RIWWP

iTrader: (2)

Agreed Ash, I don't think the RX-8 is expensive for what you get at all. But IF the RX-8 actually shared chassis dimensions with the NC, it WOULD have been cheaper. Possibly closer to the NC's starting price of $21k USD rather than $25k USD (starting). About a 15% drop?

If Mazda continues as they suggested and makes the FF(?) even more heavily based on the ND, then there is even more savings there. However, offset by higher R+D, higher compliance, higher inflation, higher yen, etc...


I guess just pointing out that an even smaller rotary powered sports car (than the 8) should be some order of cheaper than a larger one, though actually "cheaper" will have to depend on financial numbers in the end.

ASH8

Actually when you know what parts are the same same in dimension you would be surprised at just what is the same between the NC and FE.

Do you want to know...

Front Suspension..
Upper and Lower 'A' arms have identical mounting dimensions, very minor changes in alloy, the 8 is slightly stronger in joints, Ball Joints and threads are identical, either will fit.
All bolts, nuts and adjusters are the same.
Front Sway Bar and Drop links..identical dimensions, RX-8 is just thicker Sway.

Rear Suspension..
So far my investigations show that all 4 top Link Arms have identical joints and length, the only difference is the 'wrist' of the Ball Joint is thicker for the RX-8, all mounting bolts are the exact same in rear and front as is the thread/length on Ball Joints...I am almost certain most of the rear lower Link Arms are also the same.
Rear Sway Bars and drop Links are identical, again only the thickness of Sway.

Rear Diff Hanger...
The alloy side of it are slightly different, but, 4 Diff mounting bolts are identical locations and the 2 actual end Bushes to Sub Frame are the same and in exact same positions... the NC hanger actually has more alloy in it than the RX-8 unit..I call this as either one will also fit...but not 100%.

RIWWP

iTrader: (2)

Certainly! I investigated a bunch of that when I was contemplating a Renesis swap into a Miata.

There is still quite a bit that isn't shared that is still part of the chassis, and even drivetrain, that could if they were the same dimensions. More like how the Mazda3 and the Mazda5 share quite a bit. Far more than the NC shares with the FE. Lots of room for cost savings there if they actually used the same chassis. Give the rotary one a fixed hard top and some different body panels to keep people from thinking it's a Miata that don't want their Miata 'tainted', even if those of us that know better grin smuggly and take it to the bank.

ASH8

I thought you were trying to put a RENESIS in an NB?

But yeah, Mazda lost a real opportunity with the NC and not putting a RE in it.

RIWWP

iTrader: (2)

I was. But I explored the viability and cons/pros for each of the 3 series. NA got ruled out as it was more difficult than the NB, NC had to get ruled out because of chassis cost at the time.

And then life kept getting in the way.