Mazda rotary sports car linked to Toyota GR

Mazda and Toyota sports car fans could be in for a treat by mid-decade with reports out of Japan suggesting a rotary-powered performance hybrid is being developed in tandem with a new battery-electric Toyota GR model.

Mazda rotary enthusiasts have been on a rollercoaster ride in recent years as concept cars, internal design documents, trademark filings and leaks all point to a long-awaited new Mazda RX model being in the pipeline – but still unconfirmed for production.

We know Toyota is planning an all-new full-electric sports car, as shown by the Sports EV concept it revealed as part of its mid-term electric vehicle strategy announced late last year.

Now, a string of reports published by Japanese outlet Best Car indicate Mazda could be a partner in this electric sports car program led by Toyota’s performance arm Gazoo Racing.

Importantly, Mazda’s version may not simply be a twin-under-the-skin of the Toyota GR model.

The latest reports suggest the 2026 Mazda RX-9, as it could be named, would combine Toyota’s electric architecture with its range-extending rotary hybrid technology.

This would see the rotary engine replenish the battery rather than power the wheels directly, allowing Mazda to not only offer long-distance touring potential with the RX sports car, but to optimise performance and handling with potentially lighter weight and improved balance.

It could also allow for the Mazda version to be purely single-motor rear-wheel drive, rather than dual-motor all-wheel drive as is suggested will be the set-up for the Toyota GR model.

Just as Toyota already collaborates with Subaru with the GR 86/BRZ sports cars, and with BMW for the Supra/Z4, a tie-up with Mazda on this latest venture would enable both car-makers to keep costs down.

According to Best Car, Toyota is doing most of the heavy lifting with the program, so Mazda’s involvement may only extend to platform, powertrain and technology sharing, rather than acting as a 50:50 joint-venture partner.

The platform is expected to be the modular e-TNGA that underpins the forthcoming Toyota BZ4X SUV.

A Best Car source has suggested the Toyota EV Sport concept was a “declaration of intent” and not necessarily indicative of the production model.

“The GR EV Sport that we showed at the event in December last year is a mock-up [concept] that expresses the image of the car, and it is like a declaration of intention to make such a sports car,” the source said.

“Things seem to have settled down.”

Whether it’s a reborn electric Toyota MR2 or a battery-powered replacement for current Toyota Supra, the potential for an all-new Mazda RX rotary hybrid to be built in collaboration with the GR version is a tantalising prospect. 

Bring it on…

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