The Mazda RX-8 is back on the Nürburgring as a test mule. What is the Japanese brand preparing?

Lately the Nürburgring has been visited by models that have already left the production lines, and this not only makes us excited about their possible return, but also keeps us on alert. This time it has been Mazda that made our hair stand on end by letting us see one of its most charismatic and iconic models, the RX-8, running on the asphalt of the German circuit. That name brought to life the last vehicle from the Japanese house to feature a rotary engine, but everything suggests that this type of powertrain will return to sit under the hood of another Mazda.

Without a doubt, the idea of seeing a reinterpretation of the RX-8 back on the production lines is extremely exciting, and the test mules of this model lead us to consider it possible. However, only the front of the Japanese sports car has been camouflaged, which may be because this vehicle is only being used as a base to test the new batch of rotary engines on the way.

Mazda already announced some time ago its intention to bring this type of engine back into its future electric family. But it is clear that the RX-8 running at full speed around the Nürburgring is using a combustion engine, which is why we believe the Japanese brand plans to launch another sports car with this layout, supported by some form of hybridisation.

Over the last two years we have also witnessed how Mazda presented several truly attractive prototypes, which have been used to bring models such as the new Mazda 3 to life. However, other concept cars such as the RX Vision are still waiting to get their production version, and the new rotary engine could be the perfect excuse to give it shape.

For now the brand has made no statement on the matter, but it will only be a matter of time before this mysterious RX-8 reveals its secrets. Secrets that could shed light on a rotary heart supported by a small electric motor, as happens in the new Mazda 3 and the recently arrived CX-30, and that would not only offer more power, but also the possibility of carrying the ECO label, a badge rarely seen among sports cars.

https://youtu.be/5AFGkpMb764

A Mazda once again powered by a rotary engine would be a wonderful event and would bring back an engine layout that has practically been wiped out. We hope the Japanese house will soon let us glimpse more about this supposed project, which could put serious pressure on the European manufacturers working in the sports car segment.