Mazda's intentions all along have been to make a car targeted at the Porsche Boxter "S". The RX8 platform is probably too large to be used for an RX7 chassis, even when whittled down. It would simply be too much of a compromise. I'd look for the RX7 to share components with the Miata. And the current itineration of the RX8 is what is going to be sold in the states. They're not changing anything save for a few small details. I also doubt it'll be turbocharged. Although RE Amemiya has apparently been working on a turbo renesis for almost three years now. From what I've seen of aftermarket "design studies" of the RX8, changing a few things, mainly the front smiling fascia, really improve the looks.
Michel

 

Hey RotaryKnight, no telling secrets. Besides, just like the RX-8 debuts in September 2002 and it's a 2003 model. So the 4th gen RX-7 that doesn't exist and is "not" debuting in Sept 2004 as a 2005. Those are just wild rumers!

 

I think that Mazda has dropped enough hints (RX-8 is NOT a replacement for the 7, etc) that it's safe to say that there is another 7 on the way. Hopefully it will make it here to the states. The new concept drawing of the next Miata are promising also, they have kept the sexy curves of the current model... so hopefully the new 7 won't be another trendy angular design like the 8.

 

I think the Mazda execs put it quite bluntly and well when they said, "we can dream." But in this case, Ican't wait until our dream comes true! There's no way around the fact that there will be a 4th gen on it's way. It's just coming. The cool thing here is that Mazda's will surprise us in a big way...when we least suspect it! Well we can all dream can't we ?

 

I'm with Sloraxe, waitng does suck! I hope they work the 4th gen out to be something like the 99' spec but with more power and styling.

 

That's what I'm worried about... just look at alll the other new cars: celica, mr2, eclipse, audis...even the RX-8.. PLEASE Mazda...classic 7 design.

 

I got a bad feeling that IF a 4th gen comes out, it won't be a high performance vette and ferrari killing sports car like the FD. I bet it will be a watered down, heavy, more GT like car competing with eclipses, celicas, and RSX's, and 350Z. I really hope they don't go down this road but with the lackluster sales of the no compromise, high price, hard core 3rd gen, I think they will have to go down that road to be profitable.
As for the 20B....no way, will not pass emissions and fuel economy would not even be close to what would be required.
If mazda is listening, please give us a lightweight (2800lbs) , twin turbo renesis engine that will run with the 360 and evolutionize the styling from the FD. Please none of this angular **** that is the new fad.

Oh yeah...please keep the pop up lights. NO F'n ugly obnoxious giant bug eye lights. But please make HID's so I can actually see at night.

 

They can keep a 4 dr RX-8 weight less than FD. I doubt they will make the 4 gen RX-7 heavier than the FD.

 

so there is a 4th gen RX-7?
or is it just gonna be a RX-8?

 

Well it doesn't really matter to me what cars are disscontinued if they are unavailable to me anyway.Why dont we all cry because there is no more power ball lottery while were at it. Bring a new rx-7- to the states then I'll give a ****.

 

For the moment, there is no 4 Gen RX-7 yet. Still in one the process. For sure we will have a RX-8.