Is Mazda about to make a high-performance comeback? New 'R' trademark hints at a fast future - but will it include a rotary sports car?

Could Mazda be on the verge of releasing a new range of high-performance models? Well, a new trademark filing in native Japan certainly suggests so.

The ‘R’ logo in question comes with no context, so it’s not clear what Mazda plans to use it for, but its sporty nature suggests it could be worn by yet-to-be-detailed sports models.

Trainspotters will notice the ‘R’ logo’s red triangle is reminiscent of a rotary engine, so it could, of course, be used by a much-anticipated successor to the RX-8, which was discontinued in 2012.

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Either way, we already know the rotary engine will be revived next year as a range-extending variant of the MX-30 small SUV’s battery-electric powertrain, which the ‘R’ logo could also be worn by. For reference, other similar hybrid models are also planned.

That said, enthusiasts are also clamouring to see a fresh line-up of Mazda sports cars, after the beloved MPS sub-brand’s Mazda3 hatchback and Mazda6 sedan models were axed in 2013 and 2007 respectively.

Trainspotters will notice the ‘R’ logo’s red triangle is reminiscent of a rotary engine.

Which brings us to Mazda’s upcoming rear-wheel-drive platform, which is ripe for the high-performance treatment due to its layout and availability of powerful inline six-cylinder engines.

As reported, the new architecture will be used by the successors to the current Mazda6 mid-size car, CX-5 mid-size SUV and CX-8 and CX-9 large SUVs, giving the ‘R’ logo at least four other models it could be worn by.

Of course, time will tell what’s in store for the ‘R’ logo, but at the very least, Mazda fans have something to look forward, new rotary sports car or not.