GENEVA: Mazda Showcases Its RX-VISION, Again

The Geneva Motor Show in Switzerland is one of the most anticipated car shows in the world. Dozens of auto manufactures use the show as a dais to reveal and showcase new models and concepts. This year, Mazda chose to premier the Mazda3 with the SKYACTIV-D 1.5 diesel engine and, more to our taste, the RX-VISION concept.

The RX-VISION concept originally debuted at the Tokyo Auto Show in late 2015 showcasing Mazda’s Kodo design language. More intriguingly is the SKYACTIV-R rotary engine hiding under the hood of the front-engine, rear-wheel drive coupe.

About the SKYACTIV-R, Mazda has stated, “While mass production is currently on hold, Mazda has never stopped research and development efforts towards the rotary engine. The next rotary engine has been named SKYACTIV-R, expressing the company’s determination to take on challenges with convention-defying aspirations and the latest technology, just as it did when developing SKAYCTIV TECHNOLOGY.”

A downside for the rotary engine has always been its inefficiency. Its tendency to drink fuel is a rather large set-back with today’s hyper-aware MPG atmosphere. Could Mazda’s European debut of the RX-VISION be them telling us they’re closing in  on a new production RX and rotary? Rumor has it, it is just that.