Mazda RX-7 still under development, next RX-8 to be called RX-9

I'm definitely a fan of a new rx-something, but why an rx-7 and rx-9? What would the difference be exactly? Would the 9 just have 4 doors like the current rx-8?

I've read before the 9 might be hydrogen powered, so it will probably be like this

RX-7: 2 door gas rotary
RX-9: 2/4 door hydrogen rotary

Just the fact that they are still developing new RX says a lot about Mazda.

Mazda and Hyundai seem to be putting themselves on the right track.

My guess:

With the US moved to a larger US-specific maxda6, it doesn't make sense to produce a Mazdaspeed 6 for the US market. Plus, if they are bringing back the RX-7, the RX8 is too close to the same size and would compete with their own product. Thus they will make the RX-9 a full 4-door sports-sedan taking the place of the speed 6, but still being smaller and lighter. The RX-9 will be marketed toward 30-40 somethings that want performance and features but need practicality and creature comforts. The RX-7 will be a pure 2-door sports coupe that is not as well equipped in terms of creature comforts, and would be marketed toward single 20-somethings.

So basically, the RX-9 will be the spiritual successor to the mazdaspeed6 and the RX-7 will be the (more performance oriented) successor to the RX-8.

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