Despite the tough economy, the Mazda RX-7 revival is still going to happen. Sources close to Mazda tell us that we could see a new RX-7 as early as 2011. However, the arrival of the 2012 Mazda RX-7 of the RX-7 will almost certainly signal the end for the expensive, slow-selling Mazda RX-8.
As we reported early this year, the next RX-7 will use Mazda's new-generation Renesis 16X rotary engine which debuted at the 2007 Tokyo Auto Show in the Taiki concept. This 1,600cc, two-rotor Wankel engine has a 800cc x 2 configuration versus the 654cc x 2 configuration in the current RX-8.
The upshot of the extra displacement should be better performance, as the 16X is said to be capable of up to 350 horsepower and 215 pound-feet of torque versus the RX8's paltry 232 hp and 159 lb-ft.
Early reports suggested that Mazda would take advantage of this power potential and build a 300-hp RX-8 with styling cues from the Furai concept (shown at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show)and a mid-$30Ks price tag.
However, sources close to Mazda now suggest that the company will take a simpler approach and create a car whose character evokes the original RX-7 (sold in the U.S. from 1979-1985). Horsepower is expected to be in the 200-250 range and the pricetag will be about $25,000.
A simpler, more efficient RX-7 would likely be a better fit with current economic and legislative realities, though we hear Mazda is still trying to reduce the weight of the 16X engine while lowering fuel consumption (the age-old problem with rotaries). If the company can sort it all out, the 2012 RX-7 should provide interesting competition for the Hyundai Genesis Coupe and the production version of the Toyota FT-86. -- Mak Tokuyama, reporting from Japan
93aero says:
12:57 AM, 12/25/09
cut the middle man and pull out an RX-9 ,. why not? i think the neg connotation of the previous RX-7 could be a downer, by that i am referring to its price tag. When i hear RX-7 i immediately think expensive, hopefully when numbers are released it kills this preconceived notion!
stephen987 says:
09:51 AM, 12/25/09
Need torque. Please.
activ8 says:
10:37 AM, 12/26/09
Right on Stephen - turbos are a must on any future FE RX-7. If the FD had sequential twin-bossters, this one would be lame without.
estreka says:
06:12 AM, 12/27/09
I LOVE the 3g RX-7. One of the most beautiful cars ever built. While I really like the Furai, I think an evolution of the RX-7 is more appropriate.
If Mazda ever builds the Furai, it should be some ungodly beast of a supercar. They already built a 4 rotor model which sounded like an orgasm of combustion.
herblenny says:
01:55 PM, 12/28/09
Far as I know, Furai did not come in 4 rotor but the Eunos Cosmo based NA 20B 3 rotor.
Also regarding comment about torque... I think direct injection will help, but better would be for them to make 3 rotor version using 16X direction injection with older 13B exhaust port vs. Renesis 'peripheral' exhaust port.
I'll definitely consider buying one of these, but as a diehard rotary guy, I would have to see one in person and see how it survives over first 2-3 years.
Phil
Owner/Admin of www.RotaryCarClub.com
estreka says:
08:56 AM, 12/29/09
Thanks for the correction Herb!
trash says:
01:10 AM, 01/ 4/10
I really hope they can sort out the apparent consumption and emissions problems that curse the RX-8. I love the car and totally respect Mazda for even making it -- distinctively styled and genuinely innovative RWD sports coupe for an affordable price, with an exotic engine tech to boot. But here in the UK they are fast becoming hard to justify owning even as an occasional second car due mainly to the high emissions. Somewhat stupid road tax laws coming in soon apply severe penalty taxes to polluting cars, irrespective of whether you drive them a thousand miles a year or twenty thousand (ignoring the petrol/gas tax, which is a whole other nightmare).
my_rx8 says:
04:22 PM, 01/ 7/10
I own an RX8, i've owned or leased over 25 new and and a couple used cars in the last 45 years. My 07 RX 8 GT is one of my four most favorite cars. If Mazda introduces an updated RX8 i'll buy one. If they bring out a high end RX7 with a 2+2 option, i'll buy one. But any 2 seater only, doesn't fit my needs, and I will switch to the BMW 135. I'd hate to do that, but I want 4 seats in a performance car.