If rumors are to be trusted then Mazda->ke53 may be unveiling a successor for the RX-7 sports car in 2013. Inside sources have told Autocar that the car will be called the RX-9 and will retain the rotary Renesis technology employed by its predecessors and the RX-8.

With the next RX-7->ke344, Mazda will focus on improving fuel consumption and torque required to keep pace with rivals like the VW Scirocco->ke1517. A Mazda source said: "We're testing the rotary in conjunction with technologies including an electric turbocharger."

The next generation RX-7 will be powered by Mazda’s all new Renesis 16X power plant which debuted at the 2007 Tokyo Auto Show inside of the Taiki concept car. The Renesis(2) rotary engine is a 1.6 Liter twin rotor motor that will develop a maximum output of 350 HP and 215 lb-ft of torque.

The RX-9's design language will be inspired by the Nagare design language, which is inspired by nature — in particular, wind and flowing water.

.