This has come up in a couple of other threads … and I know at least 3 other people that would like this as a request.

How about sometime in the (near) future, Mazda adds a RX-8 (still a 2+2) that's a fastback with a hatchback! Instead of the current roofline, I’d like Mazda to giving it a more extended rear glass/hatch that slopes down at about a 60-degree angle from the roofline to the edge of the trunk (not an extended roofline like a wagon), more in line with the first, second and third generation RX-7. Plus rear seats that fold down ... An if at all possible, a little larger rear trunk space ... able to hold something more than two golf bags (maybe it could have room in the back for at least four golf bags)!

This sure would be more of a stylized and useful direction I’d personally love to see and own! :)

I understand the compromise Mazda had to make when they designed the framework for the Mazda RX-EVOLV/RX-8 as a compact sports car to get enough room for four actual adults and that they made the choice to sacrificed certain things like cargo space for the 4 door 2+2 seating ... so what I’m hoping for would be an additional offering of a fastback with a rear hatch that is separate from the RX-8 that we all know and love. ;)

(Or maybe Mazda could bring back their MX-6 or MX-3 as a (hey, I can dream --- :D hybrid gas-electric-rotary :D ) fastback/hatchback version of the RX-8 … and call it the Mazda RX-e …? As long as it handled great, I wouldn’t mind if it weighed slightly more or went a little slower that the RX-8. I’m never going to be able to really drive it that fast around town :P )

I’m aware that the Mazda 6 will be coming out sometime next year with a 5-door hatchback (and wagon) model – But, I’d like to able to own something a little sleeker “looking” than the new 6 hatchback style (yes I’d even like to see even something more aerodynamic and sporty looking than the Mazda 6 MPS although that version comes pretty close to my needs, I’d just like to see a different rear fastback roof/window line on it).

I also know that Mazda plans on offering as a future model (that looks very sleek) as a crossover mini-van/wagon … the MX Sport Tourer

http://www.mazdausa.com/conceptcars...ip=&did=&state=

:D But, I think I’d prefer something a little sportier for myself! :D When and if ever the MX Sport Tourer comes out – I’m sure that it would be a great family vehicle, that I’d trade in our Passat for it a nano-second! And maybe when I see the MX Sport Tourer, it just might become the only car I want to drive ;) …

IMHO, I’d certainly prefer this option of a RX-8 2+2 fastback with a hatch over any BMW, G35 coupe or Accord EX V-6 Coupe (plus those crossover wagon/hatchback like the Matrix or Focus) that are currently on the market.

What does everyone else think (or is this just my dream to replace my 1990 Probe before it dies)?

I doubt Mazda would be now considering a variation of the soon to be released RX-8. They must first demonstrate that the car is a viable seller, a thing I think they will have no problems doing, before they will look at a variation.

I love your idea tho, as it adds versatility to an already great car.

The MX Sport Tourer was a concept car to give us a glimp of the Mazda6 (SportBreak; the wagon). Just look at the rear and the interior

What I dó hope is that Mazda comes with a RX-6. A rotary Mazda6 coupe :P

Originally posted by Donny Boy
I doubt Mazda would be now considering a variation of the soon to be released RX-8. ...

Yes, you're quite right. I still plan on getting the RX-8, but hey, I've been waiting since Mazda anounced that the concept RX-EVOLV would become the production RX-8 ... and waiting, and dreaming and waiting :p ... I'm hopeful that they consider a 2+2 sport car (it doesen't even have to come with 5 doors - 3 would be fine for me) fastback with a hatch! :D

As one of the proponents of the fastback idea in other threads, count me in on this idea bigtime. To m it will make the car just that little bit more versatile and practical while retaining the performance and even improving the looks.

Here's hoping the car is enough of a sales success that such a spinoff will spell profit for Mazda.

I don't care if it's a hatch or not, but I'd totally buy a 2+2 version! It wouldn't even really cost Mazda anything to develop. Just drop the rear doors and make the front ones a little longer. The car would weight a little bit less, cost a little bit less, and perform a little bit better.

Mazda really should consider just making the rear doors an option. That would only increase sales - there's obviously a market for coupes, look at how well the G35c and 350z are selling.

Also, they should make racing-style rear seats an option as well. Standard rear seats would just be plain bench-style, like the rear seat of an Audi TT. Personally, I don't give a crap about how comfortable the rear passengers are.

Originally posted by m477
... look at how well the G35c and 350z are selling.

Tell me about it. A friend at work last month bought a new black G35 coupe and today showed me the artical in the latest Motortrend magazine, (he said to show me the RX-8 article) but of course on the cover - guess what was awarded their "car of the year" :p (actually I'll have to post my ride experience in his car at a later date ... ;) )

Originally posted by m477
... Also, they should make racing-style rear seats an option as well. Standard rear seats would just be plain bench-style, like the rear seat of an Audi TT. Personally, I don't give a crap about how comfortable the rear passengers are.

Well, I personaly want the rear seats to be alot more comfortable than the G35 coupe's because I want to take my friends at work for a ride and show off what Mazda can do ... also I hope that the rear trunk has more room that the G35 coupe ... so I can have more braging rights! :D

I agree with a more coupe-like appearance to the RX-8. The rear window and trunk are the only design cues in the RX-8 that don't scream sports car, IMO. It's not that big an issue to me, but if it were me designing the car, the rear quarter of the car would have been more "fastback" or "coupe" design in it. Like the 4 door 323F's in Europe. I don't think the design would fare as well with the American masses, tho.

Personally, I've been a little disapointed there hasn't been many posts that would like to see a future fastback (hatchbach) version ... :(

http://www.rx8forum.com/attachment.php?postid=16263

Still, I hope Mazda seriously thinks about making my dream come true :) and let's throw in some hide-away headlights too :D

I think the reason is because of the reinforcements they put behind the rear seats.. a fastback wouldn't allow for that.

That photoshop looks really sweet! I'm not an engineer, but why couldn't the reinforcements still be in place regardless of either design? The glass itself isn't used for reinforcement, it seems that it would be the structures attaching to the center tunnel and chassis from the back portion of the seat are what counts (the reason why we don't get fold down seats, perhaps). I just don't see why the hatch design would take away from that.

Originally posted by rxtreme
That photoshop looks really sweet! I'm not an engineer, but why couldn't the reinforcements still be in place regardless of either design? The glass itself isn't used for reinforcement, it seems that it would be the structures attaching to the center tunnel and chassis from the back portion of the seat are what counts (the reason why we don't get fold down seats, perhaps). I just don't see why the hatch design would take away from that. If you make it a fastback you also change the shape of the trunk, because it's behind the rear seats.. thus there needs to be acess there.. Just my opinion though I don't know for sure.

The fastback version kinda reminds me of an MX-3 in a way...

Originally posted by m477
The fastback version kinda reminds me of an MX-3 in a way...

Yeah, I was thinking that also or a little like the 2nd generation RX-7 ... :confused:

Yep, a lot like the MX-3, except the hood is still a bit too long now that I look at it from a dead-on side view. For some reason Mazda wanted a really long wheelbase (longer actually than the Mazda6), despite that I've seen that hood opened up on television and it's mostly empty space. Why they felt they needed to extend the wheelbase and hoodline is anyone's guess, as it adds weight and cuts cornering ability, but that's what they did.

Still, that fastback version looks -awesome-, just like I imagined it. If the hoodline where shorter, making for a shorter wheelbase and a lighter, more nimble-cornering car, it would be perfect. Then it really -would- look like an MX-3! But to me, that's a good thing.

The worst thing I read in a recent magazine article was that the 8 is gonna weigh a portly 2970 pounds. Ugh! I wonder if the smaller wheels would trim a significant amount off of that?

The best thing though is that they estimate the base price at release to be around 26K and top out right around 30K fully loaded with all the luxury crap you probably don't really need.

That means, of course, that once the aftermarket starts producing trick stuff for the car, you could easily take the money you'll save over the competition and use it to put your RX-8 on a diet... there must be a ton of different things that could be replaced with aluminum and other lightweight stuffs.

Then you'll be ready to make those poor owners of Mustangs and Camaros and Z's regret their mistake in not choosing a Mazda.

Originally posted by Speedbuggy
... For some reason Mazda wanted a really long wheelbase (longer actually than the Mazda6), despite that I've seen that hood opened up on television and it's mostly empty space. Why they felt they needed to extend the wheelbase and hoodline is anyone's guess, as it adds weight and cuts cornering ability, but that's what they did.
...

I wonder if it would make much difference if Mazda (at some future point in time) shortend the front end and lengthened the rear to make the rear trunk area larger? :confused:

I wouldn't want to see the rear lengthened significantly, after all there's a lot behind the driver already when you take into consideration the rear seats and all.

On the other hand, shortening the hoodline by no more than a few inches would make a lot of difference to both how the car looks and how it drives. And considering that it's mostly empty space anyways, I can't see why the extra length needs to be there. It's mostly just wasted metal, adding weight and espanding the turning radius for no gain that I can imagine.

of course, this is pretty nitpicky stuff. I'm thrilled that the Renesis engine has turned out so well, and that the car will come in at such a low (for a sports car) price. The rest is icing.

Doesn't stop me from dreaming of how to make it even better though *S*

And considering that it's mostly empty space anyways, I can't see why the extra length needs to be there. It's mostly just wasted metal, adding weight and espanding the turning radius for no gain that I can imagine.

I'm sure there is a reason for length of the hood. Mazda wouldn't have created it that way to be "wasted metal." It may have to do with the double wishbone suspension set up (they take up more space than, let's say, McStruts) combined with the enigine placement behind the front axle to obtain obtain that 50/50 weight distribution. Who knows? But there is a reason to why they did it beyond looks.

Originally posted by rxtreme
... that 50/50 weight distribution ...

Yeah, that would be my guess ;)


But it would be nice (at some future date) to be able to give the rear trunk just a little more room (why not be able to hold 4 golf bags) and add a fastback/hatchback version ... :)

But it would be nice (at some future date) to be able to give the rear trunk just a little more room (why not be able to hold 4 golf bags) and add a fastback/hatchback version ...

Oh, yeah. It would be nice on both accounts. A hatchback just looks way more sports-car like. I think a hatchback version would take care of the "more trunkspace" issue, as well. I remember the days of my '95 Integra that would have the size of a truckbed with the seats folded down :D Of course, without the ability to fold down the seats in the RX-8 that idea is washed away for the most part. A small price to pay, IMO, if it makes up for it in performance.