Mazda RX-Vision concept previews new Rotary-powered sports car

After a brief hiatus following the RX-8’s discontinuation in 2012, Mazda’s proud heritage and association with the Rotary engine is set to live on. At the ongoing Tokyo Motor Show which opens today, the company has officially taken the veils off the RX-Vision, a concept vehicle that is set to preview a next-generation rotary-powered sports car.

Once again sporting Kodo styling proportions like all current Mazda models, the RX-Vision follows the familiar front-engine rear-wheel drive template that underpinned the firm’s previous rotary-powered sports cars such as the Cosmo Sport (which is also on display in Tokyo), the RX-7, and most recently, the RX-8.

Launched in 1967, the Cosmo Sport was the vehicle in which Mazda first succeeded in its efforts to commercialize the Rotary engine and since then, the company treats its dedication and commitment to the Rotary cause as its badge of honour, one that is claimed to symbolize its spirit of innovation and creativity in overcoming obstacles.

The next-generation Rotary engine has been named SkyActiv-R, indicating the same level meticulous engineering and development put into the project as seen in existing members of the Mazda SkyActiv model generation currently on sale.

Pictures: Official Mazda release.