they already have been driving a test mule around

 

I have to admit I would be on the list for a RX-3. Love the rotary not one for another loud when pushed 4 boinger.

 

there's a pic of the MS3 at sema around here somewhere

 

ah yes- on the left in this pic



and this pic

 

The latest "MOTOR" Mag December Issue are still saying that Mazda have a cheap rotary coupe in the making, last issue they had the same photoshop pic we have all seen, this issue (December) they are saying that it will be a 4, yes 4 seater coupe on the 8/miata platform, and will debut early 2006 in your early NA motorshows!, and are still calling it an RX-3!, if this is born to life it will be the first time that Mazda have used a discontinued name on a rotary export vehicle.TMK.

BTW. I don't see a piston variety available with this model. I doubt Mazda will go down that road again.

 

Unfortunately, this is definitely the vehicle that is rumored to be going to Detroit as a concept vehicle. It appears that Mazda has been struggling with the question 'To rotary or not rotary?'. I fear that they have made up their mind and it's not the result most of us here were hoping for. If this car get's displayed with a wankel then Mazda NAO is even more clever than I could have imagined.

 

History 101.. Mazda has a track record.. of making cars with a piston and a rotary on the same platform.. Some might not remember the Rx2 and Rx3 but each had a piston counterpart. Really neat little cars offered in both piston and rotary.. If I remember correctly, 616.. 618.. 808.. Rotary bodies with piston engines. Ok these were RWD cars and the FWD stuff today doesn't lend itself to the same crossovers but using the Miata/Rx8 platform.. anyway.. all is right with the world.. Anyone want to hear about my love/hate involvement with Rotary Engined Cars?? I quess not..

 

Yes,I remember and have driven all of their Piston/Rotary models and even owned quite a few....

R100/1200.1300 Coupe
RX-2/Capella 1600 (616)
RX-3/808(1300.1600)
RX-4/929 (1800)
RX-5/121 (1800)

Since the RX-7/8 Mazda have used the Rotary as a specialist engine and have NOT included a piston engine variety.
Mazda will continue to do this and I doubt very much that they will change, because not only do you lose the exclusivity of having a rotary only model, you also compromise the cars handling and weight distribution characters of that model by offering an engine choice. It will stay in Mazda's History...101...its been over 20 years since Mazda have offered an engine combo.

 

Originally it was supposed to get the AWD from the MS6, but it looks like it's been dropped. However, it will keep the same turbocharger DI MZR engine that has been slightly detuned (about the same as the new JDM MPV)... about 30 or 40hp less. Like the pic Zoom44 posted, it is going to be built on the wagon platform (which AGAIN pisses me off that Mazda went with the sedan instead of the hatchback for the MS6).

 

Oh ****... something just occurred to me.

Mazda has recently adapted the Renesis for FWD applications. Presently used in the RE Hybrid Premacy/Mazda5. Remember that this platform comes from the Axcela/Mazda3...

Build a 2 door sport coupe version? Drop in the Renesis in FWD or AWD (from the MS6) configuration... hmm. That could answer some questions about what they've been doing...

 

RotaryGoober, you sound like a neat person (Very knowledgeable about rotaries).
If you ever visit Atlanta look me up. I'm hoping you're also a great looking Asian lady .