Mazda wants RX-VISION

Mazda CEO Akira Marumoto wants his company to build a production version of the stunning Mazda RX-VISION Concept but warns the vehicle remains a dream.

He is adamant, however, that any production version of the super-coupe concept would not be electric.

Speaking in an Australian media interview at the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show this week, Marumoto-san was obviously enthused about the prospect of commercialising the company’s stunning concept car.

“At first I must say that RX-VISION is a vision model for design development, so we didn't assume mass production, but I want to have one,” he quipped.

“One day we want to build that car but if we build it for the market it should be a brand icon,” he explained.

“At what price are you willing to buy?” he asked the Aussies.

The Mazda RX-VISION debuted at the 2015 Tokyo motor show and was voted the most beautiful concept car of the year.

Since then, the study has been variously tipped to be a new upmarket model for the marque and/or the template for the return of the rotary-engine RX sports car to Mazda’s line-up by 2020 – Mazda’s centenary year.

But in LA, Marumoto confirmed no decision had been made for Mazda to return rotary power to its engine bays – aside from small range-extender duties.

“I will not commit [to a return of the rotary] but that is a dream for all Mazda executives and employees,” he said.

Then he added with a smile: “And it is my job to make employees’ dreams come true… Just a joke.”

Marumoto stated that Mazda was a “company that delivered driving pleasure to customers, so we would never build a car without steering wheel”.

He also took the opportunity to rule out launching a production RX sports car as a pure-electric vehicle.

“I don't want to make such car -- I prefer the smell of gasoline! It's a sports car, right? EV can be considered as a commuter but not in this situation,” he stated.