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RenoIV 04-26-2007 05:14 PM

RX-7 RX-8 in June Road & Track
 
On the cover of the June Road & Track: "+2009 & Beyond: Revamped Mazda RX-7"
the short article:

"Mazda RX-7
Our radar recently picked up some unusual activity in Hiroshima, Japan. We took a closer look and discovered that the boys at Mazda are quietly drawing up the plans for a new RX-7. That Mazda needs a new halo sports car is obvious. Sales of the RX-8 have been down, and although the MX-5 is sporty and popular, the burden of carrying the company's high-performance load is just too heavy for its narrow shoulders. The ace in Mazda's sleeve is the RX-7, a car once touted as the purest, most exhilarating sports car in the world. And the time has finally come for it to rise from its ashes.
It's still so early in the game that we know very little about this car. Our sources tell us that it has not yet been given a code name, like J61A (the Mazda6). The main challenge facing Mazda engineers is what to do with the powerplant. Reports indicate they're working around the clock to improve the output of the RX-8's 13B Renesis rotary, but a number of major obstacles still lie ahead. Some form of forced induction is probable, and could very well be an electric-motor-assist turbocharger.
This technology was first seen in the Mazda RX-8 Hybrid at the 2003 Tokyo Motor Show. At low rpm, an electric motor assists the turbocharger to increase induction efficiency. At high rpm, the turbocharger operates in traditional fashion, by the exhaust gas alone. This enables lean combustion and excellent power at all engine speeds, as well as cleaner emissions at low revs. A hybrid system, like that used by Honda, has also been rumored.
The Next RX-7 will be built on the MX-5/RX-8 platform, and the styling will be based on the Kabura show car that graced our April 2006 cover. We predicted then that this was the foundation for a new RX-7--the designer himself admitted that despite the Kabura's 2.0-liter inline-4, he designed it so it could hold the 13B rotary. So the possibility of the next RX-7 becoming a 2+2 is very high. If so, what happens to the RX-8? Well, we'll know by 2010 because that's when the RX-7 is scheduled to make its debut."

At the top is a drawing of a new RX-7 with the styling based on the Kabura show car.

Perhaps, someone could add the drawing to the thread, as I don't have a scanner.

steven000e 04-26-2007 05:53 PM

Nonsense
The RX7 is history, great car, but I don’t think Mazda will bring it back.
The RX8 might survive although if something isn’t done to engine and fuel performance, I don’t see a bright future to the Rx8.
Now what Mazda might do is (to me is more logical). They will bring a complete new vehicle to the RX series.
Now hopefully it has style, better rotary performance, and more important keeping it affordable to the general public.

That’s my opinion.

RoXanneBlack8 04-26-2007 06:43 PM

i dont think the rx7 should ever come back. let it die back in the age of real sports cars, back when it was great and the cars it competed against were also great.

i think they should just continue on with a 2nd gen rx8. toyota will soon unveil a supra and itll be a flop bc ppl but the old one on such high esteem that the new oen will neevr reach. same will be for the rx7.

just look at the new sti, subie's one year of horrible sales and mazda will learn their lesson thru subie and not even worry about it.

continue on with the rotary development fellas, ill be in line in 2010 to get one, just make sure the number 7 isnt on the decklid when ur done.........

Nopstnz 04-26-2007 06:56 PM

^ I agree. They need to let the rx7 go. It had its run and its over. I sure am sad I missed it though..

NAVILESRX8 04-26-2007 07:44 PM

I wish Mazda did like Ferrari and always have a different model name or number. Cosmo was the first and it was really early, so it could be just Cosmo, but from then on it should have gone, RX1(R100), RX2, RX3, RX4, RX5, RX6(1st gen RX7), RX7(FC), RX8(FD), RX9(current RX8)...and so on.

Icemark 04-26-2007 10:40 PM

Actually Mazda registered the name RX-9 late last year as a Trademarked name as well as re-registered RX-3

brillo 04-26-2007 10:45 PM

I disagree that the RX7 can't come back. Bring the car back to its roots, a light weight, great handling sports car that is cheap. Make it light enough, you don't need 300hp. you drop some version of the renesis in a 2500lb car, it will hang with nearly anything on the road, including in a straight line. especially if its lightly boosted. I don't care if the FD on paper is slightly faster than the "FE", the FD as great as it was a mess.

Take a hint from Lotus on performance engineering, b/c they figured it out along time ago.

j_tso 04-26-2007 11:31 PM

^I agree. The original RX-7 was a light weight, fun to drive, sports car for everybody. "An enthusiast's dream come true" as R&T said back in the day.

Light engine + light car = affordable Lotus rival.

And funny thing about the numerical names: the FC3S was originally going to be the RX-8, but much good publicity was around the name RX-7, Mazda just stuck to it. And rumor has it RX-7 was chosen instead of RX-6 because the RX-5 tanked and they wanted to separate them a bit so consumers won't think they're related models.

brillo 04-27-2007 09:03 AM

its a very simple formula for sucess, that I have communicated to MNAO at several levels.

Make the RX7 cheap, light and fast. Sub 30K so it sells well. Then offer a MS package or upgrades if you really want the factory backed boost. break it up, so you don't price your self outta the market and you can really make the enthusiasts put up or shutup.

its simple and I would work. Not to mention, fuel economy goes up the lighter your car is.

playdoh43 04-27-2007 09:16 AM

interesting, judging by the technologies, sounds like its going to be priced in the corvette range

llzjayarzll 04-27-2007 10:05 AM

definetly no future rx7. most likely a good successor tho. but it wont bear the rx7 name.

DailyDriver2k5 04-27-2007 12:00 PM

I have a better idea for Mazda....

Why not make a two door Mazda RX-8 along with our current RX-8, this way the purist won't get upset that the new RX-7 doesn't live up to the old ,the RX-8 enthusiast will have two options of getting a RX-8 ,one with our current setup or they can spring for the two door RX-8.

Cut the production by half on the RX-8 sell half in our current configuration and sell the other half as a two door rotary sports car.

Also leave Mazdaspeed in the equation fo those that one to modify there rotary as desired.

I personally would love to see a new rotary wearing a "RX-7" badge, but you know the minute it doesn't pull the typical "mag racer" timesof the old 3rd gen RX-7, a bunch of whining and complaining will start and the RX-7 will be another beautiful car that doesn't get the proper appreciation and sales will tank once again for Mazda. So yes Mazda let the RX-7 name die in honor unless your going to make a borderline race rotary machine for the whiners.

6speedRenesis 04-27-2007 12:36 PM

or why not just put out an FI edition of the RX8, let the rx7 hold it's nastalgic position in time, insted of driving the heriatage of a specific model into the ground like the mustang.

and there was an Rx9 a long time ago :

Scroll about half way down

rotary crazy 04-27-2007 01:06 PM

my opinion:

-second gen rx-8 (same setup as today, more power, more criature confords)

-light weight rotary ( same engine in the rx-8 second gen but a 2600lbs true sports car) you can call it rx-7, but you have to make 2 models base and a performance version

mazda should stop looking at the performance version as a money making model and see it as a PR model for the base

brillo 04-27-2007 01:40 PM


Originally Posted by DailyDriver2k5
I have a better idea for Mazda....

Why not make a two door Mazda RX-8 along with our current RX-8, this way the purist won't get upset that the new RX-7 doesn't live up to the old ,the RX-8 enthusiast will have two options of getting a RX-8 ,one with our current setup or they can spring for the two door RX-8.

Cut the production by half on the RX-8 sell half in our current configuration and sell the other half as a two door rotary sports car.

Also leave Mazdaspeed in the equation fo those that one to modify there rotary as desired.

I personally would love to see a new rotary wearing a "RX-7" badge, but you know the minute it doesn't pull the typical "mag racer" timesof the old 3rd gen RX-7, a bunch of whining and complaining will start and the RX-7 will be another beautiful car that doesn't get the proper appreciation and sales will tank once again for Mazda. So yes Mazda let the RX-7 name die in honor unless your going to make a borderline race rotary machine for the whiners.

whats wrong with a less powerful base car and then a set of MazdaSpeed parts that would boost you to the "FD" ? Doesn't that cover both bases as well as Mazda's ass?

nolanrob123 04-27-2007 01:59 PM

I don't think that you could get many more creature comforts without turning it into a Cadillac. It feels great to me compared to many other sports cars out there.

MazdaMonkey 04-27-2007 02:02 PM


Originally Posted by rotary crazy
my opinion:

-second gen rx-8 (same setup as today, more power, more criature confords)

-light weight rotary ( same engine in the rx-8 second gen but a 2600lbs true sports car) you can call it rx-7, but you have to make 2 models base and a performance version

mazda should stop looking at the performance version as a money making model and see it as a PR model for the base

I agree. It’s one thing to make a halo car, its another to make a profit based on selling it (not including the halo effect on other models). There is no way Mazda will make another $45k sports car again anytime soon. IF they made a modern RX-7 it would be cheaper and simpler than the FD and probably priced around the same as the current RX-8 (and unless it is a 2-seater, I can’t see them switching back to the RX-7 nameplate from RX-8).

But, right now MNAO is focusing its energy on the BBPs (3,6,7,9) because that is where the money is in today’s market.

hogcar 04-27-2007 02:20 PM


Originally Posted by Icemark
Actually Mazda registered the name RX-9 late last year as a Trademarked name as well as re-registered RX-3

A modern version of the RX3 ????? Might happen. I would get one or two!!

RX7Matt 04-27-2007 02:51 PM

Maybe the 2nd gen RX8 will be like the 2nd Gen RX7 with turbo and n/a versions. Instead of having a convertible version, they could have a 2 door version. I remember back in the 80s, they had turbo, convertible, 2+2 versions. Only in '93+ did they only stick with one layout.

Matt

Aipex8 04-27-2007 03:08 PM

Personally, I don't think there's any good reason to let the RX-7 name die like a lot of you are suggesting. Nissan was able to resurect the Z and it's selling like hotcakes. All 3 gens of RX-7 have huge followings, and they had varying philosophies (1st gen: light, simple, cheap. 2nd gen: options; N/A, vert, turbo. 3rd gen: All out turbo, expensive).

With a new RX-7 you could easily do a N/A version with the new 2010 renesis which should have more HP than the current, dropping that in a lighter car than the RX-8 should make a pretty capable car for the base model. Then, if more performance is needed for the 7's image, add some boost for a Mazdaspeed version.

What I wouldn't want to see though is a 4 person RX-7. If they want to keep the 4 person sports car then keep the name RX-8 (whether it actually has 4 doors or not). I think that should be the distinction between the two. RX-7: 2 door, 2 seat dedicated sports car. RX-8: practical, 4 seat family sports car. If they don't think they can make money selling both at the same time, do a run of 4th gen RX-7s, then in 2016/17 bring out the 2nd gen RX-8 and shelve the RX-7 for a bit.

MazdaMonkey 04-27-2007 03:19 PM

For those who love light weight sports cars (BRILLO - this means you)
http://www.sportcompactcarweb.com/fe...tance_program/

MadRonin 04-27-2007 03:27 PM

I would love to see another RX-7. Something light weight with two seats, gobs of power and torque and handling like no one's business. But Mazda has to get the quality under control with these cars. In this day and age there is no excuse for a $30k+ car to rattle worse than my father's 1987 Dodge pickup.

I think Mazda should make the next 8 a true 4-door with a bigger rotary engine to accomodate the added weight. Give it electric motor assist and call it a hybrid, whatever. Then re-introduce the 7 as a balls to the wall, no apologies necessary, monster of a sports car. State from the get go that this is for enthusiasts and whiners need not apply.

firecran 04-27-2007 03:37 PM


Originally Posted by Aipex8
Personally, I don't think there's any good reason to let the RX-7 name die like a lot of you are suggesting. Nissan was able to resurect the Z and it's selling like hotcakes. All 3 gens of RX-7 have huge followings, and they had varying philosophies (1st gen: light, simple, cheap. 2nd gen: options; N/A, vert, turbo. 3rd gen: All out turbo, expensive).


I would like to see Mazda make the next RX-7 with a N/A 300hp rotary, 2 seats, and under 2600-2700lbs. That would cost about 26-28K.

Stavesacre21 04-27-2007 04:44 PM

I just read this in the new issue of R&T. Sounds to me like their trying too hard to play the 7 as their high card...especially with the chance of making it a 2+2!

Apparently Mazda really does think that a black cloud of negative energy does surround the 8...otherwise i'd think there is no reason whatsoever to try and simply make the new 7's platform, engine and seating identical to the 8, and then cut the rear doors and call it an RX-7.

The article certainly did end with a somewhat less-than optistic outlook for the 8. Comes as a surprise, especially when it's still seemingly ranking high in mag comparisons, FOUR years after it's unchanged release. Everyone's turning blue in the face with MORE POWER comments, and it almost seems like their gonna dump the whole car as if it was a complete failure through-and-through.

I know most don't care about a discontinued status, but i'd hate to think that the 8's demise is a rediculously redesigned RX-7 that looks to almost drag the 7's beautiful name through the mud. I for one even thought the sketched image looked horrific.

canaryrx8 04-27-2007 06:26 PM

I don't care how they do it, just as long as the next "7" doesn't shame the name and is clearly purposed and defined. The 8 confuses a lot of people as it wasn't clearly defined in the beginning, nor is it today. (I mean the average person, not the obsesses lunatics like you and I that follow this car etc) )People see "RX" in front of it and immediately assume it to be the FD's sucessor, when Mazda clearly stated back in the concept days that this car was NOT to replace the 7 (perhaps another indication something bigger/better is down the road even way back then) so whatever they do, if they bring back another "7" then it better be amazing, or it will just be a huge waste of time and $.

Clavius 04-27-2007 06:57 PM

Was curious when another one of these threads would pop up! Thing is that the Rx-7 is a legend in most peoples eyes especialy the FD's. Just imagine if they released a "new" Rx-7 but it wasnt up to well "your standards", you'd all be on here bitching and moaning about it. How they insulted the heritage of the 7 and how they ruined the best car that Mazda ever made. We'll see exactly what happened to Pontiac with the GTO happen to Mazda. I'd rather not see that and I'm sure Mazda doesnt either. I bet in some board room meeting as the Rx-8 was being planned a few people said "Why not just call it a Rx-7" but they knew it wouldnt work in the long run.

I'd rather just see a second gen Rx-8 possibly lighter and for the hell of it make if a full fledge 2 door coupe. I highly doubt that Mazda is gonna ditch the Rx-8 with only one generation made considering that it does have a following (this board has how many members?), that and didnt Mazda make this frame themselves so they'd be losing out on some R&D money wouldnt they?? thats just my 2 cents had to say it lata ;)

Easy_E1 04-27-2007 06:59 PM

We can all sit and hope and speculate and wish. I would like to see both the RX-8 and RX-7 on the market in 2010. More power for the RX-8 and a well handling, speed demon in the RX-7.
So I'll be waiting to see. Time will tell.

RoXanneBlack8 04-27-2007 07:53 PM

fyi, if nissan called the current Z the 300zx, it would sell just as good as the new gto. they named it 350z for a reason.....(not only bc of the engine size fellas...) but to differentiate the two cars....
EVO X in an automatic
cruel intentions 2
Lotus elise with a stereo
GTO
dumb and dumber 2
bring it on again
08 wrx


all things that should not have been made but were anyway bc a couple of important ppl decided they should bring it back bc the originals were so good....see the damage it caused?!!



i couldnt agree with the last paragraph in clavius' post any more than i do. hes dead on. the expectations for the next 7 are so high, theres no way that mazda, or any company, could do it. think about it.....itd have to be fast as hell, handle like it was on rails, and be the sexiest thing outta japan.....thats a lot of work and thats a lot on the shoulders of the people at mazda.

the amount of money that it would take to achieve that is unreal.

the kabura should be the next rx-3....should be a lightweight and detuned RENESIS and cost 20k. add direct injection to both the rx8 and the rx3 and the lack of grunt in the rx3 will mkae the new added grunt in the next rx8 look even more appealing. the rx7 is gone, and since it was so great, let it stay gone....

let mazda bring back the return of affordable rwd coupes, not the next sacrilege to rotary history....

shaunv74 04-27-2007 08:14 PM

Not sure why you think all that?^^

The last RX-7 was underpowered relative to it's competition and was a demon because of it's light weight. Same with the 1st generation. The 2nd gen. was a bit heavier and never was a power beast out of the box either. If they stick with the light weight theory and put a sexy body on it 2 seater or 2+2 it will be a great upholder of the RX-7 name. The FD was around $30K new. The RX8 is around $30K new. They could do a base model RX7 N/A at around $30K and have the screamer electric assist turbo around $35-$37K and do really well with it. Throw in the RX8 as the 4 door 4 seat NA model and you have a hell of a little Rotary family.:) The other option is the miata chassis rotary power. Then your into the 2 seater 2500-2700lb range. You'd only need 275 real HP and about 200ftlbs of torque to make that a supercar.

I can't wait for the new rotary Rx7! Bring it on!

RoXanneBlack8 04-27-2007 08:39 PM


Originally Posted by shaunv74
Not sure why you think all that?^^

The last RX-7 was underpowered relative to it's competition and was a demon because of it's light weight. The other option is the miata chassis rotary power.
I can't wait for the new rotary Rx7! Bring it on!

it was underpowered, but it was still fast against its comparo's.


the new miata IS built off the rx8 platform...

PLEASE MAZDA



NO



R





X







7



!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

shaunv74 04-27-2007 08:49 PM

^^yes I know the miata is based of the 8 platform. That's why I suggested a rotary 2 seater in that chassis. it's smaller but the same platform.

tmak26b 04-27-2007 09:08 PM

I would trade my Z in for a RX-7 if it comes with a sex body, handles like a RX-8, with an extra 100hp, even more fun to drive. I would sign up for it. Miata is just plain slow

John Corbitt 04-27-2007 09:12 PM

I would love to see the next rotary as a true mid engine. Use the RX-8 platform, but instead of back seats, put the 1.6l rotary engine there. I would like to see the lines lowered in the back to look more like the FD or an NSX. The front could be used for fuel and cargo, much like the Cayman.

John

playdoh43 04-27-2007 10:15 PM

uhhh, you cant just build a MR car on a FR platform, it dosnt work like that. but a MR rx7 on a brand new platform would be splendid, though it dosnt make much business sense

Spin9k 04-28-2007 12:55 PM

Just give us a 2-seat rotary, call it thingamagig for all I care, and give us a cheap version that anyone can own sorta (like the RX-8 is a bargain) and then give us the Full Monte version El Supremo.

:Freak_ani I would pay significantly more for:

- Lightweight material throughout, not just here and there 2500lb range
- 275-300 RWHP
- REALLY nice electronics pkg intelligent display/gauges/vehicle dynamics data display, memory, PC sw download
- REALLY decent subwoofer and silky high end w/ flexible media center
- Electro-Magnetic coilovers w/program modes
- L.E.D. Everything
- Electro-gradiant solar shield glass
- Nicer seats that hold you in place w/multi-pt belt ready
- ummmmmm -- I would appreciate that - NOW!

The_Bark 04-29-2007 12:04 PM

The artist depiction in the magazine which is based on the Kabura was hideous. I like the Kabura, but would like to see a bit more cues taken from the sketch here, especially on the side with the sweeping "swoosh". Also, while I like the back end for the most part, I really think it needs some type of spoiler to balance it out as it lucks a little "nubbish". One of the reasons I don't like the styling of the 350z as much as an RX-8 is because it's smooth all over, and lacks that bit of character, especially in the tail. The Nismo, however, looks much better with a spoiler because it balances it out a bit... Otherwise, the car is the equivalent of a mongoloid with a big forehead.

http://www.jalopnik.com/cars/concept...pan-146814.php

SayNoToPistons 04-29-2007 11:45 PM


Originally Posted by Spin9k
Just give us a 2-seat rotary, call it thingamagig for all I care, and give us a cheap version that anyone can own sorta (like the RX-8 is a bargain) and then give us the Full Monte version El Supremo.

:Freak_ani I would pay significantly more for:

- Lightweight material throughout, not just here and there 2500lb range
- 275-300 RWHP
- REALLY nice electronics pkg intelligent display/gauges/vehicle dynamics data display, memory, PC sw download
- REALLY decent subwoofer and silky high end w/ flexible media center
- Electro-Magnetic coilovers w/program modes
- L.E.D. Everything
- Electro-gradiant solar shield glass

- Nicer seats that hold you in place w/multi-pt belt ready
- ummmmmm -- I would appreciate that - NOW!

Take away all that because it'll be a freaking heavy rotary version of the G35/G37. Nice, simple, cheap, light, and fast.

Spin9k 04-30-2007 06:53 AM


Originally Posted by SayNoToPistons
Take away all that because it'll be a freaking heavy rotary version of the G35/G37. Nice, simple, cheap, light, and fast.

Electronics weigh very little.... and about the only useless thing there is the stereo stuff. Good luck with that....

Stavesacre21 04-30-2007 08:35 AM

subs are clearly where you get your weight from...adds up in a mighty hurry, not to mention the massive amp you have to have feeding it if you're truely wanting a decent thump. It's all about what your all about...one way or the other.

RenoIV 04-30-2007 09:48 AM

The 8 is a great starting point. Take the 8's platform, shorten it and make a rotary based lightweight 2 seat sports car with superior handling, clearly define it. Price it to sell. To satisfy our enthusiast's desire, whining, need, demands for a "Halo" car make a performance version ... turbo, supercharge, electric assist, larger rotary, I don't care just don't dishonor the RX-7 if you are going to call it a 7.
Continue to develop the 8, it already holds its own essentially unchanged after 4 years from its release. It would fit between the two versions of the new 7 or 9 or 3 whatever it is called.
I just want to continue to drive a sports car with the addictive rotary engine. :D:

tjbourgoyne 04-30-2007 09:50 AM

A compromise between 7 power and 8 praticability is where this thing is going and tagging it a 7 would be just wrong.

Red Devil 04-30-2007 10:04 AM


Originally Posted by tjbourgoyne
A compromise between 7 power and 8 praticability is where this thing is going and tagging it a 7 would be just wrong.

Why? The FD was an anomaly for the series, not the standard.

If Mazda is targeting a way to build the next RX-7, imo, the first generation is the way to go not the third.

steven000e 04-30-2007 10:25 AM

This reminds me back to what happen to the eclipse....
1st gen up till 94 were small, cheap, kind of good looking and fast (GST, GSX)
Then
2nd Gen came along a little more weight but still fast, extremely good looking, I remember everyone that I knew back then just wanted one. (GST, GSX)
The 2nd Gen GSX created such a big impact on its fans that they wanted more...
But what happened?
Then
The 3rd Gen came along ----> POS
And now the 4th Gen another POS

Not saying this will happen to the RX7 but
If something we can learn from history, is that history repeats its self!!
The Rx7 is a great Legend now, remembered for its greatness....
In my opinion Lets keep it that way

8rotor8 04-30-2007 11:22 AM

I think Mazda like Honda doesn't bring back retired models.

Its funny how most of us mainly want more power like the RX-7. But does anyone realize that Mazda didn't do it due to smog and realibity issues. And now with gas @ $4/gal, can we really afford 12mi/gal? Do you really want to buy a 30K car that would last about 75k miles? I don't think mazda would promote a car that would need a rebuild soon after the warrenty is over. I just keep hearing people complaaining about power, I say to them, go FI it yourself and spend the same money Mazda would have added to the sticker price. Stop complaining and just enjoy how the car drives. Sorry I had to rant...

Red Devil 04-30-2007 11:41 AM


Originally Posted by 8rotor8
I think Mazda like Honda doesn't bring back retired models.

Its funny how most of us mainly want more power like the RX-7. But does anyone realize that Mazda didn't do it due to smog and realibity issues....Do you really want to buy a 30K car that would last about 75k miles? I don't think mazda would promote a car that would need a rebuild soon after the warrenty is over. ...Sorry I had to rant...

Not qualified statements, imo.

PhotoMunkey 04-30-2007 11:52 AM

Speaking for me, someday I want to add an MX-5 to my stable, and keep my RX-8. I think new front bumper/nose laws in Europe are going to dictate extremely ugly cars. We're already seeing this in the Toyota Camry, and all of our domestic "world cars".

Take said MX-5 and convert to a full RX-8 engine, transmission, and rear differential, with a custom aluminum driveshaft... Presto! Instant RX-5 for me!

Of course, I'll have to win the lottery first!

RX-Hachi 04-30-2007 01:49 PM

My 2 cents.

If Mazda can give the next RX car the performance credentials to out perform the next Z car and come close to the new GT-R, by all means Mazda should bring back the RX-7 name. Skyline vs. Rotary has been a legendary match up in Japan for years. I don't think Mazda will call the car RX-7 unless it can hold its own.

The Lotus Elise/Exige should be Mazda's target. If they can achieve that blend of performance, I'd gladly shell out $35-$40K for such a car. In order for Mazda to have a "halo" car, a "halo" name is also required. And for me, if I'm going to pay close to $40K for a Mazda, its name better be "RX-7"!

Sephiroth 04-30-2007 04:35 PM

I think the FD was just like it's predecessors...small, light, and fast for its time. The only things that kept it back were it's price and it's poor cooling design. In any case, the FD was not some super high performace monster that Mazda can't develop a successor for at this time. I think it will come back and bring some sense back into the meaning of "a true sports car". If they keep it competitive with it's traditional rivals and others, there is no reason to think the aftermarket will not pick up from there.

lone_wolf025 04-30-2007 07:30 PM

I think they'll keep the 8 around at least for another generation. Doesn't make much sense to introduce a new platform only to ditch it completely after a few years. Also as much as a lot of people complain about the 8's shortcomings, it has done exceptionally well for Mazda sales believe it or not. I suspect they'll keep the 8 as a 2+2 but with another rotary in the lineup that will either match or surpass the performance of the new gen 8.

Icemark 04-30-2007 09:51 PM


Originally Posted by Stavesacre21
I just read this in the new issue of R&T. Sounds to me like their trying too hard to play the 7 as their high card...especially with the chance of making it a 2+2!

Apparently Mazda really does think that a black cloud of negative energy does surround the 8...otherwise i'd think there is no reason whatsoever to try and simply make the new 7's platform, engine and seating identical to the 8, and then cut the rear doors and call it an RX-7.

The article certainly did end with a somewhat less-than optistic outlook for the 8. Comes as a surprise, especially when it's still seemingly ranking high in mag comparisons, FOUR years after it's unchanged release. Everyone's turning blue in the face with MORE POWER comments, and it almost seems like their gonna dump the whole car as if it was a complete failure through-and-through.

I know most don't care about a discontinued status, but i'd hate to think that the 8's demise is a rediculously redesigned RX-7 that looks to almost drag the 7's beautiful name through the mud. I for one even thought the sketched image looked horrific.

Nope, you don't get it...

think of the line up like this in Porsche terms (of course cut the prices in half for the Mazda version when compared to the Porsche versions):

911 = RX-8 (in other words: top O line GT for the line)
Caymen = RX-7 (in other words: sports car of the line)
Boxster = MX-5 (in other words: girls car and convertible of the line)
Cayenne = CX-7 (small sporty SUV)

The 7 has always been planned... its just coming out a year behind schedule due to the issues of the 03/04 RX-8


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