Drumm09

Just curious, do we have any info as to when will the RX-8 be redesigned? Or rather (being that it might not be called an rx-8), when will Mazda be releasing their new Rotary engined car?

With brand new versions of the 6, the 3 and now the mx-5 (although it is primarily a facelift) out in the market, or coming out soon in 09, Im wondering if Mazda will now turn their attention to the new RX.

I remember C&D magazine had a mention on it a few months ago..

Thanks,
Drumm

Rotr8

iTrader: (2)

ummm... the 09's are already out and that is Mazdas new design language...

Evofusion

^^ what he said

They already did. This is what we got:

JRichter

Noone knows for sure. RX-8 was just freshened/facelifted for '09 so you can expect to see the current car around for at least another 2-3 years and if all goes well we will see a new RX- car around then with maybe some concept car autoshow debuts in 2010 or 2011. I'm sure Mazda's focus right now is high volume cars but it's clear the 16X rotary engine had been in development for some time so I don't see why that wouldn't go into a totally new RX- car perhaps if the world economy holds out. So far Mazda appears to be rather tight-lipped about it. Lots of threads on this subject w/ lots of peoples opinions so check around (a few in this section).

JRichter

The '09 is a very minor facelift and I think the OP was questioning what was beyond that.

Drumm09

Thanks JRichter... To me that 09's (sorry to say this) is just a facelift with the same horsepower/torque, slightly different body.

I was refering to a brand new, re-designed RX vehicle w/ a new heart (rotary engine- perhaps the 16X rotary).

I am thinking all along that we will see some concept car in the 2010 / 2011 car show circuit.

Chibana

Last I read, it was going to be the 2012 model year, which is longer than I want to wait, so it will probably be the R3 for me.

REsuperD

i think anything that's been posted and discussed are more or less speculations at best. the fact that they've released a few concepts (ie taiki, nagare) that're supposed to incorporate rotary engines is both fantastic and a bit confusing to me. those were quite radical and not at all indicative of any production models, so my thoughts were that those concepts were more to test their new design language, and at the same time send the subtle message that the rotary still underlies future mazda sports cars. the kabura, however, seems very feasible to get translated into a production car to me. i wouldn't be terribly surprised if the new 16x gets put into a development of the kabura, but unlike the series of concepts that led to the rx-8, it's really hard to tell or speculate anything at this point...

Rotr8

iTrader: (2)

dont get upset at me guys the OP didnt search too hard this is still on the front page of the RX-8 discussion https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-media-news-11/rx9-concept-158934/

77mjd

I'm in the same position. I have an '04 8 and I sure as hell don't want to wait until 2012 for the new rotary. I'll probably check out the new 370z in spring, maybe try to find a used R3, or maybe even "downgrade" to the new Mazda 3 for a few years. I just don't know. There just isn't much (that I can afford) that appeals to me right now. I have a feeling the new Mazda 3 has a chance. At least then I'll be able to get reacquainted with what decent gas mileage is like for a few years.

m477

Given the current state of the economy, I wouldn't be suprised if it's delayed a little, and there probably will be a couple of years gap after the current 8 stops production and the new rotary vehicle (whatever it will be called) goes on sale.

Never L8

iTrader: (5)

Speculation...I read an article (can't remember where) that suggested the Kabura would be the next rotary powered machine by Mazda. They also said it may be the "next RX-7," which may destroy the credibility of the article. That's odd. Why the next "RX-7" and not the RX-9 or what have you?

Either way, Mazda should get credit for listening to the market and to their customers. That's what saved them from totally closing their doors. I do believe they will not only bring out a new rotary, but that it will hold all of the improvements that we have been complaining about. This may mean forced induction, which isn't unreasonable considering they are doing that wide-spread on the CX-7's. Just my thoughts...and speculation.

PotatoSoup

Completely agree. I think the refreshed RX-8 will live on as-is through the 2012 model year, and then there will be a gap until the next RX car comes out. There won't be a direct/immediate replacement for the RX-8.

robrecht

16x in the Kabura would be my preference. The rotary is best with light-weight 2-seater coupes. The fact that they let Jay Leno drive the Kabura a few months back raised my hopes a bit. Mazda's more recent announcement about all their cars losing weight was also good news. Just do it, Mazda, you know you want to.

ravenforbidden

I heard something about 2012 they're would be a new RX coming out new everything...

Rotr8

iTrader: (2)

Wow you guys really need to pay attention, the Kabura design is long dead and the Furai, Taiki, and the Nagare designs are already being implemented and are trickling down into the current line of models

Razz1

That's why we have happy faces!

Rotr8

iTrader: (2)

exactly!!!

nycgps

iTrader: (1)

I "kinda" want to trade my 8 in for another newer 8.

but I spent lots of time into my current 8. if I am going to trade it in, that means I have to take out all the bars, radios, intakes, etc ... too much work

Just gonna wait till the next one comes out ...

flip

^ just keep it and buy the new 8... and start your rotary collection.

robrecht

I wouldn't buy another 8 (don't get me wrong, I love my 8 and will keep it), but I would buy a 16x in a lightweight 2-seater coupe. The whole point of rotaries is light weight.

Benjamz

I'm going to make a prediction.

They will keep the RX8 and change it up a bit again in 2012, sales are pretty good for it being a rotary powerd car. It is possible to sell this car for another 6 years as a mid-level rotary powered sports car. Global sales are not too bad all things considered. It is sold in Chile, UK, New Zeland, Purto Rico, Greece, Canada, USA and Japan of course..lol, I'm sure there are other countires but I can't remember the other once.

Early 2013 the new 16x powerd car will be out with direct injection. It will be a 2+2 with only 2 doors and will be very sexy.

Huey52

iTrader: (2)

Same here. Waiting for 16x in a new 2-seat coupe.

JRichter

Highly doubtful anything remotely resembling the Kabura will come out. That design is several years old now and the chief designer responsible for that car is long gone from Mazda. Plus it's more of like an MX-3 replacement - not a flagship sports car. I would hope to still see something much sleeker/lower to the ground and with a conventional fast back type hatch such as the previous RX-7's had.

Economy aside, it seems Mazda could still make just as many sales with a more hardcore 2-seater along the lines of the RX-7 vs the bigger more practical RX-8 type car. They may lose sales for the people wanting the 4 fullsize seats or more practical size (and could care less about what a rotary engine car is all about) but I think they could gain just as many sales back from the enthusiasts that have overlooked the RX-8 for want of a more RX-7 like car not to mention the buzz/hype it would generate help boosting Mazda sales across the entire lineup and perhaps even attracting non-Mazda car enthusiasts into the brand. It seems so many non-rotary people (general public) still think the RX-8 is some FWD conventional powered-car with just a pretty body.

EdwardsB

I do not want to wait to see a new rx, but wont mind seeing it get pushed back. That will allow me to pay the 8 off and save for the next model (refuse to sell the 8).

^+1 on a the fastback design!