bwob

The April, 2002 issue of Japan's Magazine X has a number of photos of couple of mechanical prototype RX-8s (what's called an 'X1' Prototype by Mazda) snapped in Japan. One is an automatic 210+ horsepower version and the other the manual 250+ model, distinguished by the larger wheel and tire combination. The test cars differ from the production RX-8 in a number of areas, both using a modified FD series RX-7 front fascia and some Japanese domestic market Capella (the 626 sold in all markets except North America) sheetmetal and taillamps. A twin of these cars was in Southern California recently for clandestine on-the-road testing.

The text of the article makes fewer revelations than the December, 2000 issue of the magazine did, but flushes out some details which have previously bubbled to the surface. Magazine X - also known as Mag-X or New Model Magazine X - should be available at bookshops specializing in Japanese-language publications such as Kinokuniya (shops around the 'States) or Bunka-do in Los Angeles.

As an aside, the LPT system has not received approval for production and is continues as the subject of ongoing study. Word filtering from Hiroshima indicates a high pressure turbo was rejected outright by the technical board a few weeks ago and that Mazda is studying a version of the RX-8 to serve as the company's flagship in motorsports. No word on what series is being looked at, however.

bwob

RX84ME

iTrader: (2)

dude can you post a few pics that would be great!!!

bwob

Inasmuch as they're all copyrighted, I'm afraid I can't. As a Journalist I know what it's like to get screwed when something you've written is used without approval (or payment after you've put time and effort into researching and writing a piece), so I couldn't treat Magazine X's photographs any differently than the way I'd like the copyright of my own copy appearing in a publication to be respected. Especially as I'm a contributor to the magazine and don't want to get the Editor off-side. Sorry.

bwob

RX84ME

iTrader: (2)

I can understand that but I would say 95% of maybe more than that will never see that magazine.

I guess its up to me to pick up a copy next week when Im Tokyo
at RE-Amemiya's shop :P

KrisA

http://www.mag-x.com/scoop/rx-80202/index.html

Thanks for the info Bwob!

RX84ME

iTrader: (2)

thats for the update

FutureRX8owner

Good to see you have in interest in the RX-8 Bwob. For those of you who don't know, Bwob is oft considered the father of the Miata and is a frequent contributor to Miata.net.

Bwob, what do you think of the RX-8? I like the rear, although it resembles the S2000 a tad too much and will be accused of "stealing it" from the S2K. Not that I don't like the S2K's hind.

The front takes some getting used to for me. That snout has a bit of BMW, a dash of PT Cruiser on the fenders. I would like to see a cleaner, Modena-like front.

Sides and suicide doors are fine. And I have high hopes for the
Renesis engine. I love rotaries for high reving, smooth running fun.

rpm_pwr

funny as soon as I started reading the post i thought I knew who it was!
I'll take this as reliable information given the source.. this leads to either:

1) The mysterious disappearance of the 280hp version - surely this would qualify as the up-spec motor? Yet the fact that the turbo version was even suggested leads to ...

2) The 4th gen rx-7 is "way-off" at best. With the FD rx-7 surpassing suzuki-style model cycles (10+years) and stuff like this floating around (similar to the word from the mazda guys at sevenstock) you'd have to say that Mazda wants to put up an interim car or just simply take the rx-7 market altogether.

3)... unless they are saving the turbo-renesis motor for the rx-7. I doubt that though - mazda have always balked at turbocharging (early carby turbo 323's aside) and after the FD rx-7 fiasco you'd have to doubt it too. Given Mazda's fondness for MAP sensing it's probably best that turbocharging was left for the aftermarket (or even Mazda Aust) anyway.

-pete
93 Efini 2+2 rx-7

bwob

I like the RX-8 Future. Quite a lot, in fact. I have every suspicion the RX-8 will be as much a 'category killer' as the Miata was. Hell, within five years of the RX-8's launch, I wouldn't be surprised to see one, if not two similar 'four-door sportscars' arriving in the marketplace.

In the metal, the car is pretty spectacular, though it's a smidgen overdone in one or two of the details for my own personal taste. Nothing which spoils the package, mind you.

The sub-doors are what really 'make' the car, since they're the reason the rear seat is actually useable by adults. Mazda's original business case allocates something like 31,000 RX-8s a year to North America. I have a feeling that may be on the conservative side.

Now I need to start saving for one...

bwob

Toadman

If Bwob's initials are "TM" We should be honored to see him post here..

bwob

But not if they're BH? No biggie, since I can live quite well without adulation, thank you. Or even recognition for that matter.


Mazda has only shown the REnesis engine in normally-aspirated form, with nary a turbocharger to be seen anywhere. Rumor from the supplier network in Japan indicates that the project was approved with the proviso the engine be normally-aspirated. The board of directors didn't want a recurrence of the warranty costs the FD RX-7's twin-scroll turbo 13B encountered.

Also, remember that the display engines with their 280hp figures are JIS numbers and that 280hp JIS is in the 250-260hp DIN range when all is said and done. The reference to the 250hp engine (which has only been in relation to the export version) may indeed be Japan's 280hp unit.

Presupposing things stay on track and all the approvals are granted on schedule, the FE RX-7 is likely to appear publicly before the NC Miata. However the FE program is quite fluid, and in addition to no final 'go' yet being given, the car is still 'under study' for North America. Odds are it will get an OK for North America if the program is approved - assuming the US importer will be able to move the metal at the rate Hiroshima wants, that is.

In any event, some interesting times (and product) lie ahead.

bwob

rpm_pwr

How did you get those figures? 280JIS is 276hp imperial if I remember the figures right. Are you trying to imply that the first (280ps) figure was without the accessories? All other JIS figures include the accessories. I'm inclined to beleive the 280ps version never existed. Every time it was quoted it always had: "(target)" next to it.

You have to admit Mazda have tried to keep people guessing about power levels. I have seen 3 different redlines in 3 different shots of the rx-8 dash. Could it be something like:

7500rpm = auto
9000rpm = man. 5sp
10,000rpm man 6sp - possible 280ps version?

OK not being up on these things can anyone tell me the expected year/date for the NC mx-5/miata release? Either way things look very good with Mazda's stocks finally on the up.

-pete