New RX7 rumors

[JackoliciousLegs]

from RX7City:

With the Mazda RX-8 officially on sale in its major markets, Mazda is now turning to its next sports-car project. The company has officially endorsed plans to build a rotary-powered RX-7 replacement.

In the footsteps of the 1978 original, it will be a sleek, lightweight two-seater. Some platform, suspension and driveline elements will be borrowed from the RX-8 parts bin. Although expected to launch in 2006, a concept may be unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show next month.

An amped version of the Renesis RX-8 engine is likely to power the RX-7. With wider and stiffer rotor housings, a higher redline, and displacement out to about 1.6 litres, Mazda plans on output of around 300hp in the normally aspirated form. It appears there will be no turbocharged version. Fear not, though, as for the first time ever, Mazda is working on a supercharged rotary option for RX-7.

The production car, code-named J77, is likely to be shorter and wider than the RX-8. There may even be a cabriolet variant with a fabric or folding hard-top hood.

From RotaryNews

The new RX-7 has been confirmed as 'coming soon', by a lot of industry folks and automotive publications. We cannot confirm this, but RN does know that a product has been developed and is being considered for production, but there are no firm production plans yet. But, based on our limited information and insight, gathered at a few press events and talking to industry people, here are a few predictions and thoughts on the new RX-7.

* Larger displacement RENESIS motor with possible forced induction.
* 300+hp regardless of the motor being N/A or turbo/super charged.
* Lightweight (less than 2800lbs)
* Extremely high handling limits
* Unique styling and design
* No compromises

Mazda understands that any new vehicle carrying the RX-7 moniker will have live up to the 3rd generation FD RX-7. We have actually been told as much by key Mazda people. They understand all of the shortcomings, and more importantly, the streghtens of the FD, and will/have addressed and/or improved on them, as to not make the same mistakes twice. The new RX-7 will be a car designed and built with the spirit of the FD, through and through!

This is entirely speculation of course :lol:

[BLINGMW]

I'll take it! :mrgreen: (they can keep the 20's though)

[Evan]

not too bad.
The big question is price.

If its in the 40s, then it will die a quick death

[.RJ]

No b00st? :thumbdown:

Needs *two* turbos!

[G.Irish]

Um, they must be cutting corners cause it looks like they just grafted the front end of the 3 on there.

On price, it had better be a world beater if its above $30k. As for boost let's hope it gets at least one turbo...

"No compromises" ??? That is pure fantasy. Does this mean it is going to have carbon fiber body panels and 4 rotors?

[Feersty]

Yeah hopefully it will be cheap.

[BLINGMW]

are you guys even half serious about the "turbo" comments? If it really has over 300+ HP, and I'd have to guess close to 200 ft/lbs of torque, in a less than 2800 lb car, that would be a rocket! If it came in at less than 30k, I think that's PLENTY of performance considering what else is out there. Why deal with the extra mess and cost of a turbo if you don't have to?

[Mike]

because it is more fun.. you idiot!

[G.Irish]

are you guys even half serious about the "turbo" comments? If it really has over 300+ HP, and I'd have to guess close to 200 ft/lbs of torque, in a less than 2800 lb car, that would be a rocket! If it came in at less than 30k, I think that's PLENTY of performance considering what else is out there. Why deal with the extra mess and cost of a turbo if you don't have to?

I don't think they could bring it in at under $30k, the RX-8 is already like $28 and it barely makes 240 hp.

Sorry Chan...about the turbo thing. You see, I've been sick lately, with all this boost rot and...I've had a hard time thinking straight. Try to understand. Its not you, its me. Me and boost. And I don't think its going to change anytime soon. As a matter fact, its getting worse. Maybe it'd be best if you didn't consider me one of you naturally aspirated friends anymore

[Evan]

mid to high 30s is probably about as cheap as we can hope for

[KPWSerpiente]

Oh man...I would love to see a supercharged 1.6 liter....rotary!

-T

[G.Irish]

Also, who hear would rather just see one trim level than two? I suppose it works for the Vette and the 911 but I just don't think multiple engine options is the way to go for the RX-7. Make one, make it mo' badasser.

Hmm, how about a 3 rotor....

[CaptainHenreh]

I like the 3rd picture best.

As far as all those "photos" I imagine they're either Artist Renditions or some kind of throw-off propoganda. I very seriously doubt that Mazda will make the new '7 that ugly.

Then again, they are owned by Ford. It's a toss up.

[BLINGMW]

Maybe it'd be best if you didn't consider me one of you naturally aspirated friends anymore

how very sad

FWIW, I would be a bit surprised if they developed a larger engine instead of boosting the current one to get the most out of their development costs for the current renesis. I would think that'd be cheaper for them, would probably excite more customers, wouldn't make the already poor fuel economy much worse, and would easily get the same HP #'s or better.

And I do like the idea of the normal 7 and the super 7. Although if it were me (and I am), I'd like to see a ~2600lb regular model with the good 'ol renesis that comes from the 8, keep it well under 30k, and the super could get the turbo w/ at least 350HP.

I also can't imagine they'd ditch the awesome styling of the 8. I agree, that black one looks WAY better than the hack job (and more mundane looking) ones above.