Article from rotary news , Facelifted RX8 IN 2008 and larger capacity renesis on its way....if it makes it to production

http://rotarynews.com/?q=node/view/947


Cheers
Michael

 

One of our favorite Japanese Magazines has a 'scoop' on what Mazda will be displaying at the 2007 Tokyo Autoshow, this October 2007. Following on the Nagere, Ryuga, Senku, and Hakaze concepts, this is the 'final' concept Mazda will show in the 'flow' series. Some of these lines have already made it into production cars, like the new Mazda 6, and some minor face lifts in the Mazda 3, and 5. (Also expect to see a face-lifted RX-8 coming this winter). The bigger news, however is just that. Bigger....

Mazda will show off next generation Rotary Engine technology, including a larger rotary, the first time the actual displacement of a 2 rotor engine will have changed since 1974 if it makes production. The last time a production engine increased was with the introduction of the 13b in the RX-4 and REPU in 1974. The engine will also be the first time the other dimensions of the rotor will have changed since the 13a in the 1971. The 13a was the engine that powered the front-wheel-drive Japanese only Luce.

The car shown is said to have clues from the Kabura and Ryuga, as well as other Mazda DNA. It will be the first all new Mazda Rotary Coupe since the third-generation RX-7 launched in 1991. The car is said to have a particularly distinctive exterior design, with lightweight, compact and high-output next generation RENESIS(2) rotary engine. It will epitomize Mazda's spirit of sports car, as the RX-7 won popularity among the customers since its 1978 launch. The last RX-7 model (FD3S) ended a 10 year production run in August 2002, and is sometimes still regarded as the pinnacle of Mazda Engineering and Design.

It will be interesting to see how Mazda will overcome fuel economy issues with a more weight (larger rotary) combined with an increase power ....

Notwithstanding there will be a lot of people lined up at the doors of the Tokyo motor show to see it.

 

I find it curious that your reaction to this news is to talk about fuel economy and increased weight from a larger rotary engine.

Firstly, when are people going to realise that this car is not about competing on fuel economy terms? That is not it's mission in life, so why focus on that to the exclusion of the undoubted fun that a bigger capacity motor with more power and torque will bring?

Secondly, you're assuming that a larger capacity rotary will bring enough extra weight to make a real difference in economy and discounting the prospect that Mazda may have saved weight both in the engine design and the rest of the car (as they've done with other models) and found ways to make the bigger engine more economical comparatively speaking.

From your posts generally, you seem very resistant to the idea that a better RX8 may be coming. I know you may be concerned about resale of your current car but that is hardly a reason to be such a killjoy about this exciting news.

Just my views - nothing personal intended.

 

That is awsome news but I still want a 20b for mine, call me old school.

 

Trevor

Didnt they give you a manual on petrol syphoning teckniques at the police academy .............as Revolver said "Dont Worry Be Happy .

Cheers
Michael

 

Michael it wasn't until I saw the dangers of petrol sniffing in Cape York (having spent 22 years roaming the Far North and in remote Indigenous communities) that I stopped...

The only thing I siphon now is water out of my fish tank!!!!

 

HAve you forgotten what fish do in the water????

 

 

Hmm, do microbes mate in the air we breathe??

 

As a maker of popular cars, Mazda firstly has to be aware of public opinion on things like fuel economy. Secondly, there are increasing regulatory contraints, and limits on CO2 emissions will be a feature in major markets. I understand that the UK already taxes on the CO2 emission of a vehicle. Regardless of what rotary enthusiasts might opine, Mazda as a business has to take a more sober attitude to these trends.

From what I have read, there is considerable scope to improve the economy of petrol motors, perhaps down to the level of diesels. A recent article in New Scientist (http://technology.newscientist.com/c...een-gains.html) suggests that a re-design of the combustion chamber attacks where fuel economy is at its worst - during idling and slow motoring. It would seem to my automotively-challenged mind that it should be possible to more easily modify a rotary to achieve this aim than among the clutter of a four valve reciprocating motor cylinder head.

Anyway, let's wait and see what Mazda has come up with.

 

All good points Labby and I appreciate that issues such as economy and emissions cannot be ignored with a damn the torpedoes approach to making the car more powerful. Of course the new model must comply with relevant regs and have at least acceptable economy relative to the performance available.

However, this car is not and never will be designed to compete with the Prius for economy or a bicycle for emissions. I also found it strange that the reaction of some to news of a potentially improved car is to focus on such issues. Can't we be excited for at least 5 minutes before we go back to soberly saving the planet.

Mind you, given the umpteen fuel economy threads we've had over the years, I shouldn't be surprised anymore.

 

Don't get me wrong - I've been speculating on what the next-gen 8 would look like for a while now, and I'm busting to learn more. If it came out next year and it was a distinct improvement and I could afford it, yes, I'd probably join the queue. My car runs out of lease next year, and although my wife could see herself "in einem deutschen Wagen", a) I couldn't afford the one she would like and b) I really like being a rotary driver.

 

Good man Labby. We'd hate to lose you to the Kraut crowd...