improvement factors
- Rotary EV System : Improved efficiency through motor assistance
- Weight reduction : Smaller and lighter vehicle body
- New generation engine technology : Improved combustion efficiency
Pricing: Premium sports car
Expected price range
The new RX-9 is expected to be priced from 8.5 million yen , which is more than three times the price of the previous RX-8 (starting from about 2.6 million yen).
Background to the price increase
- Premiumization : Entering the premium sports car market
- Technology cost : New generation rotary + electrification technology
- Market environment : Prices rising due to the sports car boom
Comparison with competing models
- Nissan Fairlady Z
- Toyota Supra
- Pricing is comparable to or slightly higher than similar models in the same class
Release date: Scheduled for fall 2026
Development Schedule
- 2024 : ROTARY-EV SYSTEM CONCEPT announced
- 2025 : Prototype scheduled for completion
- Autumn 2026 : Scheduled release date for commercial model (earliest)
- Within 2027 : Released by this time at the latest
Presentation venue
An official announcement is likely to be made at the motor show, with pre-orders expected to begin shortly thereafter.
Why you should wait for the new RX-9
1. Unique technology
Mazda is currently the only manufacturer of mass-produced sports cars equipped with rotary engines, and the new RX-9 is the only car in the world that combines this traditional technology with the latest in electrification.
2. Groundbreaking performance
- Low center of gravity : Rotary engine’s small size and light weight
- Ideal weight distribution : 50:50 front-to-rear weight distribution
- High power : 350-370PS system output
3. Scarcity
As limited production is expected, it is expected to become a rare item in the future.
4. Environmental friendliness
The rotary engine’s weak point, fuel efficiency, has been overcome through electrification, demonstrating the future of sports cars for the next generation.
Points to note when considering a purchase
1. A sharp rise in prices
The price increase of more than three times compared to the previous model represents a significant change in the purchasing demographic.
2. Maintenance costs
- Automobile tax : 1,600cc x 1.5 = 2,400cc, 45,000 yen per year
- Fuel cost : High-octane gasoline
- Maintenance costs : Dedicated technology can lead to high costs
3. Practicality
As it is a two-seater, there are limitations to its everyday use.
Competitor trends
Next-generation Nissan GT-R model
Currently under development as a BEV sports car scheduled for release in 2028
Honda NSX
Announcement of new model development, plans to adopt electrification technology
Toyota and Mazda collaboration
There are also rumors that they will jointly develop a new sports model equipped with a range extender.
Summary: Is the new RX-9 worth the wait?
Someone to wait for
- A love for rotary engines : I want to experience Mazda’s iconic technology
- Unique value : Seeking unique charm that is unlike anything else
- Future prospects : Emphasis on rarity and technological value
- Budget flexibility : A budget of 8.5 million yen or more can be secured
People who should consider other options
- Price-focused : Emphasize cost performance
- Emphasis on practicality : Emphasis on everyday use
- Immediate purchase desire : I want a sports car right away
The new RX-9 is a model that embodies Mazda’s technological challenges and the continuation of its traditions. While the price will rise significantly, it will offer technological value and rarity that are worth the price. For those who want to experience the new possibilities of the rotary engine, this is definitely a model worth waiting for.
