Mazda’s Testing An RX-8 Mule At The Nurburgring And We’re Excited

A YouTube shows a lightly camouflaged RX-8 lapping the famous German circuit. Is this a mule used to test Mazda's new rotary engine?
Remote video URL

The Mazda RX-8 limped out of production in 2012 and, since then, we’ve yearned for another rotary engine in a Mazda sports car. Yes, Mazda’s normal cars like the CX-5 and Mazda 3 are very nice, but there’s no high-revving halo sports car. Mazda has teased us for years, but could this be the real deal?

We’re getting a bit excited because this video shows an RX-8 prototype doing testing laps at the Nurburgring, and it’s not the first time such a car has been spied at the track this year. Only the front end is camouflaged, but it’s this that has got our attention. Why would a Mazda RX-8 be partly camouflaged? Although nothing’s confirmed yet, it could be the basis of the Mazda RX-9, if that ever makes it to production.

As we reported a couple of weeks ago, Mazda has submitted a patent showing a front end suspension design with a small space for the engine behind the wheels. It doesn’t look like there would be room for a conventional engine. But a compact rotary, on the other hand…

Mazda’s Testing An RX-8 Mule At The Nurburgring And We’re Excited

Judging by the noise of the RX-8 mule in the video, it’s certainly a high-revving car. It’s a rotary engine, we think, but we’re unsure as to whether it’s a new engine or the standard RX-8 powertrain. If it’s not a new engine, why would engineers be lapping a car that’s at least seven years old?

Before we get carried away, we need to remember that Mazda has yo-yoed about a new rotary sports car to carry on the lineage of the RX-7 and RX-8. It has shown the swoopy RX Vision concept at several motor shows, and then snatched the idea away from our fingertips. Recent developments seem to point at a new rotary sports car in development, so we’ll have to watch this space. Mazda has at least confirmed that it’s bringing rotary engines back as range-extenders for electric vehicles.

For now, though, if anyone needs us today, we’ll be browsing through second-hand RX-8 adverts in the classifieds.

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Comments

RWB Dude

Ok this is epic, I’m still not going to give my hopes up if it doesn’t actually happen

10/10/2019 - 13:19 |
8 | 0
Anonymous

I’m anticipating that they’re gonna play with our feelings here and say it’s gonna be development for a new CX2 or something absurd

10/10/2019 - 13:32 |
8 | 0
Duggan (koalafan) (koalafan7) (Esprit Team) (Z32 Group) (Lot

Honestly, I just want to know why only the front bumper is camouflaged

10/10/2019 - 13:39 |
10 | 0

Probably because the rx8 is only a thing.But what they might wanna do is not show a part of the engine from the grill or sth.I don’t know this is the best I could think of

10/10/2019 - 18:44 |
4 | 0
Rahul 1

Really happy noises

10/10/2019 - 13:51 |
16 | 0

*brappy

10/11/2019 - 08:32 |
4 | 0
Ali Mahfooz

please make it happen
please make it happen
please make it happen
please make it happen
please make it happen

10/10/2019 - 13:55 |
110 | 0
10/10/2019 - 14:10 |
30 | 8
🎺🎺thank mr skeltal

I think I’m going to buy some random shitbox, wrap it in test mule camo wrap and just let speculators go crazy.

10/10/2019 - 14:55 |
34 | 0
Kenji (Oldsmobile Fan) (GoldWing Enthusiast) (wheel nut)

ill laugh if it’s just a dude who wrapped his rx8 to fool us

10/10/2019 - 15:54 |
120 | 0

Sounds like a good idea for someone to do come April 1st

10/10/2019 - 21:12 |
28 | 0

Even if it actually was Mazda, then why would they wrap that part. I’d just leave it open so it just looks like some guy brought his RX8 to the ring

10/11/2019 - 03:06 |
24 | 0

Sources say this chap was driving…

10/11/2019 - 10:34 |
12 | 0

You beat me to it

10/12/2019 - 02:59 |
0 | 0

I’m doing that one day.

10/13/2019 - 11:41 |
0 | 0
Anonymous

And then… It’s gonna be an EV.

10/10/2019 - 16:10 |
4 | 0
Anonymous

I just watched the full video and you’re right it is the faclifted model. The article I saw has the same video that seems like the longer version that uses the older style rx8. I guess they are using both for “driver development” as this one also has the L in the back windshield.

10/10/2019 - 16:45 |
8 | 0
Anonymous

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

The RX-8 in the video is the facelifted version…
Just have at the headlight

10/10/2019 - 17:47 |
4 | 0
miketank1

Releases a new RX8 and RX7, yes I have my hopes up mega high

10/10/2019 - 16:50 |
0 | 0