Motor Authority - blog Category: RX-8

It's been six years since the Mazda RX-8 came on the scene and brought with it a sublime combo of handling, equipment, features, and pricing. Whether you're a rotary engine fan or not, you have to recognize the job Mazda did tuning the car's chassis. But now first details on the car’s successor are starting to emerge and thankfully they are reporting that Mazda won’t be mucking around with the winning formula.

The latest information comes from Mazda design boss Ikuo Maeda, who revealed that the next generation RX-8 coupe will be more of an evolution of the current model than a major redesign.

Speaking at this week’s 2009 ...

It's been six years since the Mazda RX-8 came on the scene and brought with it a sublime combo of handling, equipment, features, and pricing. Whether you're a rotary engine fan or not, you have to recognize the job Mazda did tuning the car's chassis. But now first details on the car’s successor are starting to emerge and thankfully they are reporting that Mazda won’t be mucking around with the winning formula. The latest information comes from Mazda design boss Ikuo Maeda, who revealed that the next generation RX-8 coupe will be more of an evolution of the current model than a major redesign. Speaking at this week’s 2009 Tokyo Motor Show, Maeda revealed that the new car will arrive around 2011 and feature the company’s latest design language and technology. Certain to remain will be current car’s rear-wheel drive layout and four-door coupe body, as well as its rotary engine. No word on whether or not the suicide-style rear doors will remain, however. As for the powertrain, Mazda insiders have suggested that the rotary engine will increase in displacement to allow more torque. However, emissions and fuel consumption will be curbed with the addition of Mazda’s fuel-saving SKY engine and transmission technologies. What effect a new RX-8 will have on the development of a successor of the RX-7 is still unknown. Maeda has previously stated that he wants to see a new RX-7 built but all will depend on market conditions and chances are Mazda won’t be launching two premium sports cars anytime soon. [Autocar] Read More

It's been six years since the Mazda RX-8 came on the scene and brought with it a sublime combo of handling, equipment, features, and pricing. Whether you're a rotary engine fan or not, you have to recognize the job Mazda did tuning the car's chassis. But now reports are beginning to break that an updated model may be on its way to this year's Frankfurt Motor Show.

A facelifted model was released for the 2009 model year in the U.S., along with a slightly revised version called the RX-8 R3. For more on that car and how it stacks up to the competition, check out our review.

But the new report says a new RX-8 is coming, though it will be based... It's been six years since the Mazda RX-8 came on the scene and brought with it a sublime combo of handling, equipment, features, and pricing. Whether you're a rotary engine fan or not, you have to recognize the job Mazda did tuning the car's chassis. But now reports are beginning to break that an updated model may be on its way to this year's Frankfurt Motor Show. A facelifted model was released for the 2009 model year in the U.S., along with a slightly revised version called the RX-8 R3. For more on that car and how it stacks up to the competition, check out our review. But the new report says a new RX-8 is coming, though it will be based around the same chassis and engine. Aerodynamics and appearance pieces will likely update the front fascia to the 'smile' grille that's been adopted by much of the rest of the Mazda lineup, and for Europe at least, the 192hp version of the 1.3L rotary engine will no longer be available. Instead, only the 231hp version Americans are more familiar with will be on sale, reports Auto Motor & Sport. Other updates include a Bluetooth hands-free system, updated instrument cluster, higher-quality interior materials including leather Recaro seating and a new Bose audio system. More details of the updated car will no doubt be coming over the next weeks as the show draws near, so stay tuned for the latest on the updated RX-8.2009 Mazda RX-8 R3 Read More

Mazda's renowned rotary Wankel engine has been a staple in some of the carmaker’s sports cars for the last 44 years, with its first appearance in 1965 and its continuing application in the current RX-8 model. Throughout that period the engine has gone through a number of significant changes, and it seems Mazda isn't finished fine tuning its rotary engine just yet, as a recent patent application shows the carmaker is planning to apply direct-injection technology to it.

Filed in October last year with the U.S. Patent and Trademarks Office, the design depicts a new direct-injection version of the trademark Wankel Rotary engine used by ... Mazda's renowned rotary Wankel engine has been a staple in some of the carmaker’s sports cars for the last 44 years, with its first appearance in 1965 and its continuing application in the current RX-8 model. Throughout that period the engine has gone through a number of significant changes, and it seems Mazda isn't finished fine tuning its rotary engine just yet, as a recent patent application shows the carmaker is planning to apply direct-injection technology to it. Filed in October last year with the U.S. Patent and Trademarks Office, the design depicts a new direct-injection version of the trademark Wankel Rotary engine used by Mazda. Adding direct-injection into the mix may help the Wankel engine improve its efficiency in terms of fuel use - currently, the engine used in the Mazda RX-8 manages to muster an impressive 228hp from its tiny 1.3L displacement but regularly achieves fuel consumption figures of 18mpg (13L/100km). Staff at Mazda's engine development unit have previously stated that improving power and reducing fuel consumption was one of their key focuses in building the new rotary engine, an intention confirmed by the fact that the patent application for the new twin-spark direct injection rotary engine features a diagram highlighting how fuel consumption will be decreased. A new ‘RENESIS’ rotary engine has previously been confirmed by Mazda, known internally as the 16X engine. It’s expected to debut in a new high-performance sports car that many believe will be a successor to the FD RX-7. In addition to the new engine, the car will also feature a dual clutch transmission when it arrives in around three years. While it’s not certain that the engine depicted in the patent applications will be going into production, it gives us a glimpse into how Mazda may be thinking about improving its rotary engine for the future, and with fuel consumption a major focus for the development team we should see the next Mazda rotary model significantly improved in this area. Read More

The car industry's design shakeup isn't over yet, folks. Today has already seen a new head of design at Volvo and at Ford of the Americas, but now the former Ford-family brand, Mazda, has also decided to change things up. Replacing Laurens van den Acker, Ikuo Maeda takes the helm of Mazda's design department starting April 10.

Van den Acker was responsible for three of Mazda's most daring concepts: the Nagare, Ryuga and Hakaze, so Maeda will have some large shoes to fill. Nonetheless, Mazda is confident Maeda will be up to the task.

Maeda has already been deeply involved with Mazda design, working for the company in various positions since... The car industry's design shakeup isn't over yet, folks. Today has already seen a new head of design at Volvo and at Ford of the Americas, but now the former Ford-family brand, Mazda, has also decided to change things up. Replacing Laurens van den Acker, Ikuo Maeda takes the helm of Mazda's design department starting April 10. Van den Acker was responsible for three of Mazda's most daring concepts: the Nagare, Ryuga and Hakaze, so Maeda will have some large shoes to fill. Nonetheless, Mazda is confident Maeda will be up to the task. Maeda has already been deeply involved with Mazda design, working for the company in various positions since 1982 and chief of Mazda's Japanese design unit since 2000 - so he won't have to learn a new language. Instead, he'll get to focus on evolving it. Seita Kanai, senior executive officer of research and design said in a statement, "Maeda-san has played a pivotal role in the success that Mazda Design has experienced globally. His local and global experience make him well-qualified to take Mazda design to the next stage." Maeda's resume at Mazda already includes the RX-8 and the Mazda2, so there's good reason to believe he'll be well-suited to the task. Read More

You have to hand it to Mazda. When many of its rivals are bumping up the displacement of their sports car engines and adding forced induction technology in an effort to draw more power, Mazda is sticking to its rotary heritage for both its current and future generation of sports cars.

The Japanese carmaker is reportedly working on a successor to its ultra-sexy FD RX-7, which bowed out of the market in the early part of the decade. An inside source has revealed to Edmunds that not only is a new RX-7 in the works but a replacement for the RX-8, to be called the RX-9, is also on the cards.

Mazda hinted at the development of a new RX-7 with... You have to hand it to Mazda. When many of its rivals are bumping up the displacement of their sports car engines and adding forced induction technology in an effort to draw more power, Mazda is sticking to its rotary heritage for both its current and future generation of sports cars. The Japanese carmaker is reportedly working on a successor to its ultra-sexy FD RX-7, which bowed out of the market in the early part of the decade. An inside source has revealed to Edmunds that not only is a new RX-7 in the works but a replacement for the RX-8, to be called the RX-9, is also on the cards. Mazda hinted at the development of a new RX-7 with the unveiling of the Taiki concept car back in 2007. The two-seater concept featured a naturally aspirated 16X twin rotor Renesis rotary engine and according to the insider this is what will power the new RX-7. The production 16X is expected to develop up to 270hp (201kW) from its 1.6L displacement and fuel consumption is claimed to be 20% lower than the previous generation 1.3L 13B unit in the FD RX-7. Drive will be sent to the rear wheels via a newly developed six-speed dual-clutch transmission. The new gearbox will feature a special option that will allow drivers to set the rpm levels at which the clutches engage. Finally, engineers will also focus on keeping weight to a minimum, with the new RX-7 expected to the tip the scales at around the 2,640lb (1,200kg) range.Taiki Read More

The Tokyo Auto Salon will feature a number of firsts from Mazda and many other carmakers, including a new range of 'Circuit Trial' track-ready concepts. The Tokyo show will be running in opposition to the similarly-timed Detroit Auto Show, starting January 9, explaining Mazda's absence from the U.S. exhibition. Today new photos of the Mazda6 (Atenza) Circuit Trial concept have emerged ahead of its official reveal.

Mazda's overall theme for the Tokyo show will be the rather ornate 'Driving-oriented environmental technologies for endless driving pleasure'. The Circuit Trial cars, including the RX-8, Demio (Mazda2) and Atenza (Mazda6), will... The Tokyo Auto Salon will feature a number of firsts from Mazda and many other carmakers, including a new range of 'Circuit Trial' track-ready concepts. The Tokyo show will be running in opposition to the similarly-timed Detroit Auto Show, starting January 9, explaining Mazda's absence from the U.S. exhibition. Today new photos of the Mazda6 (Atenza) Circuit Trial concept have emerged ahead of its official reveal. Mazda's overall theme for the Tokyo show will be the rather ornate 'Driving-oriented environmental technologies for endless driving pleasure'. The Circuit Trial cars, including the RX-8, Demio (Mazda2) and Atenza (Mazda6), will certainly land further toward the 'endless driving pleasure' end of the spectrum. The new photos of the Mazda6 Circuit Trial, which come via Carscoop, reveal that it will feature Recaro seats, a carbon-fiber trim and accessories, custom graphics and an aerodynamics package that's presumably tuned for better downforce and handling at speed. Only concepts so far, the Circuit Trial cars combine what Mazdaspeed's tuners call "everyday driving comfort" with the right equipment for a fun and fast day at the track. The primary upgrades are M'z Custom (Mazda's Japanese tuning arm) aerodynamic parts, Recaro bucket seats, larger alloy wheels and sticky Yokohama tires. No other information on the trio of track stars has yet emerged, but the photo of the RX-8 Circuit Trial (pictured in the gallery below) reveals a range of stickers plastered along the side sill, including: Advan, the brand-name of one of Yokohama's highest-performance tire lines; 5Zigen, a prominent aftermarket parts company, known for exhausts and accessories in addition to wheels; Espelir, known primarily for exhaust system elements and coil springs; Endless, a well-known racing brake manufacturer; and Kreuzer Series V, the name of the wheels on the RX-8 Circuit Trial Concept. Exactly how the balance of parts will play out in the final cars will have to wait until the show, which runs from January 9-11, 2009. Whatever the final configuration, however, it's clear that Mazda is putting together a range of cars with more than superficial modifications.Mazda Circuit Trial Concepts Read More