# Tiger-Inspired Supercars The Mazda RX-9 Concept Has a Hybrid Mid-Engine Setup By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2020-04-01 | Autos Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mazda-rx9-concept References: [yankodesign](https://www.yankodesign.com/2020/03/30/the-mazda-rx-9-is-a-conceptual-japanese-mid-engine-beast/) & [josephrobinsondesign](https://josephrobinsondesign.com/) The [Mazda](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/2025-mazda-cx70) RX-9 concept has been designed by Joseph Robinson as a vehicle built with performance and style in mind to help celebrate the brand's Japanese heritage. The vehicle features a crouching tiger-like design that hugs the ground and emulates the aesthetic of a tiger in its pre-pounce formation with a low front and slightly raised rear. This is further accentuated with headlights that create a slightly menacing aesthetic that looks like jungle cat eyes in the dark. The Mazda RX-9 concept is designed as a [halo performance vehicle](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/audi-vision-gt) that features a [hybrid mid-engine setup](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/artura-spider) that features an electric motor that has been paired with Renesis rotary engine. This helps to make the vehicle an angular yet efficient transportation solution that could one day hit the city streets. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.1/10 - Popularity: 90% | Activity: 84% | Freshness: 9% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/autos) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Hybrid Supercars:** The trend of hybrid supercars is emerging to combine performance and efficiency. - **Animal-inspired Design:** The trend of animal-inspired design is growing to create unique and eye-catching aesthetics. - **Japanese Heritage Celebration:** The trend of celebrating Japanese heritage is increasing to evoke cultural pride and identity. ### Where This Applies - **Automotive Industry:** The automotive industry has an opportunity to create more environmentally-friendly and visually-striking vehicles through hybrid technologies and unique designs. - **Luxury Car Market:** The luxury car market has an opportunity to appeal to the growing trend of animal-inspired design and hybrid technology to create exclusive and efficient vehicles. - **Sustainable Transportation Industry:** The sustainable transportation industry has an opportunity to introduce more visually appealing and high-performance options through hybrid technologies and exotic aesthetics. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Athletically Sleek SUV Models](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/2025-mazda-cx70.md) - [Rugged High-Tech SUVs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cx50.md) - [Convenience-Focused Vehicle Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mazda-cx90.md) - [Off-Road Crossover SUVs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mazda-cx50.md) - [PHEV Crossover SUV Models](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mazda-cx60.md) - [Sporty EV Concept Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lexus-rz-sport-concept.md) - [Futuristic Retro-Inspired Sedans](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hyundai-nine.md) - [Sleek Reimagined Racing Cars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/porsche-99x.md) - [Supercharged Rotary Engines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rotary-engine.md)