Mazda, seemingly the only act in town still using a rotary motor, is developing a new form of rotary motor technology to use in the upcoming RX-9. The RX-9, based off of the Mazda Kabura Concept, will be Mazda's next flagship sportscar. Details are sparse but rumor has it that Mazda will finally ditch the gimmicky quasi-four-door layout with some platform elements being borrowed from the MX-5 roadster.

Internally within the walls of Mazda, the new Renesis rotary engine project is known as the 16X and has grown to a healthy 300bhp. I wouldn't expect Mazda to come forth with anything less to be honest and they need to come out strong with their new technology if they want to be taken seriously in the affordable sportscar market. With the major players producing more affordable and powerful sportscars Mazda certainly has their work cut out for them. A major goal, other than neck snapping performance, is keeping the new rotary technology as green as possible with efficiency at the for front of their intentions. This has been a severe downfall of the outdated RX-8 as it has been known to love its fair share of fuel and oil. Should Mazda pull off a more efficient and powerful rotary motor, I'd say they have a real chance at nipping at the tails of the 370z's, G37's and STI's out there.

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