If there's one rumor you should never believe until you see proof it's the one about a mid-engined Corvette. If there are two rumors you shouldn't believe it's about the Mazda RX-7's return. With that said, new images and information have us thinking an RX-7 and an RX-9 are a possibility. At least we want to believe they are.
Let's start with the images, which come from New Zealand-based industrial designer Alex Hodge, who took it upon himself to make a version of the 2017 Mazda RX-9 we hope will be coming.
The RX9 concept is the first of Mazdas RX-series to feature a mid mounted engine, showing a focus on performance with help from the new 16X (renesis 2) hybrid rotary engine.
The 16X claims improved fuel economy and higher torque at all engine speeds, as well as an increased displacement to 1600cc while maintaining the same outer dimensions as the previous 1300cc 13B Renesis.
The 2 door, 2 seater coupés body is designed as a homage to the popular 90's RX7, taking the same aesthetic and combining it with Mazda's Kodo design language.
They look great and are well-timed, because we actually heard from a source close to Mazda that they are planning to bring back both a Mazda RX-7 and a Mazda RX-9 for later this decade. And then we got these images from Alex. It's kismet.
Key here is the word "planning" as Mazda has always had some idea that they'd like to do more RX-X models in the future but have lacked whatever was necessary (time, money, partnerships) to actually make it a reality.
Will they finally get it done this time? We honestly don't know, but we're willing to keep asking for it until they finally do.
All images by Alex Hodge and used with permission, Follow him on Facebook here.