Ah! I knew I'd get you in! The argument is based on the latest Mazda newsletter. You might have read about the coming CX-7, the crossover sport with some RX-8 DNA that is coming next year. They mentioned the Mazda model designation system. So:

Mazda 2 - entry level sedan
Mazda 3 - small family sedan
Mazda 6 - mid-size family sedan
MX-5 - open sports roadster
RX-8 - sports coupe
CX-7 - crossover sport (coming 2006)
Tribute - no model number, soft-roader
Mazda Sassou - entry level concept (perhaps Mazda 1?)

So where does that leave us? There's slots for 1, 4 and 9. My guess is that if there is to be a rotary two-seat sports roadster it will be the RX-9. If they make a conventional motor (or hybrid) sports coupe, it would bear the designation MX-9

 

I would wait to see what suprise Mazda has in store for the next Tokyo auto show. From Car and Driver speculations, they are planning an RX-8 coupe to turn into a 4 seat convertible and bring back a high end (expect at least 45K) sports car with a rotary (RX-7 revived) anyone...

 

Time to set the record straight.

The RX-8 will be getting converted to a 2-door coupe & a hatchback added to the rear. It will be sold alongside the RX-8 as an RX-?

It will get the 15B-MSP engine currently in development & perhaps the 13B-MSP as an option. Scheduled release date is 2007 or later.

The (entry level) RX-3 is scheduled for 2007 release aswell but with the 13B-MSP only at this stage.

This is the latest "inside info" goss from my spies, which I will no doubt get into trouble now for revealing.

REgards

 

no you wont...... cos no one know who you are :D :p

 

I hope Mazda don't get cold feet about the rotary again, they way they did with the first two oil shocks.

DMRH, what does a 15B comprise? Twin 750cc rotors? Any links?

Your secrets are safe with us

 

RX-9 would have been sensational in so may ways ...

... not least of all the association with the old Beatles track from the White Album ... Revolution Number 9

On current info I cancel the RX9 number plates then??? Hmmm?

 

Mazda are increasing the cubic capacity from 80mm rotor housings to 90mm

Increasing capacity from 654cc per rotor to 747cc per rotor if my memory serves me.

All hush hush rght now but more will leak out over the next couple of years

REgards

:D

 

I ran across some gossip a while back that delved into potential 15B and 17B versions. Both were rotor housing width changes only.

I'd be interested in opinions about the torque characteristics of a potential 15B. Would it exhibit significantly more torque at low revs, or would it just be proportional?

 

You missed the Mazda 5 (the Premacy/MPV replacement now on sale in Europe http://www.theallnewmazda5.com/en-gb/ & Japan). So that blows your numbering theory out of the water as there are now two "5's".
Our other car is a Premacy and I am interested in seeing whether the 5 makes it to Australia as the Premacy will be up for replacement in a year or two (currently a Mazda 6 wagon is a possible candidate or the Accord Euro Wagon if it ever makes it here from Europe).

 

I suspect it will be torquey on a proportional basis. The eccentricity remains steady but the rotor width increases so it will be a proportional gain

Why.....???

Having driven every production based rotary powered car made with the exception of the M35 you get a "feel" for them.

The 13A powered R-130 felt more grunty compared to the 13B RX-4, this was due to a larger stroke (eccentricity) & thinner rotor width (60mm)

The KKM-612 engine felt less grunty in an Ro80 & Bi-rotor compared to an auto 12A RX-7. This was due to wider rotor width (70mm) but a shorter stroke.

No comment required for the KKM-502 or 20B as they are not relevant here.

However, you want to know "significant" torque. Get into a triple rotor 20B powered Cosmo. HSV killers......... :D

 

Makes perfect sense to me.

I was always a little uncertain of the particulars of a rotary's dimensions that paralled traditional bore and stoke, though I realise they don't directly relate.

 

My money is that the next rotary will have a 1.6 liter displacement so going on past dimmension displacement names it will be called a 16 b :D

The 2 door rx8 with a hatcback will look like the early RX7's :D

B...free
michael

 

will the 15b be even more thirsty for fuel? if so isn't mazda just digging a grave for the Rx.
widening the rotars will take away from the positives of the rotary. small size, light weight. i'd prefer a FI rotar in a smaller and lighter car not more tourque in a bigger barge.

I don't think the new naming system has much to do with new rotaries. you can name any rotary with the Rx- prefix and it will be just that a rotary.

 

Well, I hope even some of this comes to fruition, but I'm afraid Ford's influence on Mazda combined with rising oil prices will make Mazda extremely gun shy of any radical innovation based around rotary engines...and I hope to be proven very wrong

 

Cooool.

Long live the rotary!

Timbo: I'm pretty sure that Ford has a fairly hands-off management style regarding Mazda and in particular what they do with the rotary.

 

Oh man, reading that thread felt like sitting at the end of Kingsford Smith Airport - so many planes just flew over my head. :o :D :D

Umm, does it look cool, what's it's power to weight, can I squeeze the kids in the back and how does it handle? Yup, that's pretty much all I need to know.

 

Not as I read the book that came with my RX-8, although clearly lunar cycles have an influence on whether Ford will back particular concepts.