Thanks, that's a great link. I didn't realize that the RX-3 and RX-4 coexisted in the US market together for several years.

 

A lot of people don't know about the rotary's amazing past before the RX-7 which is a shame since there were some very excellent models and a lot of history there.

 

I am a bit late getting to this thread and I read a lot, but not all, so if I repeat anyone's thoughts I apologize.
What I would like is simply for Mazda to expand the rotary line. I would like another purpose built, lightweight, two seat, gorgeous looking car. I would like a convertable version of either that car or the 8, and I would like a entry level car sporting a lower power rotary that could compete with the subcompacts. I think asking for a luxury car is probably asking much, and I don't think anyone needs anymore rotary pickups.
As far as naming these cars, I think previously used names should be retired. The rx7 is part of the past (as is the Rx3), make the new successor to that car the Rx-9--to show a move forward, and as far as the entry level model, maybe give it a more traditional name. Not every car that had a rotary was an RX--see the Cosmos.

 

Don't forget the REPU. Mmm. Torquey 13B...

 

I love a torquey 13B, my 7 dynoed at 280lbs/ft (I forget the rpms) and it feels great. Now give us a torquey NA 13B (or larger displacement).

 

I know this isn't a Toyota forum, but are you sure the Supra isn't coming?

Check the link, there's 2 pictures, then tell me what you think.

http://forums.lakersground.net/viewt...75&forum=19&14

http://img95.exs.cx/img95/8100/mk5_4.jpg

http://img95.exs.cx/img95/6425/mk5_5.jpg

http://supraforums.com/forum/showthr...&pagenumber=22

 

That's Toyota's supercar concept, meant to compete with ultra supercars like Ferrari Enzo, Ford GT, Porsche Carrera GT and possibly Honda's NSX replacement (if they ever make it). I don't believe it to be the next Supra, if it makes it to production it will be positioned in the stratospheric league. On the other hand, with the success of the RX-8 and 350Z, Toyota's got to be thinking about a Supra as well.

 

Oh yes it is coming you are right! It may be called TXS according to Autoweek magazine October 18, 2004 issue. 500hp 370lb-ft V10 3000 pounds and runs to 190 mph!!! Only 12,000 being made at a wopping price tag of $100,000.00!!???
Nice and all but for a toyota, you could spend your $100,000.00 on 3 rotor conversion and maybe run over 700hp. I see why they will only make 12,000 of them... because most of the population (middle class) won't be able to afford the vehicle.

 

The October 20, 2004 "Car Connection" has this spy shot and article on the upcoming new MX-5 "Miata". What is interesting is that they assert that a rotary engine will be optional.

Link below:

Thanks.

http://thecarconnection.com/index.as...&sid=178&n=158

 

People said that a 100k Ford wouldn't sell, but look at the GT.

You could use that logic to say that we should all be driving used civics with 20k done in mods that would have way more hp than the rx8. Some people probably spent close to 100k including mods on a Supra, so there is a 100k toyota.

I am for one glad to see more performance cars from any company, and Toyota is known for good engineering.

 

I see your point and your right Toyota does have good engineering, but I think if I had $100,000.00 to spend it wouldn't be on a Supra.

 

I can understand that, as there will only be 12k per year made. I am hoping that Toyota can use this as an opportunity to develop some advancement that they could put in a mid priced car. It would be great if they could come out with a $30k mid-engine sports car.

 

If they came out with an affordable supra version not that most people including myself wouldn't end up dumping 15-30k in mods anyway. But it still would be nice to see toyota come out with something other than the spyder.

 

The Celica & MR-2 are going bye-bye. I think 2005 is the last year.

Autoweek article

 

Bring back the Supra!! I know it's not going to happen.

EDIT: I'm wondering what they're going to replace that large gap with...

I heard the Toyota Volta was a go, but thats in the 90k range.

 

the Scion tC replaces the Celica and mr2

 

awww....thats sad.

 

Wow, that is sad that the MR2 is going bye bye, I think the 2nd gen turbo was the best, IMHO.

I must say this thread is the most and quite possibly best future mazda thread I have read in a while with a lot of good input and theories. The fact that Mazda is at full production on the rotary engine is a very good sign for us enthusiasts, it means they are selling. I am currently one of the many waitng for an RX-7 (or to pay off my car and get an 8) The news of the Miata being rotar powered is nice to hear, I think Mazda could call it the RX-5 Miata, designating it as a rotary miata. I would enjoy a convertible rotary actually, the photochopped RX-8 vert was pretty nice looking IMO. There are a few miata owners that I Auto-x with that would love more power, one has the flying miata kit, others are researching the kits to put a 13b in it. My Opinion is that the next Miata WILL have a rotary option which will open the door for the rotary, forgive me but here is my theory, and no you can't have any that I am smokin LOL:

- Spy shots show a convertible RX-8/MX-5 test mule with sutt (sp?) on the back indicating possible rotary power
- RX-8, RX-7, MX-5 and whatever other sports iteration is suppossed to share the same chassis design, lowering costs and what not.
- Current RX-8 enthusiasts want more power and a 2 seater sports car where RX-7 hole is
- Current Miata owners want a more powerful car that is still fun to drive. (witnesses on miata boards, the many swaps with older rotaries, V6's, V8's, and turbo kits and my fellow Auto-xer's)
- RX-8 and Renesis has created a HUGE renewed interest for the Wankel engine, making Mazda's engine facility producing them at full tilt.

With all that combined, I could see mazda testing the waters with a limited edition (ala MS RX-5) Miata with a rotary powerplant to gauge feasibility of the rotary engine in vehicles other than the 8, such as the RX-3, RX-7, RX-9 as well as how many people would by a 2 seat rotary now. This in turn would help Mazda (and ford) gauge projected production numbers of the engine and possibly the need for a new plant. If warranted, they could expand to ramp up production of the Renesis engine to meet demand for reman 13b's and the new MS RX-5 as well as allow the RX-3 and RX-7 projects to coem off the shelf and no longer be skunkworks.

Anyway, thats my theory on it. Soooo, if you didn't follow, I do believe the miata would have the renesis as an option, which would help the viability for the RX-7, RX-9 and RX-3.

[edit- Ooops, had to edit my clippings out.]

 

The same comment was made in the 2nd Gen Yamaguchi Book.

 

OK, I am an ex Miata owner, I sold my 97 Miata before I bought my 8 a few weeks ago. I would hate to see a rotary engine in the Miata, it goes against everything the Miata is supposed to be. First of I, and a lot of other Miata owners never complained about the car's supposed lack of power, the Miata has plenty of power for what it is and what it is supposed to do. The Miata was created as an updated version of the classic Brittish roadster, ever driven a MGB or a TR6? Heck ever driven a Lotus Elan? None of these cars were terribly powerful by todays standards, but they were an absolute blast in the twisties, so is the Miata, if anything it might be more fun than the old Brittish roadsters (if for no other reason than you can be pretty sure it will start every time you turn the key). I hope Mazda NEVER turns the Miata, in its normal configuration, into a high powered beast.

Now you may be wondering why, if I feel this way about Miatas, I bought an 8. Out of everything I drove that had a back seat and somethign resembling a trunk (things that have recently become important to me) the 8 handled the best. Plain and simple. The fact that it has a rotary engine didn't mean much to me, I mean I knew a little about roatries and had always admired the 1st and 3rd generation RX-7's (sorry, the 2nd generations 7's were damn ugly in my opinion) but the fact that it didn't have any pistons never came into my buying decision. I wanted a great handling car that my elderly father could get into and out of with relative ease. The 8 fit the bill.

 

Easy, I am sure that Mazda will still offer a piston engine for the Miata. It seems most people think that there will be a small sports car on the Miata/RX8 platform with a rotary engine available. I would love to see that, some competition for the Elise.

 

If Mazda put a rotary in the Miata it wouldn't necessarily go againts the car's design philosophy. The motor wouldn't have to be high hp or do anything to ruin the balanced performance. The rotary could, however, help the car handle even better buy making the car lighter and it could allow designers more freedom with the fornt end of the car since the rotary is alittle smaller than a 4 cylinder.

 

mazda didn't want to put a 13B in the original miata because of cost considerations, that it would make the car too expensive. now over the years miata price crept up, so that now the most expensive miata costs about the same as the base RX-8. but the roadster market is different now, too. there are so many and most of 'em have real high performance. i personally prefer the new miata to stick to the original spirit, cheap, light, fun, which i'm sure will be the case. but i also would love for them to have a flagship version that's comparable to the s2000, that means with a RENESIS. it'd be more expensive, low-volume, and quite a little screamer, and super awesome. just think, mazda'd have two serious rwd sports cars in their lineup. that'd be sweet

 

Yeah, split the model range. The base Miata needs to be cut in price about $4-5k while the next MS edition should be around $30k and get a more serious boost in power, handling, and more dramatic exterior tweaks over the base model compared to the current MS edition. That way the car would be more affordable again for those looking to buy a new sports car on a budget, while those seeking a serious roadster to battle the z4, s2000, ect. would get their wishes as well.

 

I think the RX8 is just fine with it's 2+2 seating and 2++ doors. Mazda made the change because they could not sell RX-7's no more. The car became to pricey and unpractical for most buyers...I guess.

They are really making good sales with the 8 so I don't think they will see a reason to change that.

With that said, I always wanted a RX-7 and I never had the joy of getting one. The car STILL looks great till this day.