---
title: "Legendary RX-7 Shop Is Making Its Own Version of the Mazda RX-Vision Concept"
description: "If [Mazda]()'s not going to build it—and by \"it\" I mean something new and exciting, something of substance—then I'm glad others are willing to try. Especially when the vehicle is dreamed up by a well-known JDM specialist."
date: "2025-01-04"
modified: "2025-01-04"
authors:
  - name: "Beverly Braga"
    job_title: "Weekend Editor"
    link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/beverly-braga"
url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/legendary-rx-7-shop-is-making-its-own-version-of-the-mazda-rx-vision-concept"
categories:
  - "Builds"
  - "Culture"
  - "Mazda News"
  - "News"
  - "News by Brand"
  - "People"
tags:
  - "Coupe"
  - "mazda"
  - "Mazda RX-7"
---

# Legendary RX-7 Shop Is Making Its Own Version of the Mazda RX-Vision Concept

![RX-Vision concept and RE Amemiya image.](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/RX-Vision-vs-RE-Amemiya-topshot.jpg>)
*\<em\>Mazda, Tokyo Auto Salon\</em\>*

If [Mazda](<https://www.thedrive.com/category/mazda-news>)'s not going to build it—and by "it" I mean something new and exciting, something of substance—then I'm glad others are willing to try. Especially when the vehicle is dreamed up by a well-known JDM specialist.

RE Amemiya was founded in 1974 by Isami Amemiya and has become one of, if not *the*, most famous Mazda rotary vehicle tuners on the planet. Amemiya's pioneering shop's [U.S. website](<https://reamemiya.us/>) currently lists a robust parts catalog the [RX-7](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/this-six-rotor-mazda-rx-7-will-make-you-plug-your-ears-and-grin>), [RX-8](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/final-rotary-the-last-mazda-rx-8-was-built-exactly-a-decade-ago>), Demio, and next-to-be-vintage [CX-5](<https://www.thedrive.com/car-reviews/2023-mazda-cx-5-review-suv-crossover-specs-impressions-price-options-new-cars>). But that's old stuff. Amemiya apparently has also focused on something new, which, according to the [Tokyo Auto Salon](<https://www.instagram.com/p/DELwaAttwOy/>), will be debuting at the show in a couple of weeks. Not a bad way to celebrate RE Amemiya's 50th anniversary, eh?

![](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/tas25-bodywork.jpg>)
**Tokyo Auto Salon**

Inspired by Mazda's own concepts, the [RX-Vision](<https://www.thedrive.com/article/15048/mazdas-new-vision-concept-probably-isnt-the-next-rx-car>) and [Iconic SP](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/stunning-mazda-iconic-sp-concept-is-the-rotary-hybrid-sports-car-weve-been-waiting-for>), but based on the last-generation RX-7. In an interview with Japan-based *Motor-Fan*'s tuning site [*Web Option*](<https://motor-fan.jp/weboption/article/163699/media/1>), Amemiya says his concept is named "Koku." Obviously, we're not shown the finished product but in preview photos taken at his shop, there's no hiding the telltale design lines of the FD3S RX-7, particularly its roofline and large rear window.

![](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/RX-VISION-HiRes-11.jpg>)
*The RX-Vision concept, as we last saw it. *Mazda**

But *Koku* is outfitted with other distinctive Mazda-derived parts, like headlights sourced from a current-gen [MX-5 Miata](<https://www.thedrive.com/category/mazda-miata>). The body has been heavily but not distastefully fabricated for aerodynamic and styling purposes. According to Web Option, steel plates have been welded into the door panels and other bodywork remove hints of an RX-7 profile, giving *Koku* longer-looking proportions reminiscent of the RX Vision. As such, the vehicle's overall dimensions are also larger than a stock RX-7 by about 4.1 inches in length and 6.5 inches in width.

![](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/tas25-3-Rotor-Engine.jpg>)
**Tokyo Auto Salon**

The front grille is similar to the Iconic SP but the vented hood is not found on any Mazda concept car. The rear is also unlike any past, current, or concept Mazda. Featuring round taillights, integrated vents, a large diffuser, a sculpted bumper, and an aero trunk lid, Amemiya's concept showcases an aggressive rear that is very muscle car in demeanor. Under the hood is a three-rotor engine that produces an estimated 345 horsepower. The transmission is a six-speed manual from an RX-8.

Although Mazda CEO Masahiro Moro has repeatedly said that rotary isn't dead, his statement: “We still persist in making it happen, and we are marching towards it step by step,” per [*Automotive News*](<https://www.autonews.com/executives/talk-from-the-top/an-mazda-masahiro-moro-talk-from-the-top-interview/>), isn't exactly a confirmation that it's coming either.

The Tokyo Auto Salon is the world's largest custom car show and runs next weekend from January 12-15. Mazda corporate has confirmed a couple of [racing concepts](<https://www.instagram.com/p/DDzbUbLKcsC/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==>) for display but nothing with the seeming passion of the Vision or Iconic SP, which were revealed in 2015 and 2023, respectively. Welp, guess we'll leave the work of [making Mazda interesting](<https://www.thedrive.com/car-reviews/2025-mazda-cx-50-hybrid-review>) and zoom-zoom again to the [aftermarket](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/auto-shows-may-be-dying-but-sema-is-picking-up-the-pieces>), which will never not care.

*Have you heard of any other cool one-offs coming to the Tokyo Auto Salon? Let us know at tips@thedrive.com.*

## Author
Born and raised in Hawaii, Beverly has been a prolific and published creative writer since her teens. As a contributor to The Drive, Beverly covers the weekend shift, blogging about all things automotive, mobility, transportation, and topics in-between. Currently a digital nomad, Beverly's only constant is her car, a second-generation Mazdaspeed3. Even though she's never in one place for too long, her hot hatch always feels like home.

### Author social links  
[Instagram](<http://www.instagram.com/bev_b>)  
[LinkedIn](<http://linkedin.com/in/beverlybraga>)