Report: Mazda RX-9 to use hybrid unit borrowed from Toyota
According to sources inside Mazda’s Hiroshima headquarters, the development of the RX-9 sports car is well underway. However, insiders told Motor Trend that the company has put a huge share of its recent R&D efforts into its new SkyActiv engines, transmissions and the next-generation MX-5, which has delayed the RX-9’s progress.
“We want to take the RX-9 to the next level but just can’t find the man-hours to do it,” the source said. “We have a guideline. We know what we have to do. But as we must give priority to the next-gen MX-5, we only have a small band of guys working on the RX-9.”
The Mazda RX-9, which will be influenced by the Shinari Concept, will use hybrid technology that Mazda will borrow from Toyota. Mazda will only use Toyota’s hybrid drive unit, with the main power coming from the Mazda-built rotary engine. The hybrid unit from Toyota will be used as a power booster and range extender.
It’ll be interesting to see how it all turns out.
– By: Omar Rana
Source: Motor Trend