2013 launch for Mazda RX-7 successor?

Mazda's rotary-powered RX-7 was laid to rest in 2002, and in the period since, the subject of a successor has been raised on so many occasions that any new reports to the same effect have to be greeted with at least a modicum of scepticism.

Nevertheless, UK's Autocar has added fresh fuel to the fire by reporting that an all-new turbo RX is in the works and that it could launch as early as 2013.

However, the mag suggests the new-age coupe could be known as the RX-9, ditching the iconic alphanumeric combo popularised by its forerunner over its 25-year lifespan.

The company isn't messing with the car's core element though -- namely, the Renesis rotary powerplant. Autocar makes the valid point that this is despite the fact that the soon-to-be-axed RX-8 is afflicted by gluttonous fuel consumption and lack of low-end grunt.

Mazda plans to address these shortfalls in the so-called RX-9, and a source quoted by the publication said: "We're testing the rotary in conjunction with technologies including an electric turbocharger."

The newcomer's design language will allegedly be heavily influenced by the original Nagare concept (pictured) that was revealed at the 2006 Los Angeles motor show as the first of a series of five design studies.

Incidentally, "Nagare" translates into English as "flow" and the designers specifically studied motion and the effect it has on natural surroundings when penning the concept.

"The Nagare is a celebration of proportions and surface language that will evolve into subsequent designs planned for presentation at future international auto shows," said Mazda's former global design boss Laurens van den Acker when the concept was unveiled.

"Nagare examines light and shadow, and begins to reveal the global design cues for the next generation of Mazda vehicles," said van den Acker.

"We're looking well down the road with Nagare. We want to suggest where Mazda design will be in 2020. To do that, we redefined basic proportions and the idea of driving without losing the emotional involvement. Mazda's driving spirit will be enhanced and intensified by Nagare."

The Nagare was distinguished by "bodylines that flow like liquid" and a pair of double-length doors that hinge forward when opened and spread from the cabin like the wings of a butterfly.

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