Japan8

(since I can't view it from work for some reason) If that scan is the one I'm thinking it must be... from XaCar magazine... then that blurb says that the engine choice for this platform is very likely an I-4. But (they say) if Mazda just dropped in a rotary engine they'd have a new RX-7. Other stuff I've read in that article and others say that the platform will be RX-8/Miata derrived.

Oh.. I was checking an import mag and they had some nice pics of upcoming cars... like a BMW 1 Series coupe. The idea will be to build something more like the E30 and E36 M3... light and quick rather than the fast, but heavy, expensive and complex E46 M3 or worse the upcoming E90 M3. Also had a pic of the E90 coupe... UGLY! Just thought of this as the 1 Series coupe will probably be priced in RX-8 range. Lastly... the next gen Infiniti G car is coming out in 2006 based on the GTR chassis. The VQ is dead... to be replaced by the VZ... longer stroke for 3.7L 330ps/83 kg-m. The new coupe is due out in 2007 and may sport a V8. 18" rims are standard with 19" upgrade and possibly 20" option.

Renesis_8

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Marie_Amore

rotary crazy

thats hot!

thats got to be rotary!

RX-Hachi

Yup, that's exactly what the caption says on the scanned image being shown.

The engine is the 2L from the MX-5 Roadster, but if they dropped in the Renesis, Mazda could have an RX-7. But it does say it's an entry level sports coupe. I doubt Mazda would design the RX-7 as entry level, its gotta be their flag ship. So I don't think this will turn into an RX-7, an RX-3 like rotary sports coupe perhaps at best.

Japan8

^^ Thanks for confirming that! I agree... both what I've read ni JDM magazines and on rotarynews.com all say entry level RWD coupe. If it gets a rotary we'd be looking at an RX-3, not RX-7.

Although that chassis would make a nice base for a new RX-7... but I really wonder about Mazda releasing one. I mean the GTR will be an Infiniti priced around $70k. The next M3 will be around $50-60k. The IS "M3" edition or coupe will be similiarly priced. Mazda isn't a luxury nameplate and who would buy a $70k Mazda sportscar? Where can Mazda position the RX-7? The RX-8 is a better sell... better utility... I know that I would never consider the 350Z because it only has 2 seats... the S2000 because of that and I don't do convertibles. Unless they wanted to offer both the 7 and 8 as coupe and sedan pair... Where is Mazda going to position it?

rotary crazy

it is well known that this car inspiration came from the rx-3 so, nope, no rx-7.

also I keep hearing from well inforn sources that the rotary version is a go and its going to be a DI renesis ( the same engine thats going into the 2008 rx-8), but it will be lauch a year after the piston version?

any of you well conected guys heard anything? zoom? boosted7?

I also heard this car is going to get the fast track like the cx-7 and be ready for production in 2007 as a 2008 model?

Renesis_8

Why is Mazda releasing so many sports cars? Is there really a demand for it? If they end up bringing back the RX-7 in the end, then there might possilby be 3 rotary sports cars in Mazda's lineup ( + the MX-5 Miata as well). Of course they still appeal to different markets, but sports cars are just low volumn sellers. Is it really wise for Mazda to do that. I dont know.

But I for one wanna see it happen tho =D, It'll be perfect for those that cant afford an RX-8 (me included)

While I am not really up to date with the news, I personally think DI renesis could possibly make it onto a 2008 RX-8, and if they decide to put rotary in a RX-3 , then of course they'll put the best rotary in there (not the one we have now.. probably detuned DI??)

Haha, mayb Mazda went crazy and are thinking of using this MX/RX-3 in 2008 to compete with the GT-R/Supra??? hahahaha that'd be funny .. But who knows, if it weights 2500lb and the DI renesis can be unlocked to like 250hp+++, it could keep up? Or they'd make this RX-3 a poor man's RX-7 and release a $50k+ real exotic RX-7??
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condos in Pattaya

Tirminyl

Are you telling me to keep my car and wait for this, pending this comes true?

Japan8

DI Renesis in the "Kabura"? Maybe. Will it be in the RX-8? Just a matter of time... probably 2007 as a facelift is due in late 2006 according to JDM magazines. Dunno about it making more power, but it'll probably help with emissions and gas mileage. If there's a RX-3... it'd be... a problem to call it that and offer only a piston engine the first year. I won't say there's no chance of a rotary, but it's on the slimmer side and I doubt it'll be the same 6 port version that's put in the RX-8. Given a smaller, lighter car, that would obviously make it faster than the RX-8 at a lower price (this IS definitely an entry-level sports car). Not going to happen.

As far as releasing so many sports cars... the market is sporty now. Almost everything has a spoiler or sport package... some kind of sporty feel model or option. Besides that... sporty is Mazda... the BMW of Japanese markers (Honda may dream of it, but no self-respecting enthusiast would take an I-4 FWD car over a V6 RWD car). Mazda is even using the 2.3L MZR DISI turbo engine in the CX-7 (a sporty, Zoom Zoom SUV) and the new MPV. Yes... not only a sporty SUV, but a sporty mini-van.

A $50K+ exotic RX-7? Not going to happen. Mazda was lucky they got to put out the RX-8. And it's doing better than the FD did. The whole remake... Zoom zoom marketing and new, fresh, sporty lineup... it's working... working well it seems. But Mazda still lags way behind Toyota (obviously)... they even lag behind Nissan (probably not Honda in the JDM though). They need to continue to work on larger volume cars than a $50k halo car. Not to mention... who is going to pay that for a mazda nameplate car other than rotorheads? Nissan has the advantage of being bigger, more sales, and the Infiniti nameplate to sell the car under. Mazda does not.

All indications thus far in JDM mgazines say nothing about a $50k+ GT-R killer Supra. They DO talk about a V8 engine 350Z and Mustang competitor. no turbos, no supercharger. No AWD. NA V8. FR (front engine rear wheel drive).

Tirminyl

I easily see the Kabura with the 4-port engines and possibly detuned from 197hp.

brillo

Mazda is never going to release a production $35K+ RX7...period.

Mazda, Nissan and Toyota got burned trying that once, even those that have lux brands have had to struggle hard to sell their mainstream lux cars for over $40K.

What Mazda should do, is release a sub $30K RX7, which is reasonably quick based on a great light weight platform, and leave it up to the tuners to make it a 400WHP monster. Mazda could also offer its own $10K aftermarket turbo kit to feed those that demand FD levels of power.

The RX7 was never about being the fastest sports car on the market that was trying to compete with a Corvette or Porsche. Its was about a relatively cheap, light weight, fun to drive sports car that is simple and pure in its function. The FD was a bit of an aboration in that mission. It was very fast, but overly complicated and unrealiable because of the fact they had to cut costs to keep it under $40K, which was already too high for the time.

Mazmart

iTrader: (12)

However you look at it, Mazda is going to put smiles on the faces of enthusiasts this week or next. A little bird told me so.
Paul.

Tirminyl

I love rumors and hints. I better be cheesin' like the koolaid man "Oh Yeeeeaaahhh!"

ASH8

If this new concept makes it into a production export , IMO it won't be called an RX-3 or RX-7....

It will be called an RX-6 with a 12A RENISIS.....making it a cheaper level entry coupe, lighter than the RX-8 with the smaller 12A..

hornbm

iTrader: (1)

NOPE... never a rx-6. There was a reason why there was an rx-5 and then skipped to a rx-7. Japanese people have a very hard time pronouncing "six"

The mx-6 also had a different name in japan because of this

rotary crazy

rotary enthusiasts?

maybe the rumors I keep hearing are true

kride

Peeps, excuse me if someone has pointed this out already but, in the scanned image where our now front air dam would be it appears to be the same on this vehicle image. Point being that triangular shape in the center is supposed to represent rotary, unless I've been wrong this whole time. If I am correct than Mazda must have some plans for us rotary lovers in relation to this vehicle. Hmmn.

Okay I just read through the whole thread, my bad.

Tirminyl

Or could just be a artist rendering. We will find out next week.

Sephiroth

Rotary enthusiasts would be fools to start waiting for a GT-R killer. The majority is not asking for that at all. What we want is a 300hp RX-7 based on the RX-8. Keep it N/A if they must, but make it easy to F/I (ie, F/I friendly compression, renesis-like apex seals, no side-seal issues, possibly a configuration that favors porting).

Mazda officials said that they will produce what the market desires. They also said that if anything is to beat the 8, it must be a 7. Everyone and their mom is crying for a 7, i just hope they hear the call and oblige.

In the mean time the development of aftermarket parts for the 8 continues...

Japan8

Low-Compression rotors aren't likely. As it's an NA engine, the higher compression will be needed to give it some performance. The only way out is either factory FI or aftermarket rotors.

I'd say Mazda's best bet is to do like Ford and Nissan... get back to their roots. Someone has said this here before... the RX-7 wasn't an expensive supercar originally... the FD is a departure from what the car has been. Kabura/Miata based lightweight coupe (hell use CF in areas to lighten it more if necessary) with the RX-8's Renesis. Little development needed... meaning less costs to justify with Ford. Lighter weight will mean better handling and performance (especially when combined with a more aggressive suspension) from the same package. Price it at the upper end of the 350Z and they'll have a winner.

Sephiroth

RX-3, RX-7, RX-9 whatever any 2 seater rotary to replace my aging FC.

s13lover

Anyone see the article in Automobile Magazine? They have full pics of the exterior of the car and a sketch of the interior. The heading for the article says it has a rotary, but the article itself says the car has a 190hp version of the 2.0L MZR. The article also states, against what others on here have said, that the car is not ment for production. Rather, the car is a hint of the styling of future Mazda products. I hope they are wrong.

CERAMICSEAL

Is the magazine at the stands as yet or do you subscribe? Can you scan that bad boy? MZR huh? We'll see.

s13lover

It's on stands now. I bought it at Borders yesterday and saw it at Blockbuster several days ago. Sorry, I don't have a scaner.

zoom44

was it this sketch?