RX-Hachi

I think you and sleeepyhead are both correct, so I'd give the RX-7 name a 50/50 chance.

On the one hand, Mazda has had a forward moving nomenclature for the RX series. But on the other hand, the RX-7 was special. Special enough to have 3 cars with the same name. We'd be up to the RX-10 by now if you were 100% correct.

Mazda in fact debated whether or not to call the 3rd gen an RX-7 or move on to RX-8. But they stayed with RX-7 because it had become such a landmark name at that time. With our RX-8, they clearly stated it was not a 4th gen RX-7 and wanted to ensure it was viewed as a new kind of rotary car, hence the deliberate name change.

If and when Mazda does produce a direct replacement for the 3rd gen RX-7, Mazda will likely have an internal struggle to decide if they revive the legendary RX-7 name or just move on. If at that time they do choose a name like RX-9, then the 7 will truly be dead (as a name that is).

DARKMAZ8

I'll preorder my licence plate now "9lives"

CERAMICSEAL

By the way, there was no RX6. I wonder who here knows the reason why?

ChopsMcgraw

Rx-7=2 door, 2 seat sports car. Rx-7 is a name, not a model number. Like the mustang, the name rx7 has instant identity. The FD was such a pure sports car (r1 package) that it literally beat peoples kidneys up. Hurt sales a bit. Many people can't fit in the cars. I will never own an FD, I can't fit in the car with a helmet on.

Rx-8=4 door, 4 seat grand touring car. Different name for a different genre of car. Still a fabulous car in my opinion, but a different kind of car. And if Mazda ever releases a new 7, I'm going to have a hell of a personal battle deciding which one I want. But they will call it a 7. Hmm.... New 8, or new 7..........


Chops

RX-Hachi

According to a book on the RX-7's history, only the old Mazda insiders know for sure why RX-6 was skipped. But the author of the book, Brian Long, speculates it was to distance the RX-7 from the less than popular RX-5. My own theory is maybe because the 626 was already in the works and RX-6 would have been too similar. Or maybe RX-6 didn't test well with market research and RX-7 just sounds much better.

Cam

iTrader: (1)

Everyone is going to think youre a cat lover or something.:D

Chrisbert

A Mazda 3 with 256 HP "below 7 seconds"? I'd say well below 7 seconds; basement level.

Styjan

I read in Mazda Rx-7 (Sports Car Color History) that Mazda thought RX-6 was awkward to pronounce with the x & 6 so close together.

MrJynx

rx-6 = rx-sex .. that makes a lot of sense why they skipped the 6, ppl have accents


MrJynx

DARKMAZ8

What about rx 11...

Ellar

...or that the payments are killing him...

DARKMAZ8

or that I am invincible :D

ZoomZoomH

iTrader: (1)

*puts my bet money down on return of 'RX-7' name*

too much legacy (read $$$$$$$$) to NOT use this great name

ZoomZoomH

iTrader: (1)

trivia question: when was the last time Mazda had more than 1 rotary car in US market??

dos

My cousin's friends dad who know's a janitor at Mazda headquarters said that the next roatary powered 2 door high performance car will be called the RX-Siete. To honor all of us hardworking Mexican-Americans.

I always hate to hear these rumors from someone who know's someone, who met a guy at Mazda and said ___________.

RX-Hachi

That makes sense. Especially for the Japanese. You know they call the RX-7, rx "seven" using English, instead of using the Japanese word for seven, "nana or shichi". So the Japanese would have said RX-6 something like "aru ekusu shikusu". Doesn't exactly roll off your tongue.

Silver04RX8

Good Point! Its all about the marketing.

larazaunida

Orale, its about time we get recognized! Is it going to be available only to latin countries? Are they going to make certain changes for Mexico?? How well does he know this janitor? Do you think that you can get some information? Thanks alot man!

Mazmart

iTrader: (12)

^^ That's funny! ^^
Styjan and RX-Hachi are correct by the way. RX-6 was going to be akward to pronounce for the Japanese.

Styjan

1977 Rotary Truck, RX-4, RX-3
1978 RX-3, RX-4 & RX-7

ZoomZoomH

iTrader: (1)

^so you see, having TWO (or more!) rotary cars in the Mazda lineup is nothing new.

I think with 2 models of rotary cars, Mazda will actually INCREASE marketshare rather than the 2 rotary brothers eating away each other's customer base.

zoom44

styjan's back WOOT!. he use to be a regular and now just pops in once in awhile when you least expect him:D

Styjan

Hey Zoom! I'm always watching, just not posting.

zoom44

i still thinkits going to end up looking like one of your chops. the 7 i mean.

Styjan

I'm hoping we see something in Tokyo this fall. If not, it wont be for a long time and then I will have to break down and get an RX-8.