HiFlite999

iTrader: (2)

"Mazda also is planning to announce "a major leap forward in racing technology" that will be available to Mazda customers."

http://www.freep.com/article/2012060...014/business01

RIWWP

iTrader: (2)

Yup, this has been under discussion for the last 2 weeks, when it was announced at the NJ Grand-Am race that there was going to be a Mazda announcement this coming weekend at the Detroit Belle Isle race weekend about the future of Mazda in the sport. Coupled with this has been Speedsource's hints being dropped about a "unique engine package" for next year, and Grand-Am's addition of a GX class that uses alternative fuels, turbos, and/or hybrids. The MNAO head guy also announced a few weeks ago that they have additional stuff headed to the track.

The theory is that Mazda is taking their SkyActive turbo diesel to the track, and will be initially used in the RX-8 chassis starting next year.

The hope is that it's rotary news.

MariesRX8

Mazda to develop diesel racing engines for Grand-Am series

http://www.freep.com/article/20120601/BUSINESS0104/120601052/Mazda-develop-diesel-racing-engines-Grand-Am-series?odyssey=nav|head

RIWWP

iTrader: (2)

Whelp, there we go.


I guess Speedsource just has plans to run the engine? Their talk didn't really sound like that, but it could be an interpretation.

MariesRX8

http://www.racer.com/mazda-announces...rticle/243957/

RIWWP

iTrader: (2)

Thanks for the new link. I am saddened and excited at the same time.

I want that diesel CX-5 for my daily, and it's lovely confirmation that it is indeed on it's way to the US, and I am happy to see it being raced in a class that I heartily approve of.

But, the series is dimmed by the loss of that wonderful sound.

BJP

iTrader: (2)

yeah, the series (to me at least) wont be the same without the rotaries. It's cool that Grand-Am added another class to it's lineup.

ASH8

Where does it say the SA Diesels will go into RX-8's for racing....IMO that would be silly, and I can not see MMC approving such a move.

I will go for the all new Mazda 6.

nycgps

iTrader: (1)

saw the pics of the SA-D Engine on FB yesterday.

That's what SpeedSource has been talking about, some parts of the engine has SpeedSource Logo on it.

ok, where is the CX-5 Diesel ?

RIWWP

iTrader: (2)

I made that comment before the 2nd article was linked where it actually said that the model is unannounced. Though it's just a tube frame chassis anyway, so....

Spin9k

I could use a 3-400hp Mazda. So sign me up, say make it a detuned version, call it a DX-8 with 300hp / 360ft-lb torque!

monchie

I keep hearing about this Grand-Am story. What's up with that.

RIWWP

iTrader: (2)

Comprehensive reading would provide that answer.

ASH8

No problem...

I just cannot see Japan permitting the RX-8 to be transplanted and then promoted.
If they did it would say more to me about the future if their Rotary Engine.

MariesRX8

It's beginning to sound like this new Diesel is going to replace the rotary as Mazda's alternative-engine brand identity.

77mjd

I wonder what the odds are of the new Mazda 6 coming in coupe form? A skyactive diesel would go nicely with that.

Bladecutter

I thought that I had read on here that Mazda wasn't planning on making a 2 door coupe version of the 6, but it would allow them to compete with the Altima and Accord 2 doors.

I would assume to allow them to save money, they probably wouldn't bother with it. Such a small market, the 2 door family car, not really worth it for a car company trying to get further away from the brink of failing.

Better off making a stand alone chassis replacement for the RX-8 than trying to make a 2 door version of the 6 profitable, in my opinion. Might be interesting to know what the size of that market for 2 door versions of the mid/full-size car market is. Just a wild guess on my part, with no facts behind it, I would say its about 25k to 50k cars a year, if even.

BC.

RIWWP

iTrader: (2)

Mazda isn't "on the brink of failing". Just the yen vs dollar is not in their favor and that alone is costing them money. The moved to the 2nd largest manufacturer in Australia, their sales are constantly posting double digit increases over LY with regular sales records. Their recent stock sale was oversold by a factor of 8. Investors believe in them and opened their wallets to prove it.

No, Mazda isn't failing. It just has a problem with currency conversion for cars shipped to countries with a weakening currency vs their strengthening one. And once their Mexico plant opens, much of that will be mitigated.

rotarygod

I figured they wouldn't announce a new rotary race engine and as such was hoping that we'd get a diesel race engine. I got my wish! I'm excited about this and can't wait to see what it can do. Do I wish there was still a rotary out there? Yup. But I knew it wouldn't happen right now.

RIWWP

iTrader: (2)

You were right.


(I said I'd post it )

rotarygod

I'm a bit disappointed to be of course but I consider the diesel to be a good consolation prize.

MattMPS

this operation could be named... "Let's push with racing what we want to sell in high numbers in an almost virgin market."

brilliantblackrx8

Will Mazda continue support for Mazda RX-8 teams in 2013?

A14: Our support for RX-8 teams will not end after the conclusion of the 2012 Grand-Am season. We will add technical support for all SKYACTIV-D customers starting in 2013. Meanwhile, Mazda will also continue to pay contingency for teams racing RX-8's in 2013.

This may be a clue, but who knows if it will be used in the 8.

ASH8

/\ I think you will find there are supply contracts to fill, remember the RX-8 was scheduled to finish in 2013.

IMO 2013 will be it's last racing year.

sblethen

iTrader: (3)

I bet the rotary is still raced by someone for multiple years. They are good until 2015 to race with Grand-AM. I bet they are raced based just on the fact that the cars exist, they are legal, and people want to race!

For more rules click below.

http://www.grand-am.com/portals/0/gr...2012GT-GCR.pdf


Stephen