On the RX-8 board, I've read a few post by the resident insider that Mazda is unveiling a 'top secret' concept car at the Detroit Auto show. The size and configuration of the car is a closely guarded secret.

Could this be a new RX-7?

If I had my druthers (and I rarely do), the car would be the RX-01. As an RX-7 replacement, the RX-01 did EVERYTHING right. It was 2500lbs, had a 220 hp proto-renesis rotary and was slated to be a full ten grand less than the current FD. Just recently, someone dredged up a BBC video preview of the RX-01, and by God, that's a pretty car.

http://www.mymazdarotary.com/mazda_r...azda_rx-01.avi

Now we all know that Mazda can be the dumbest corporation in the world when they want to be, but with the new RX-8, the Mazda6 and Protege Turbo, it looks like Mazda is finally making some sense as an enthusiast car company. All they need is a halo car. The RX-01 could and to my mind SHOULD be that car. I mean, imagine a RWD rotary powered sports/GT car that was comparably priced to a RSX. I think there is an untapped market for affordable RWD performance, which Mazda could easily fill. Going back the roots of the SA and FB RX-7 as an affordable sports/GT could be just what the doctor ordered.

What do you think?

 

Well the 929 is long gone and the millenia is way old. I'd love it to be an RX7 but I have a feeling it may be a new luxury car. I hope I'm wrong. Thats good news anyway.

 

maybe it's the Mazdaspeed 6...

 

i dont want the RX-01

I want to see the FE RX-7!!!!!!!

 

No, it's the worldwide debut for whatever this concept car is so it can't be the Mazdaspeed 6, it's already been shown.

I'd say it's either an RX-7 concept, a Miata concept, or perhaps a Mazdaspeed version of the current Miata. I'd have my money on it being an RX-7.

 

I would bet on it being an RX-7 concept. If it is, then we can probably expect Mazda is already working on the RX-7 development and they are looking for input from the media and enthusiasts that read magazines and attend shows. Perhaps by 2005 as a 2006 model? Thats not that far away. 2 years it will be finalized and mid-year it would be available. I would expect something that is similarly priced to a 350z and S2000 and beat them both. close to 300hp and under 3000lbs. N/A, because turbo rotaries can not pass the strict emissions because of their relatively cool exhust gasses.

Its not the MS6, and I doubt its a mazdaspeed miata. That is not a big deal really. A miata concept? Maybe, but the last miata lasted 9 years and the current one has only been around for about 4 years.. hmm.. cant wait to find out!

 

I know Mazda is working on a new high performance rotary sports car, and rumours are going around it's the 4th gen rx-7.

I don't think this car being reveiled will be it though.
If they revealed the concept for the 4th Gen RX-7 (assuming it would be to market by spring 2005), then I would expect many potential RX-8 owners would just decide not to buy an RX-8 and wait for the new RX-7 to come out.

Many people suspect this is why Mazda has been so tight lipped on info about a new RX-7. (or a renamed high performance rotary sports car)

I hope it is, but I don't think it will be.

 

wow. that video kicks ***.
and yes ALL HAIL the return of the rotary!

 

you bring up a good point bridgeported. Mazda (ford.. sic) would not want to lose potential RX-8 customers when they know a better car is coming out..

 

That would be awesome if it was a FE but The problem is the marketing aproch would confuse most people not familar to the rotary to have to cars with nearly the same name and have a rotary powerplant.
The people who buy cars but don't know a damn on whats in them might just see the rx-8 a toned down rx-7 or might confuse the modle all to gether

Here read this interview from last years NAIAS
http://rotarynews.com/view.php?id=78

 

The concept will run on Michelin(R) PAX(R) 225x750R540A tires. A quote from the website (http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/s...01865826&EDATE=) is below:

"Other automakers featuring Michelin(R) or BFGoodrich(R) brand tires at the 2003 NAIAS show include... ...Mazda ... ... The vehicles include:

Mazda
* Concept Vehicle
Michelin(R) PAX(R) 225x750R540A

Brian

 

Am I the only one who can't see the video? It only shows up for me as an audio file.

Ren

 

best. video. ever.

wow.

I'm going to go take a cold shower.

 

Its a minivan! WTF

 

very cool video. and i loved that 2nd gen section . that was wild, hehehe.

 

I dont know what it is but as far as the rx01 doing everything right its not at least not in my eyes... Mazda has always had the best handling cars out there... since 1985 be it the rx7, Miata, protoge 6 they handle better then anything in its class... but they have always lacked on power... something the rotary engine CAN produce... while I like light cars or LOVE light cars I believe it would be in Mazda’s best interest to introduce a car that goes as well in the 1320 as it does on a road course... since the majority of media attention goes toward 1/4 mile times... a 280 hp motor in the rx01 would be able to play with the c5's... that would equal much more media attention for the car which would prolly equal better sales at the dealer....

 

I work as a tech at a mazda dealer and the rumors here are that the reason why the rx-8 was built was bcause ford said. we will finance the rx-7 again if the rx-8 sells are what we expect them to be. So that just might be the rx-7 we are all waiting for.

 

here I found a little more proof about the rumors we hear here at work www.rotarynews.com/view.php?id=211 I think it is an rx-7

 

I like the RX-01.

 

I don't know, the rx-01's looks didnt really do it for me

 

I think almost all new cars look like the dog's breakfast, so I don't judge a car by looks alone anymore.

 

Well it was on the Bottom of the list of probable things that was going to happen, according to rotary news.

I too work as a tech at a mazda dealer, and I've heard zilch about fords "conditions" for a new rx-7. Hell, I'm in ford-mazda training now too, youd figure I would have heard something.

BUT I HOPE TO GOD YOUR RIGHT!!!!

Except now we cant call it the FE rx-7 because FE is being used by the rx-8.

It looks like the new rx-7 will be the FF edition.... good god the ricers are gonna love that one!

 

I was gonna try and download the video, but it said I'd have to wait for 3 hours, so the heck with it, I guess. But, (and I know there's one running in Japan) I would like to see the RENESIS in a Miata, in production as an upmarket, to take some sales from the S2000, the Z4, the Boxster, etc. Then, when they DO come out with the RX7, take the RENESIS option away from Miata so as not to scavenge sales from it. And, it will make the RENESIS Miata a collector's item, maybe. And they can use it to do some developmental work, as well. Maybe make it only in a coupe body style, whatever, they've got marketing people, let 'em earn their keep.

Just my 2 yen

 

I downloaded but only got the background music. It was ok buy I'd like to see the video.

 

Could this be it?
http://www.imakenews.com/autospies/e...e000154774.cfm