While the buzz at Tokyo this year is all about the Nissan GT-R, Mazda is apparently already working on a sports car of its own that may eventually generate as much heat as the GT-R. Word we've been hearing on the show floor is that the automaker will unveil a "true sports car" concept at the next Tokyo Motor Show in 2009, followed by the production version in 2011. Yes, four years a way, but that's only an eye-blink in the auto industry.

Details are scarce, but it's confirmed that it will be rear wheel drive and true to Mazda's history of sports cars. Does that mean rotary? It is tempting to make that connection, given the larger capacity 1.7-liter rotary engine Mazda displayed in its booth this year. This year is also the 40th anniversary of the rotary (the engine first appeared in 1967 in Mazda's Cosmo Sport). Fast forward four years, and imagine a production Mazda sports car going on sale as a 2012 model tie in to the 45th anniversary of the rotary. Perhaps the return of the Cosmo from the company that popularized rotaries? It could happen.

But the rotary angle is probably a stretch. Considering the poor sales of the current RX-8, a high-feature, turbocharged four or six banger is a much greater possibility for the new car. Mazda also displayed some new clean diesel engines in its booth as well -- a possible sign that the final death knell of the gas-powered rotary is nigh. A hydrogen fuel cell version of the engine is in development, however. Still, anytime you hear of a manufacturer with serious sports car credibility drawing up plans for a new sports car, it's exciting.

read full blog blogs.motortrend.com