The RX-8 sold enough units to be commercialy viable especially early on in 2004/5 when "230hp" was competitive with the likes of the S2000 and not too far off from the heavier 350z. As DavidDeep already pointed out the shortfall with the RX-8 was non-competitive hp figures as it progressed (or rather didn't...) through its product life cycle. All the cars it was competing against made advancements in power output while the 8 stayed the same. This greatly contributed to the diminishing sales figures. Even still the 8 continues to win handling comparisons, and as recently as 2 years ago, won a head to head battle with other more powerful true-coupes .

That being said, one should not understimate the stupidity and laziness of the modern American driver, for whom the idea of any vehicle maintainance outside of fuel refils (and they've had to relocate and color code the diesel pumps to keep fucktards from messing up even that mundane task...) is completely outside the realm of their capabilities.

Perhaps a pistion options for such road sloths wouldn't be a bad idea. They could test drive it side by side w/ the rotary and see what they're missing, everythign except the engine could be interchangeable to cut down on parts costs. Perhaps the piston version could be positioned between the base and the mazdaspeed, so cost-concious customers would be encouraged to "try out the rotary".

 

I think people would be far too confused if their engine options were a 250hp 1.3L vs a 170hp 2.5l.

 

but then they would say "hey look i get more power and i'll get better gas mileage at the same time!"

 

Fixed.

 

Fixed.

 

man should of kept the pop up head lights alive !!

 

This just popped up on facebook.

I really hope this is not the next rotary... the car looks like a luxury sedan in the $50k range if you ask me. Redline at 7? That is absurd.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmsOe8XtR1c

 

Car and Driver's website says that's the Mazda Shinari concept that is supposed to be a preview of the next generation 6, with a 4-cylinder piston engine. So no need to get upset...

http://www.caranddriver.com/news/car...zda_6-car_news

 

rear wheel drive mazda 6 doesn't sound bad

 

In the video, it does look like the Shinari is kinda drifting, suggesting rear wheel drive. But the "Car and Driver" piece says the Shinari concept is actually front wheel drive. Is the video all digital animation?

 

can you say Mazda-ratti?

Who wants this crap? Newsflash mazda, if someone wants a 6-series bmw they'll buy a 6-series bmw. Now can the stupid concepts and gives us what we want.

 

I agree that Mazda should focus on its core strengths, namely, great handling cars made with enthusiasts in mind. It's foolish for them to try to go head-to-head with the luxury brands; VW Phaeton, anyone? I'd love to see them building cars that are lighter and smaller than the increasingly-bloated competition. Aside from a new rotary sports car, I'd also like to see them do a slightly larger sport wagon, kind of like a Mazdaspeed3 but on a 6 platform which would make a great alternative to an SUV for families. Of course, Americans seem to hate wagons no matter how good they are.

 

Station wagons = yuk.

sport cross, sport wagon, crossover, sport utility vehicles = yumm.

Just don't call it a station wagon.

Rear Drive Rotary Powered Sports car = tasty!

 

The latest anti-wagon trend that makes me laugh is calling a wagon something else to trick Americans into liking it. How is the Mazdaspeed3 not a wagon? Oh, right. Because Mazda calls it a hatchback!

 

MS3 is a hatchback.

Volvo makes wagons.

What the hell is that hideous honda thing?