Unless Mazda makes some sudden breakthrough, its hydrogen solution looks to be some years away from commercial viability, not to mention the infrastructure required in a big country like Australia. I also think it's unlikely that the RX8 will be the model to introduce a Prius-type hybrid drivetrain. I would have thought the 3 or the 6 would be the recipients of that kind of thing.

As for fuel economy, both Porsche and BMW are developing solutions with turbo technology. Witness the variable vanes on the 911 Turbo and the more efficient fuel injection system used on the twin-turbo 335i. With Mazda's turbo experience, I don't think making fuel economy improvements is beyond their ability. It will probably never be as fuel efficient as a NA car, but relative to the power and torque gains, a case might be made for it, especially if consumers worried about consumption have the option to purchase a thriftier yet still stylish Kabura.

Remember, despite the endless "gas milage" threads started by the yanks, there are plenty of people who are prepared to pay a higher fuel price for higher performance when purchasing a car like the RX8. It's a practical sports car. It can't be all things to all people. So, while fuel economy should be managed to the extent possible, to me it's not and never should be the determining factor in the design (and desirability) of a car like this.

 

Unfortunately, the beancounters ascended in Mazda after the FD was released and only sold in very small numbers at a very high price. While the engineers managed to slip the 8 past them, I thought I read that many of the RX-8 team had moved on, so I'm not sure who remains of the team with the courage to bring forward a factory FI RX-8. That Allan Horsley couldn't even get a limited edition SP up in this market (as he has done previously with the RX-7 and MX-5) does not bode well, IMO.

I very much hope I am wrong on this, but the Kabura specs suggest not (it could so easily have been a rotor )

 

Which is precisely the kind of ***** product planning that will have me saying sayonara to Mazda in a few year's time and gutentag to an achtung baby from Porker, Audi or the house of flame surfacing.

Maybe Mazda's waiting to see if Nissan will fall flat on its **** with the next Godzilla?

And just maybe, the rotary doesn't have a big enough market to warrant the R&D investment.

 

Nissan is getting a brand new 3.5 ltr engine into the 2007 model 350Z and a complete body upgrade in late 2008 .

230KW AND 365NM in a new 3.5 liter

Mazdas biggest weakness has been new more powerfull engines

Michael

 

It'd have to be a bloody major body upgrade to tempt me. I'm not at all impressed with the current fat **** and slab sides. The convertible is one of the ugliest cars on the road IMHO.

And I need four useable seats too...

 

The 350z is more of a muscle car anyway. Hard suspension, hard to drive in the city, you wrestle it through corners rather than just finesse it, uncomfortable ride, low rent interior, bad boy looks etc.

 

Dead right Kall.

Although I will concede that current models have a much better ride than the earlier cars. They've made some noticeable suspension improvements.

 

Thanks for the good words for Louisiana. I must say, our food is quite good! I'm glad you enjoyed your visits!

On a side note...I didn't even realize this thread was in the Australia forum until I saw your post, whoops! My bust.


Carry on.

 

Feel free to drop in anytime.

 

Theres no place like home....

 

An automatic huh?

I prefer a manual six shooter!

(I made a gun joke ).