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Mazda RX-7 successor reportedly in the works

 
8 6,023 views Feb 12, 2009

mazda taiki official2 motorauthority 001

Mazda’s next RX-7 is expected to pick up a new 1.6L rotary engine that is claimed to be 20% more fuel-efficient than the 1.3L unit in the FD model

Mazda’s next RX-7 is expected to pick up a new 1.6L rotary engine that is claimed to be 20% more fuel-efficient than the 1.3L unit in the FD model

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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.
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Comments (8)

  1. ma_etabet avatar etabet Posted: 2/13/2009 3:55am PST

    Finally, a pure sports car that's affordable and fast
     
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  2. ma_Mike avatar Mike Posted: 2/13/2009 6:10am PST

    Remember though, the FD sold for almost $40 grand when new in the U.S. That's the reason they stopped selling it in the 'States in '96, well before production ended in 2002. Let's hope they don't make the same mistake twice.
     
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  3. ma_Roy avatar Roy Posted: 2/13/2009 3:19pm PST

    I will be extremely upset if Mazda cripples both the RX-7 and the RX-9 with a #$%&* Wankel engine. Haven't the last twenty years shown them that these engines are thirsty and unreliable? I don't care how turbine-smooth they are! I think it's a crying shame that such gorgeous cars are ruined by such annoying engines. Just stuff a turbocharged compact V6 in there and I'll seriously consider buying one.
     
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  4. ma_NoNameDenton avatar NoNameDenton Posted: 2/13/2009 3:42pm PST

    I heard they were testing an electric turbo with this generation of the rotary engine, guess not.
     
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  5. ma_Rice1 avatar Rice1 Posted: 2/13/2009 5:04pm PST

    You guys would be surprised how many RX-7 fanboys are out there. I guarantee you that they will sell out each car, especially with all the hype the FD has built up (from drifting, esp. initial D)

    Weighing in only at 2600 lbs and having 270hp, that's not bad. If they can sell a 240hp Honda S2000 for $30k (over ten years, I might add), I'm sure the purists are willing to shell out $40k for this.
     
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  6. ma_r3vmixman avatar r3vmixman Posted: 2/13/2009 6:06pm PST

    Rice you make it sound like the S2000 sucks, when its one of the best N/A cars ever made. Regardless of its horsepower, its so well balanced its practically a F1 car.

    And to Roy, just go buy a Nissan if you want a turbo v6. Mazda is innovating, thinking outside the norm with their rotary motors. It really does matter that the motor stays light when it comes to achieving perfect balance, drive any Rx-7 or Rx-8 and fling it around a corner and youll know what im talking about.
     
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  7. ma_azlan avatar azlan Posted: 2/14/2009 2:51am PST

    they better do this and make it better than the gtr! ive always loved the rx-7 but i only want a successor if will compete and be better than the old ones. i dont want it to look like the rx-7 i want a japanese supercar out of this.
     
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  8. ma_Rice1 avatar Rice1 Posted: 2/15/2009 12:08am PST

    I didn't mean to make it sound like the S2K sucks, cuz it doesn't. I was merely using it as a comparison in terms of hp and price and trying to tie it in with demand.

    For $40K, I'm sure there'll be some out there who are willing and able to purchase one.
     
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