rotary crazy

thats right we knew, i just dont want a let down.

alfy28

i think mazda is going to debut the new mazda Mr-2 :p

brillo

if the Kabura comesout as the MX-3, I will guarantee that it won't have FI in the standard model if the intended cost is going to be ~$20K. It will have the same engine as the miata, which can move that car around quite fast, fast enough to keep up with the Civic Si, Scion Tc or GTi.

You have to remember that the RWD platform is more $$$ than FWD, to keep it cometitive price wise, they will have to use an exisiting engine. Now, they might direct inject the engine for a bit more power and economy, but given its low weight, it should be a fast little ride.

look on the bright side though, any FI kits for the miata or the RX8 (assuming we get a RX-3) will be easy to port over

zoom44

expect 190hp

Sephiroth

If the Kabura is going to production, i hope that engine is strong. I fully intend to buy it and mod the hell out of it

rotary crazy

Kabura 20b

saturn

Ok, so it'll be the same weight, rear-wheel drive, with more horsepower, same acceleration, more seating, and a fixed top (I look at that as a plus personally) all for $5k less than an MX-5. That makes absolutely no sense.

This car will either have a disappointing interior, 2800 lbs, FWD, cost more than $20k, or just drive like plain crap. If not it's going to be one of the most phenomenal things I've ever seen a car company do.

Jedi54

iTrader: (7)

wow, look at all these theories....and the car show is still 5 months away!

zoom44

well i did leave the rampant speculation on

BaronVonBigmeat

2400 lbs., 4 seats, $20k--pick two, because you aren't getting all three.

Mazda will not make two coupes so close in price, it just wouldn't make sense. There's a few possibilities:

1) This will basically be not much more than a fixed hardtop Miata. A convertible miata is over $20k, so maybe a fixed hardtop would bring the price down. Other than that and maaaaybe different bumpers, you wouldn't see any differences compared to a Miata. The drivetrain would be 100% stock Miata.

2) This will be the replacement for the RX-8. If it's a RWD coupe that is. 2800 lbs. and a slight increase in power would be ambitious but maybe do-able. But selling two coupes only $5k apart? It doesn't make sense.

3) This will be a coupe, and the next RX-8 will be sold alongside it but with much nicer amenities, more room, and a substantially higher price tag, with a 3-rotor and other stuff. I really doubt this one.

4) This will be a 2400 lb., two-seat car based on the Miata but with the 240 hp turbo 4, or a tweaked renesis. It won't cost $20k, it will cost $25k+. It would however be able to run circles around 350Z's, S2000's, etc. Basically it would be a new RX-7--call it the RX-9 (assuming it's a rotary). It will be the poor man's Lotus Elise. If this gets built, I still think they'd cancel the 8 though. It would just be a heavier, slower car with two marginally useful seats that most people in this segment don't care about all that much. It would get better mileage than the RX-8 too, which people care about a lot more than in 2003 when the 8 was first released.

5) Most likely option: Mazda is announcing some boring subcompact or SUV that no one gives a **** about. Or they are announcing a new mazdaspeed model--a MS MPV minivan.

Tirminyl

It's planned to start at 20k, right where the MX-5 starts. I don't see whats so hard believe that it is possible. It is off the same platform the MX-5 is, similar weight, obviously RWD. Same engine from 170-190hp. All the tools are there and it doesn't take much to throw it into production.

zoom44

3 seats and budget Elise is definetly what some in Japan are looking at.

MS8

alfy28

i was thinking really hard about this one. but i have a feelng that mazda is going to debut the Supra or MR-2. but in time we will know.

Tirminyl

Well thats easy, the Kabura is a 3 seater +1.

SlowLude

I aint down with the MX-3 concept. I don't think they need one. Mazda has already got the range covered from

Mazda 3 (coupe/hatch) -> MS Mazda 3 -> MX-5 -> RX-8 -> MS RX-8(?)

That's already 5 sporty cars within a very specific price range. I dont' think they need another one. What I think Mazda needs is a more upscale sedan that will attack the G35, 3-series, TL market. My opinion of Mazda is that it will always be a "small" time player due to a lack of an "upscale" division, developing entry-level cars. I wouldn't mind a production version of Kabura concept myself, but I'm looking at this at an overall market persepective and the growth potential of this company.

Tirminyl

Why go upscale where everyone else is at, when they could be a leader and bring back affordable, light, rwd coupes? They do not have an entry level coupe. Not everyone wants a freaking compact sedan ala Mazda 3. Where is its coupe counterpart?

zoom44

so you think the larger 6 then? that would be a disappointing world debut

longfury

If Mazda was to produce a light, affordable, RWD coupe and it have the Miata MX-5 engine...I would be in the dealer so fast they would think I was superman.

>2800lbs + 170-190hp piston engine in a 2 seat coupe = a best seller for Mazda

saturn

It's hard to believe because it'll be the exact same car as the MX-5 which was just re-released! You want same base price, same engine, same weight, same drive axle AND more seats?? With the advent of hardtop convertible MX-5 it makes even less sense.

This will eat away sales from the MX-5 if all they do is make it a stylish, hardtop MX-5 with more seats.

Spin9k

My vote - and this seems relatively easy to do....take the concept exterior of the Kabura (less the headlighhts)...use the RX-8 platform chassis/suspension.....chill out a bit to a normal interior but keep w/the 2+1 concept for new parents w/1 kid + everyone else for groceries... Mazda loves utility in their cars...

Now add the self same rotary we have, no/few changes, gosh it's hard enough getting the burps out of one, forget two of the little suckers, plus also there might be a chance of a bit of power improvement staying with a known item. Plus what Mazda/3rd party mod-ability there exists for the 8 could transfer fairly easily. Heavens know THAT head of steam has been hard to keep going, why sidetrack/split it?

Bottom line, using known components reduce costs, keep content high.
Take the weight to 2600lb, keep the superb handling, it's a done deal, ship it.

....and I'm buying it straight out sight unseen!

hedgecore

Sinking ships...apparently a real possibility!

alfy28

guess maybe he means more choices. not every one wants a 2 seater car. i can see them making a coupe with more seats then 2 and not a convertable.

if a person wants a 2 seater they will buy it. i dont see how a car built on a mx5 with more seats, take sales away from the miata. really if you think about , when a person buys a 2 seater car, they are not buying for room they are buying because they want it. so i really do not see how this will take sales away from the miata. you either want the miata or you dont.

I didnt buy me a s2k for room. i bought it because i wanted another 2 seater to replace my 97 miata. and have the rx8 for room etc.

bascho

You are the only one with a rational thought on this topic.....cause that is exactly what I think it will be. Too many people here are confusing their dreams with the reality that is Mazda. Mazda will never have two rotary vehicles out at the same time because that engine kills CAFE requirements which are only going to get more strict. Also, small sports cars are low volume and typically lose money.....which is fine if they increase showroom traffic. If the Kabura ever comes out with a rotary engine it will be to replace the RX8.....no way Mazda offers both at the same time.

I would definitely start preparing yourselves for the next gen Mazda6 so that you are not disappointed in Dec.

Sephiroth

I've been wanting something close to my FC RX-7, and the Kabura is it..

The MS3 isn't really what i want (no sedans please), the RX-8 is not exactly what i want either (too big for my needs). The MX-5 is a convertible and im not keen on a convertible, even if it comes in hardtop form. I want a coupe, fixed roof for my protection, similar in size to the miata or FC, and preferably with a rotory but piston is fine too. If this is packaged at a good price it'll be impossible to resist.

zoom44

bascho see that in my first post? i havent closed yet!!