c2k4-8

The new crossover vehicle Mazda will put into production in 2006 will be known as the CX-7, and will be a part of a new, complicated nomenclature policy from Ford's Asian affiliate. The CX-7, Mazda says, is a "critical step forward for us in terms of our ability to grow Mazda's business in North America," said Jim O'Sullivan, president and CEO of Mazda North American Operations in a release. Mazda adds that the CX in the new vehicle's name stands for crossover-type vehicles; RX will be used for rotary-engined sportscars and MX for piston-engined sportscars; "Mazda" and a number will be used for core products like the Mazda3 and Mazda6; and Tribute, MPV and B-Series will continue because those are their names. It's not known if the latter three vehicles will be renamed as they are replaced or restyled. The new crossover vehicle is to be built in Hiroshima and should bow as a 2007 model.

Notice that "sportscars" is plural.

BlueEyes

I don't know if I would read to much into that. They are talking about the naming policy for the future, it would be foolish to say sportscar.

DreRX8

Excellent--so we may see a rebirth of an MX-6 type sports car--probably an RSX or Scion tC competitor. I think that the RX nomenclature reference is slightly positive for the future of the rotary engine.

missinmahseven

For years I've wished mazda would build a bigger bro to the miata -- a 2-seat, long-nose, short-tail, swooping-lines sports car with a 4 liter quad-cam 10-banger. Revving to 8k or so. Built like a bike motor. Twin dual-tipped pipes. Tuned as close to a racecar while still being drivable.

Would that be an MX-10?

:D

Gambit

That's a nice catch there, but I probably wouldn't take it too seriously...it could be referring to a distant future where the 8 is restyled/replaced.

I really like the new directions mazda is pushing in, they should kick some *** the next few years

DreRX8

Yeah they will have a Nissan-esque lineup-with more unique cars.

ZoomZoomH

iTrader: (1)

a Mazda6-based 2 door coupe named MX-6 would be nice

m477

Notice that Mazda doesn't seem to reuse any numbers, though. So perhaps the existance of the CX-7 means that there will be no RX-7.

Edit: I just realised there is both the Mazda5 and the MX-5, so I guess it doesn't matter.