ASH8

Father and son, Mazda old and new. And a wish to build a new-generation RX-7...
By DAVID HASSALL in Vienna 21 June 2007

IF THERE is any justice in this world, then Ikuo Maeda will one day get to build a new Mazda RX-7 sportscar and take one home to show his dad.

And the story would ideally have the old man turn to his son and say, "I know we have not always seen eye to eye in these things, but I want you to know I am proud of you, my son".

You see, the senior Mazda stylist’s father is not just your ordinary elderly Japanese pensioner, but Matasaburo Maeda, the long-retired designer of the very first RX-7 that shook the world when it appeared in 1978.

Although the son also became a car designer, they had opposite views on styling and often argued.

"We decided very early not to talk about styling, otherwise there would be arguments," said Mr Maeda, who is now a young 48 years old. "We still don’t talk about it."

Although he says he is unconcerned about not receiving parental approval for the work he does – which includes the acclaimed RX-8 and the new Mazda2 – the sadness in his eyes betrays his soul.

In a more reflective moment, he admits he would love to design a new RX-7 and have his father like it. Any son will understand.

You get the feeling that the RX-7 means a lot to Mazda as a corporation, representing the ultimate Zoom-Zoom expression, even though it disappeared before that expression even came into being.

For Maeda-san, it means even more. Not only did his father design that iconic first model, but it was also the first car he ever owned.

Two days before discovering that his father designed the original car, he told GoAuto how much he would love to design one for the 21st century, how it would have to have two seats and a rotary engine, but perhaps mounted mid-ship for ultimate balance and handling.

And you get the feeling it would be the real-deal because this is not just a market-driven Japanese executive talking, but a real enthusiast.

After all, Mr Maeda drives a Lotus Elise, races sportscars (Lotus, Toyota MR2 and Mazda MX-5 at various times); loves Alfa Romeo styling and would like to own an Aston Martin Vantage. But he doubts it will happen.

He thinks there would be a market for a pure RX-7 sportscar. Many Mazda people agree and would also love to see it happen, but so far no-one seems able to mount the necessary business case.

Let’s just hope there are enough enthusiasts and romantics in Hiroshima to one day overrule the bean-counters and make Maeda-san’s dream come true. And we want to be there when he takes it home for his father to see.

http://www.goauto.com.au/mellor/mell...257300001E2BDD

MazdaJeff

Good read.....

MazdaManiac

iTrader: (3)

Touching story.
Too bad its mostly BS.
Maeda-san was one of several "designers" involved in the first RX-7 (X605) and only dealt with "styling", not real design choices like the young Maeda was responsible for.
Most of the X605 design fell on the shoulders of Yasuji Oda.
Moreover, the younger Maeda simply stylized the already extant Evolv design of Pollard, Jordan and Chin.

There won't be another '7 and there wont be another rotary car in North America and probably the rest of the world.

dynamho

I don't understand why the article is BS based on the reasons stated. I think we have to give leeway that the journalist may switch the terms, "designer" and "stylist". It's apparent that the writer wants to convey that it's about styling, possibly because he doesn't know the difference.

tjbourgoyne

Many business models that when looked at by the experts are suppose to fail but end up turning gold. A 7 is not one of them.

Clavius

Awww... a feel good piece. A decent read but I see it as a filler for a writer to get a deadline done. I bet he was sitting on that story for awhile now and just recently decided to finish it up for release.

Spin9k

Nice story. Touching. Personally, I'm rooting for the kid and his ideas. I see the styling of the original RX-7 as a pretty homely thing. Reminds me somewhat of those Fiat Fiat X1/9s that all rusted away.

However, if the dad had anything to do with the later years RX-7's styling, he and the kid need to get together on that! or... just save some effort/money if that's a problem and punch out the new RX-7b...or RX-8/2...using the styling of the Kabura.

Red Devil

Countless others before you have said as much. And they've all been wrong. I expect the pattern to continue.

MazdaManiac

iTrader: (3)

Who said that and how were they wrong?
The Evolv project started before the last FD rolled off the production line.
It was just a matter of getting then-solvent Ford to approve an already advanced project.

Red Devil

I was referring to the history of the rotary. The demise of the engine has been predicted throughout the years. All the naysayers have always been wrong because another RX product has always been sold - eventually. Maybe this has been the largest spacing of time, RX-7 to RX-8 in North America, but as you indicated the RX-7 kept right on going through 2002.

I take Mazda's comments regarding the future of the rotary and their commitment to the engine as an indication of what is to come, not internet gossip. I think it is business as usual at Mazda, and Mazda is clearly in the rotary business.

Along those lines, saw recently from about 6-7 years back it was commented that Mazda was experimenting with Miller Cycle in the rotary.

Spin9k

The deal breaker for Mazda is they know they have to pull one out of the hat with the next gen rotary car. They managed to civilize the engine with the Renesis, but RE-defining it now essential. Some improved fuel efficiency is a must, most are looking for a better power/weight ratio car, and torque is interesting. Something like that.

Besides, the automotive world will be watching (that cares). People love a tale, either of RE-demption with newfound success in the market or tossed on the pile of pretty good inventions of history.

SmokeyTheBalrog

No one (on the board) said that there wouldn't be a rotary car sold. They said that there wouldn't be 2 different models sold.

alnielsen

iTrader: (4)

Shortening the current RX8 floorpan to make a 2 seater shouldn't be hard or cost very much to engineer. As long as no one expects a turbo monster, I could see a NA car coming from Mazda be it called a RX7 or RX9.

Nemesis8

iTrader: (3)

hmmm, a mid engine rotary - that would dominate the track for sure.

MyRXdrug

Make it small! The rotary is just not powerful enough for the 8, despite it's relative light weight.
They need Lighter, and cheaper. I also believe they can make a 4seat 4door version and a race version 2seat 2door racing version.

ASH8

Look..Even though I would love to see another Rotary there is just not the business /marketing case for one.

I some how doubt we will ever see more than one rotary model Mazda at a time unless there is some kind of "technological breakthrough", even hydrogen rotary has severe limitiations...its just not a viable fuel alternative.

Not trying to compare Models but its a bit like Subaru adding another WRX type model to expand their range, or Mitsubishi making another Evo Type model...it just wont happen.

You might have a very slim case if Mazda NAO were performing in sales numbers, but really their performance has been totally Pathetic when compare to the rest of the world.. Australia, Europe have gone gangbuster...Japan and NA crap.

Australia has a population of 21mil with a larger range of car manufacturers represented than the US (we have almost All Europe makes) and Mazda Australia sales over the last 6 years have been record ones from 30 to 70K units a year with a market share of 8% today..
MNAO market share is about 1%...not even 300K a Year they should be selling a million a year or way more, Nissan US does 1.1 Mil a year.

Mazda just does not have the capacity anyway.

So enjoy the RX-8 for what it is an Enthusiast car

RogueTadhg

Na?

and the RX8 is beautifully shaped, the entire car is quite remarkable. I don't care a bit about speed, cause most of the time the only thing i'll be doing it 75 at best.

Vasichko

iTrader: (1)

Im sorry, but the day that happens I would probably never own a Mazda again. The Rotary is the legacy of any RX.