Mazda has revealed that it is discussing the possibility of developing a successor to the RX-7.
The new sports coupé would sit atop the Mazda range and rival future versions of the Nissan Z-car. With just two seats, the new car would not repeat the Mazda RX-8's four-door coupé layout, but it would retain the same front-engined, rear-drive layout.
It would once more be powered by a Wankel rotary engine, which would initially be naturally aspirated. Later versions could feature turbocharging, providing the reliability was proven and economy and emissions targets could be met.
No plans are confirmed as of yet, with Mazda looking to see how the economic situation develops before investing in a high-end sports car.
Mazda is, however, keen to see a new version of its rotary engine in production within five years. "We have a history of doing things a little differently," said Jeff Guyton, president and CEO of Mazda Motor Europe. "The rotary is clearly part of Mazda's soul."
It's likely that the new iteration of the RX-7, which could be called the RX-9, would use this engine.
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RX7 - bring it back!
I only drove an RX-7 once, a late 1980's Series 3. The feel and power delivery was unbelievably smooth, and I remember feeling it was so powerful. It was unlike any other car I had driven to that point; I'd never felt so connected to a vehicle's mechanicals before, and didn't again until I had a Boxster many years later.
If Mazda can recapture that - and not produce a bloated, overly complicated thing - bring it on. Perhaps base it on the MX-5 platform?
to make sure you understand this
You take the RX8's 2 USPs:
-Rear wheel drive, 4 seat, 4 door sports car
-Rotary engine.
Throw away the first one that everyone liked and keep the second one that made it thirsty on fuel, thirsty on oil and tended to put people off buying one. Surely the other way round makes more sense.
Furai
I would love to see a road car taking design cues from the Mazda Furai, which is rotary engined.