The Mazda RX-8 wasn’t exactly a crowd pleaser with trickling sales damaging its already bruised reputation, so Mazda’s decision to axe the car before any further damage could be done was a smart one to say the least. The car more than likely won’t be missed, but Mazda has chosen to fill the void in their lineup anyway with a new model: the Mazda RX-9.
Built on the MX-5 chassis, the new RX-9 will follow along Mazda’s new "Kodo - Soul of Motion" design language as seen on the Shinari concept unveiled in 2010. The two-door coupe will weigh no more than 2,755lbs and will feature Mazda’s 16X rotary engine paired with an electric supercharger. This engine will mated to a twin clutch, two pedal six-speed tranny and will deliver 300hp. However, the increase in horsepower from the RX8’s 232 to the RX-9’s 300 won’t make for frequent trips to the gas station. This revised engine is said to improve fuel economy by 20%.
The official debut will be sometime in 2012 with sales to begin sometime in 2013. Yes, we know that’s quite a bit of time to wait for the actual car, but at least we have these renderings fresh off the artist’s desk to tide everyone over until that time.