Hi,
I thought it would be a good idea to gauge member expectations of what the next RX-7 (if any) design should be.

Oh, "based on the Cosmo" meaning the very first one.

 

Since there will never be another RX-7, this is all purely hypothetical.

 

Yes, it's purely hypothetical.

I hope it'll return though.

 

I hope so too. I just know it won't. Ford doesn't want Mazda to come out with a high performance sports car that could run with or beat their Mustang. We may see another rotary car but we won't see another one that could perform like the 3rd gen RX-7 and that's a car that would threaten the Mustang. I just can't figure out why Ford would care since they also offer their crappy slow V6 in that car as well. If Mazda did bring back an RX-7, the only natural progression would be to build a better handling and faster car than the last RX-7. You don't go backwards on those types of cars. Americans don't like paying a lot for a Japanese performance car when they can get an American car that goes as fast in a straight line for less money. It's unfortunate.

 

I voted for "something entirely new". I don't think what I have in mind fits in with any of the other choices.

Here's my wish list. You could basically characterize it as a rotary powered Lotus Elise. No forced induction. Just keep the the motor na as it is right now. Instead of boosting the torque/horsepower of the Renesis, Mazda could devote their energy towards reducing weight and shoot for a really lightweight car like the Elise. However, I would like Mazda to differentiate itself by making the car more of an everyday car, unlike than the track-toy Elise.

If Mazda could pull something like that off and offer a 2000 lb Renesis-powered sports car for a base price of $35k or less, then I would be happy.

 

Supposedly Ford owns roughly 40% of Mazda correct? Now if that's the case, does it really matter if a car comes out from Mazda, be it a next gen 7 or an MS8, the will outclass a mustang? I guess my question and concern is just WHAT PORTION of Mazda does Ford own.

IMHO, I just wish Mazda would come out with a SC/TC kit for the 8. They can list it as another item available in the MS catalog for the 8. Kind of like TRD has an SC in there catalog. The 8 is an excellent platform with pretty much nothing like it on the market right now. They should stick with it.

 

Ford owns 33% of Mazda.

 

I realize they have several different engines. My point was that if they are so concerned with another car outperforming it, why do they even offer a slow version? That seems counterproductive.

 

I think with the RX-8 already out there as the compromise car they should make a screamer of an RX-7 like the FD as a true halo car. I'm thinking mid-engine rotary 2 seater like MWC was saying. Lotus elise or MR2 style. Something that could produce a power to weight ratio of 7.5 to 8 lbs/hp ~300-350hp for a ~2500lb car. It would be a real world challenger and you put it out there for around $40K just under the Corvette.

 

This kind of what they planned with the RX-01 concept car. no turbos, Renesis RE, lightweight, etc. It was also incredibly gorgeous.

Mazda seems to be content with lightweight sport cars. One guy I talked to is totally convinced the Kabura concept will be like the 1st RX-7: lightweight rotary, while others think it's gonna be like an MX-3.

 

i thought their new flagship car was the Gt500...... so.. they could release a newer fi'ed car that could have 350hp and would be very quick but no-where near the power of the gt500...
also we wont have to worry much longer... toyota is going to buy ford soon anywas. .. thats my prediction..

 

LOL!!!! You aint never lied!!!!

 

I'll second the notion that Ford gets bought by Toyota...it's just a matter of time before Ford goes the way of Chrysler...

 

Something totally new, but it I dont think it will ever happen...

On a side note, I'm trying to get my gf to buy a 3rd gen rx7 that is for sale, she seems interested but is weary that it is older...

 

they shoudl drop the renesis in the new miata hard top..

 

There should have been a 'based on RX8' there also. What Cosmo are we talking about, 67,76,81,91?

I voted for FD since most people think it to be one of the most beautiful designs ever penned. Why it's designer isn't the head of Mazda design or at least of their sports cars is beyond me.

I think my vote counts since I've owned every type and still have the FC and FD to keep my 8 company.

Paul.

 

Hardtop Miata with Renesis = RX-5 I'd hit it!

New RX7 = the Spirit R on a modified RX-8 chassis with a turbo (or n/a 3- rotor) all aluminum direct injected Renesis

 

The Mustang V6 is what makes the money. Ford sells more V6's than GT's and other Mustangs. People buy V6's to say they have Mustangs, they either cannot afford the insurance or the price bumb itself. The V6 Mustangs are keeping the nameplate alive.

 

no new rx7 will come out, we can all dream, but i would rather be realistic. i agree with rotary god completely, ford would never back a car that can out perform their halo sports car that is affordable to the general public.

lets just be happy that the rx7 lasted till 2002.

 

I don't get your logic.

Ford owns Jaguar too. So is Jag not allowed to build a higher class car than the Lincoln Continental? And they own Volvo, are they not allowed to build safer cars than Ford? And not only does Ford have the GT 500 "Shelby" Mustang, they also have the Ford GT - capable of running with the best supercars out there. Why be worried about a little old RX-7 when you've got a Ford GT?

Being able to sell enough 7's for Mazda (Ford) to make good money is what they should be worried about, not its performance potential of beating a Mustang.

 

they stoped production of the ford Gt.......
Also, becuase its not as affordable as the Mustang...

 

I think they should built a new rx-7 with the same comcep as the firts, light weight, afortable with great looks, an evolution of the Kabura maybe, 2500lbs with an improve renesis 250 hp.

 

I voted for "Something new"...

I realize that the FD was the best thing that Mazda has ever put out, but if they did it again in a few years and sold it for 40K (or just under the corvette) I would never be able to afford it. I want mazda to make a great bad-*** car, but at the same time I want to be able to own it and drive it.

So I chose "something new" in that perhaps it will be a conglomeration of all the options in the poll. I could care less about 1/4 mile times and stop light races, I'd just like to have something that fun to drive everytime I get in the car. hmmm, maybe I'm getting old?

 

The Ford GT was a limited run car that is no longer made. It doesn't matter if there are different cars that can compete when it comes to ordinary passenger cars or even luxury cars. The sports car has always been the primary image focus. That's where a car company really gets judged against other car companies. The Mustang for all intents and purposes is their halo car now. It's a top seller. You don't want that car being the one to get outperformed by another division. They already have a tough fight against the Corvette (which they've lost as far as I'm concerned). They definitely don't want to see another company have a car that can match or beat them if they can't help it.

 

The Mustang's nemisis has always been the Camaro, not the Corvette, and never the RX-7.

There are some who now might cross shop the RX-8 and a Mustang, likely due to the fact that both have back seats. But the RX-7 as a pure sports car 2 seater was never a direct competitor to the Mustang. The price of the 3rd gen was far above the Mustang in its day. Even the 2nd gen was a bit more expensive.