The RX-7 confirmed to be in the pipeline for 2017---RX-Vision Unveil!!
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 10,672
Likes: 413
From: Charlottesville VA 22901
NOOOO! Really getting sick of high fenders and hoodlines, and ever larger-diameter wheels/tires to keep them from looking puny on gigantically oversized cars... Even the new Boxster/Cayman look big now 
Keep it small, keep it light, keep it LOW. 17" wheels for base model with 245s, 18" rears for powered-up version to fit 275s. No reason for 19s...
No "modern arches" either, keep them clean and free of the big flat area around the wheel openings that automakers use to try to disguise how tall the car is relative to even overly-tall wheels/tires.
Don't see any need to keep the FD styling. That car was great, but do something new. I LOVE the Vision, but would prefer to LOWER its fenders and beltline by running 245/40-17 front tires instead of 245/40-20, 3" taller than necessary for 245 width. Unnecessary added size and weight
Keep it small, keep it light, keep it LOW. 17" wheels for base model with 245s, 18" rears for powered-up version to fit 275s. No reason for 19s...
No "modern arches" either, keep them clean and free of the big flat area around the wheel openings that automakers use to try to disguise how tall the car is relative to even overly-tall wheels/tires.
Don't see any need to keep the FD styling. That car was great, but do something new. I LOVE the Vision, but would prefer to LOWER its fenders and beltline by running 245/40-17 front tires instead of 245/40-20, 3" taller than necessary for 245 width. Unnecessary added size and weight
PS More importantly how is this thread still alive. Mazda ain't building no more rotaries..............LOSERS!!!!!!
Last edited by Fritz Flynn; Apr 23, 2017 at 08:24 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 269
Likes: 20
From: San Diego, CA
I was just in at my porsche dealership last week looking at the 718. The wheels on these cars now...my god. The base wheels are 19" and the uprated ones are 20". The overall tire diameter is HUGE. There's no wonder that cars don't come with spare tires anymore--you can't package the thing in the car, and who would want to carry around all that extra weight?
I don't even like 18" wheels on the FD--the car has such a thin side profile that putting huge wheels on it just makes it look goofy. 17" is as big as I'd want to go, which really leaves very few options these days.
I don't even like 18" wheels on the FD--the car has such a thin side profile that putting huge wheels on it just makes it look goofy. 17" is as big as I'd want to go, which really leaves very few options these days.
Full Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 222
Likes: 1
From: Reggio Emilia, Italy
But if they show something about the new rotary, such as the new engine and/or a naked chassis as they did with the Mx-5 a few months before the official unveil, then I'd be MUCH more optimistic
I don't think there's a chance of Mazda showing a complete, production ready, car yet. There might be another concept, perhaps closer to a finished car than the Rx-Vision (such as with the Rx-8 concept in 2001) or, as I said, some component of the car.
With the ND the timeline was:
April 2014: naked chassis shown;
September 2014: official unveil;
summer 2015: first deliveries;
With the next rotary it might be:
november 2015: Rx-vision shown;
november 2017: some parts of the car (naked chassis? engine?) and/or another concept unveiled;
spring/summer 2018: finished car unveiled;
first half of 2019: first deliveries;
As a side note, it's been nearly one year since the last rotary-related patents showed up un the japanese patent office website (excluding the range-extender-related ones). This leads me to believe that Mazda may be in the last development phases, where the final configuration of the engine has been locked and they want to keep their cards close to the chest as long as possible.
Just like with the Rx-8, when they released a bunch of patents just months before the finished car hit the showrooms.
Ditto. Unfortunately, the electrics are having their way. There is no place for the rotary to excel. The FD had performance, handling and looks. Looks and the RX aura are not going to cut it when you get mowed down by the next generation BMW i3. Absent an electric assist, it really cannot stand out. Fuel inefficiency and emissions only put additional nails in the coffin.
There is no place for the rotary to excel.
Like I said, Hydrogen.
DOE Office of Fossil Energy is interested in Hydrogen as a fuel because in the short term we can convert current hydrocarbons (coal, natural gas, etc) into Hydrogen and capture the Carbon and impurities that would cause emissions.
Coal is the USA's most abundant fossil fuel resource and currently the source of some 90% of Hydrogen gas.
In the long term there are several possible ways to create Hydrogen economically using solar or geothermal energy and catalysts.
Like I said, Hydrogen.
DOE Office of Fossil Energy is interested in Hydrogen as a fuel because in the short term we can convert current hydrocarbons (coal, natural gas, etc) into Hydrogen and capture the Carbon and impurities that would cause emissions.
Coal is the USA's most abundant fossil fuel resource and currently the source of some 90% of Hydrogen gas.
In the long term there are several possible ways to create Hydrogen economically using solar or geothermal energy and catalysts.
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 31,837
Likes: 3,234
From: https://www2.mazda.com/en/100th/
agreed, except first deliveries might be 2020, which is another big date
Full Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 222
Likes: 1
From: Reggio Emilia, Italy
Full of "100 years of Mazda" badges, of course
A big announcement in 2017 is fitting IMHO, as the Cosmo was launched 50 years ago in 1967 (if I'm not mistaken),
So if Mazda wants to do it, the time is now.
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 31,837
Likes: 3,234
From: https://www2.mazda.com/en/100th/
Definitely possible. Or perhaps they could use the model year "thing" to sell it as a 2020MY in 2019.
Full of "100 years of Mazda" badges, of course
A big announcement in 2017 is fitting IMHO, as the Cosmo was launched 50 years ago in 1967 (if I'm not mistaken),
So if Mazda wants to do it, the time is now.
Full of "100 years of Mazda" badges, of course
A big announcement in 2017 is fitting IMHO, as the Cosmo was launched 50 years ago in 1967 (if I'm not mistaken),
So if Mazda wants to do it, the time is now.
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 31,837
Likes: 3,234
From: https://www2.mazda.com/en/100th/
i know we keep hemming and hawing about mileage and emissions, but Dodge is releasing a 950hp car with no passenger seat... to be sold right next to the 700hp car with a passenger seat.
Full Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 222
Likes: 1
From: Reggio Emilia, Italy
Still lots of talk on Yahoo.co.jp about next RX.
Mazda is not scheduled to debut the production car at Tokyo Motor Show in 2017.
It sounds like they will show the engine and the pre-production prototype. Many have dubbed this RX-Vision 2.
?????!? RX-8????"RX-9"????????????????????
Sounds like a long wait. Cars will probably be flying by then and electric cars will be even faster.
Mazda is not scheduled to debut the production car at Tokyo Motor Show in 2017.
It sounds like they will show the engine and the pre-production prototype. Many have dubbed this RX-Vision 2.
In 2017, we will release a prototype close to a commercial model, and will run a test run on a circuit and so on and will advance maturing as a sports car. At the Tokyo Motor Show in 2019, we released a commercial model and plans to release it in January 2020 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Mazda's founding.
Sounds like a long wait. Cars will probably be flying by then and electric cars will be even faster.
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 30,807
Likes: 648
From: FL-->NJ/NYC again!
I for one don't give a rat's *** how fast electric cars are. They just don't do it for me.
Maybe I'll take the FD out today and enjoy 20 psi and dual open wastegate screamers. The perfect tesla antidote
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 31,837
Likes: 3,234
From: https://www2.mazda.com/en/100th/
i know buying advise is off topic, but A, when Tesla announced the 3, why didn't Mazda sue
and B, you need not be in a hurry to buy a tesla 3 yet, they are in such a rush to get it into production, its not finished.
Full Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 222
Likes: 1
From: Reggio Emilia, Italy
Still lots of talk on Yahoo.co.jp about next RX.
Mazda is not scheduled to debut the production car at Tokyo Motor Show in 2017.
It sounds like they will show the engine and the pre-production prototype. Many have dubbed this RX-Vision 2.
?????!? RX-8????"RX-9"????????????????????
Sounds like a long wait. Cars will probably be flying by then and electric cars will be even faster.
Mazda is not scheduled to debut the production car at Tokyo Motor Show in 2017.
It sounds like they will show the engine and the pre-production prototype. Many have dubbed this RX-Vision 2.
?????!? RX-8????"RX-9"????????????????????
Sounds like a long wait. Cars will probably be flying by then and electric cars will be even faster.
Anyway, a couple of days ago Mazda released the financial results for FY 2017, together with the usual presentation documents: http://www.mazda.com/globalassets/en...re170428_e.pdf
A few interesting excerpts:
on page 18 (I'm refering to the page number in the bottom right corner, which does not include the initial title slide) the diesel is confirmed to come to the USA in the second half of 2017, as well as the intention to use the SA-G 2.5 turbo engine in other cars. Also a new Cx-8 model is mentioned;
on page 22 there's a nice chart about new technologies that are scheduled in the coming years (which also mentions the range extender), and under the chart is a couple paragraphs, including this:
Originally Posted by Mazda
Development of next-generation Technologies is progressing well. Plan to reveal next-generation Skyactiv gasoline engine with dramatic efficiency improvements and Vision model representing the future of Kodo design in autumn of 2017
2 more patents out - one for rotary specific start stop technology. Article is as of May 3rd.
https://drivetribe.com/p/fu5jDx7LQKO...RoKzx4B7RhlT3A
https://drivetribe.com/p/fu5jDx7LQKO...RoKzx4B7RhlT3A
2 more patents out - one for rotary specific start stop technology. Article is as of May 3rd.
https://drivetribe.com/p/fu5jDx7LQKO...RoKzx4B7RhlT3A
https://drivetribe.com/p/fu5jDx7LQKO...RoKzx4B7RhlT3A
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 30,807
Likes: 648
From: FL-->NJ/NYC again!
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 15
Likes: 2
From: australia
Its the patent from the 5 may we should be reading
Vehicle equipped with engine for driving a generator
Vehicle Equipped With Engine For Driving A Generator (Mazda Motor)
talks about electrically heated catalytic converters and recycleing all exhaust through the intake until the the converter heats up,
Vehicle equipped with engine for driving a generator
Vehicle Equipped With Engine For Driving A Generator (Mazda Motor)
talks about electrically heated catalytic converters and recycleing all exhaust through the intake until the the converter heats up,
From the latest Mazda Zoom Zoom magazine.
More Mazda teasing.
Sounds like Mazda is going ahead with the rotary as a range extender for an EV for international markets (first one was Japan only).
Sounds like the RX-Vision will be Hydrogen powered. Makes sense why they are releasing 2020 for the Hydrogen Society theme of Tokyo Olympics.
So, maybe we get rotaries- but they won't be the rotaries of the past (obviously).
More Mazda teasing.
Sounds like Mazda is going ahead with the rotary as a range extender for an EV for international markets (first one was Japan only).
Sounds like the RX-Vision will be Hydrogen powered. Makes sense why they are releasing 2020 for the Hydrogen Society theme of Tokyo Olympics.
So, maybe we get rotaries- but they won't be the rotaries of the past (obviously).
Looking to the future
In recent times, the rotary engine’s chief bugbear was its relatively poor fuel economy and higher level of emissions compared with the best modern petrol or diesel engines, including Mazda’s own SKYACTIV powerplants. But when its potential benefits are so striking — light, compact, smooth, quiet, free-revving — surely there is still a future for the rotary engine?
The rotary may indeed be on the verge of a comeback. As the primary power source, it may be comparatively thirstier as revs rise and fall and loads vary. But at constant and optimal rpm, such as experienced by a generator, it is ideal. Little wonder that Mazda has experimented with using these delightfully small engines — one-third the size of a conventional petrol or diesel engine — as on-board power generators, or ‘range extenders’. In 2013, Mazda demonstrated a tiny single-rotor 330cc unit generating on-board power for an electric Mazda2. Development continues.
There are other future possibilities. Rotary engines can run superbly on hydrogen, the universe’s most abundant element. It’s also very clean: combusting hydrogen produces only water vapour. Mazda built a number of experimental hydrogen-powered rotaries, including a commercially leased fleet of RX-8s for an environmental study undertaken with the Norwegian government.
Regardless of the technical direction the rotary takes in the future, one thing is more than likely: it will be a thing of beauty. At the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show, Mazda showcased the striking RX-Vision sports car concept (above).
With the letters RX traditionally known to preface a Mazda rotary-engined model, the RX-Vision quickened the pulses of rotary enthusiasts worldwide. Mazda merely stated at the time that the rotary remained a symbol of the company’s tirelessly challenging spirit, and that rotary engine research and development continues. But from the company that solved the infamous devil’s claw marks and put rotaries on the world automotive map, who would rule anything out?
In recent times, the rotary engine’s chief bugbear was its relatively poor fuel economy and higher level of emissions compared with the best modern petrol or diesel engines, including Mazda’s own SKYACTIV powerplants. But when its potential benefits are so striking — light, compact, smooth, quiet, free-revving — surely there is still a future for the rotary engine?
The rotary may indeed be on the verge of a comeback. As the primary power source, it may be comparatively thirstier as revs rise and fall and loads vary. But at constant and optimal rpm, such as experienced by a generator, it is ideal. Little wonder that Mazda has experimented with using these delightfully small engines — one-third the size of a conventional petrol or diesel engine — as on-board power generators, or ‘range extenders’. In 2013, Mazda demonstrated a tiny single-rotor 330cc unit generating on-board power for an electric Mazda2. Development continues.
There are other future possibilities. Rotary engines can run superbly on hydrogen, the universe’s most abundant element. It’s also very clean: combusting hydrogen produces only water vapour. Mazda built a number of experimental hydrogen-powered rotaries, including a commercially leased fleet of RX-8s for an environmental study undertaken with the Norwegian government.
Regardless of the technical direction the rotary takes in the future, one thing is more than likely: it will be a thing of beauty. At the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show, Mazda showcased the striking RX-Vision sports car concept (above).
With the letters RX traditionally known to preface a Mazda rotary-engined model, the RX-Vision quickened the pulses of rotary enthusiasts worldwide. Mazda merely stated at the time that the rotary remained a symbol of the company’s tirelessly challenging spirit, and that rotary engine research and development continues. But from the company that solved the infamous devil’s claw marks and put rotaries on the world automotive map, who would rule anything out?
As I mentioned earlier in the thread, Hydrogen-Boosted Gasoline is a process that allows a gas engine to run twice as lean for a 20-30% increase in MPG and no NOx emissions equipment needed.
There is a process for an on-board Hydrogen generator that creates the Hydrogen needed from gasoline requiring just 75Watts power.
How a Hydrogen-Boosted Gasoline Engine Works | HowStuffWorks
So, that is a possibility.
Another possibility is to use the Hydrogen in a tank like D.E.F. for diesels. Hydrogen is light, the Hydrogen RX-8 had a 2.4Lb Hydrogen capacity (only 60 miles range).
So, that is a possibility.
If we had to run 100% Hydrogen at current prices that would be too expensive.
The RX-8 Hydrogen got around 60 miles on its 2.4Lbs; or only 2.5 miles per $1 at current CA Hydrogen prices. Premium gasoline in CA is more than 5.7 miles per $1.
There is a process for an on-board Hydrogen generator that creates the Hydrogen needed from gasoline requiring just 75Watts power.
How a Hydrogen-Boosted Gasoline Engine Works | HowStuffWorks
So, that is a possibility.
Another possibility is to use the Hydrogen in a tank like D.E.F. for diesels. Hydrogen is light, the Hydrogen RX-8 had a 2.4Lb Hydrogen capacity (only 60 miles range).
So, that is a possibility.
If we had to run 100% Hydrogen at current prices that would be too expensive.
The RX-8 Hydrogen got around 60 miles on its 2.4Lbs; or only 2.5 miles per $1 at current CA Hydrogen prices. Premium gasoline in CA is more than 5.7 miles per $1.
If Mazda really does release a hydrogen car, it will be to keep CARB happy, like other such "compliance" vehicles such as the Fiat 500E.
There is no way you could ever make a profit off that.
There is no way you could ever make a profit off that.
I don't know if Mazda could make money off of a Hydrogen-boosted gasoline car or not, but it is really not the same game as a Fiat 500E.
Hydrogen is the fuel with the highest octane number, nothing else is even close to the 130+ octane it provides.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Octane_rating
Turbo rotary 16X with Hydrogen-boosted gasoline will make the rumored 450hp, which is pretty good in a 2,700Lb car and it should have some left on the table for tuners.
Japan is serious about its plan to be Hydrogen only by 2030.
Hydrogen is the fuel with the highest octane number, nothing else is even close to the 130+ octane it provides.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Octane_rating
Turbo rotary 16X with Hydrogen-boosted gasoline will make the rumored 450hp, which is pretty good in a 2,700Lb car and it should have some left on the table for tuners.
Japan is serious about its plan to be Hydrogen only by 2030.
With Mazda's upmarket aspirations, I'm wondering if they will launch a new rear wheel drive platform that features maybe a piston engine and an optional rotary engine, sort of like back in the 70s. It would be some kind of BMW 3 series competitor, and probably a crossover, and also a 2 seater built on top of that. I can see a base engine being the 2.5 Skyactive and an uprated engine being a high output rotary, with a plug in hybrid using a rotary as a range extender. So basically it would be along the lines of what Cadillac, BMW, and Audi offer today.