[Artmasterx]

Apparently rumors are that Mazda is working on the RX-8 successor, still with a rotary engine. They think it have some sort of "assist" from possible electric motors, which would be really good given the lack of low end torque on the rotary engines.

Seems interesting to me...



http://www.roadandtrack.com/future-cars/2014-mazda-rx-8

While things have been fairly quiet lately regarding Mazda’s rotary-powered sports car, the RX-8, we have confirmation from various sources in Japan that Mazda is indeed working on the next-generation rotary engine dubbed the 16X. There are reports that Mazda’s rotary engine development team has grown from 30 members to 60 in the last year, meaning that the Hiroshima-based company is quite serious about a new Wankel. The 16X will be much more fuel-efficient than the current Genesis rotary engine, and will probably be named the SKY-R, part of the company’s new generation of lean-burning engines called the SKY Series.

The SKY-R will most likely have displacement increased by about 300 cc from the current 1.3-liter 2-rotor Wankel. Insiders say that squeezing 300 bhp from the new engine would be a breeze, but Mazda is making fuel economy a high priority so you can expect output south of that figure. Also, we heard that the engine will feature some form of assist, though we’re not certain exactly what that will be. It may be an electric motor, making the next RX-8 a mild hybrid car.

The styling of this next-generation rotary sports car will be based on the Shinari concept vehicle that was shown last summer in Italy. Therefore, the production version will look more upscale than the current RX-8, prompting rumors that Mazda is thinking of calling it the RX-9 to differentiate it from the current car, which hasn’t proved very popular. Expect Mazda’s flagship sports car to make its debut sometime in 2014.

[E. Honda]

why does it look like a maserati?

my friend had an rx8 and his pops had an old maserati. he used to call his car the mazdarati....thats what that looks like

[Crimson92]

looks good, but its design doesnt scream sporty intentions.

[wuufer001]

looks huge

[ben14142001]

Driven several RX-8's. I always like the look and the interior and the handling, but the lack of torque kills me. Hopefully the electric assist helps a bit.

[kyleb350]

I'm usually not a MPG stickler, but a 1.3L with 16 city/23 hwy? That's almost as bad as an M3

[Garduna]

unappealing

[VinnieAces]

bring back the rx7 damnit

[Augenbrauezug]

Originally Posted by VinnieAces

bring back the rx7 damnit

If Mazda brought back a lightweight, turboed rotary, that was RELIABLE, they might have me back as a customer. Though, tough luck proving that it's reliable until it's been out for awhile. I dealt with enough headaches in my FD, to not trust a turboed rotary for a DD, for awhile.

[The__J__Factor]

Mazda has a great engine in the mazda 3 MPS, no idea why they wont use it in the RX-8 or its successor.

I would imagine that it would be cheaper, better fuel economy and more power.

[Sylon]

Yawn. While it looks good, Mazda is horrible with keeping up with rumors about it's sports cars. I mean, how many "rumors" have we heard about the RX-7 and never saw anything out of it?

When it comes to Japanese sportscars in general, I'll believe it when I see it. So sick of rumors, just build the damn thing already.

[Artmasterx]

At least we should finally see the Toyota/Subaru FT-86 cars when the Geneva show comes around. I am interested to know more details, though I am disappointed that the Subaru appears it will be RWD... why couldn't Toyota build a RWD and Subaru build a AWD?

[Sephiroth]

Originally Posted by The__J__Factor

Mazda has a great engine in the mazda 3 MPS, no idea why they wont use it in the RX-8 or its successor.

I would imagine that it would be cheaper, better fuel economy and more power.

That would not be an RX. RX is strictly rotary, as it should be.

[Epik]

My interest is piqued.

[FDfranklin]

Bring back the rx7!

[Freakazoid]

Originally Posted by Sylon

Yawn. While it looks good, Mazda is horrible with keeping up with rumors about it's sports cars. I mean, how many "rumors" have we heard about the RX-7 and never saw anything out of it?

When it comes to Japanese sportscars in general, I'll believe it when I see it. So sick of rumors, just build the damn thing already.

this, these dates are so far out, I guarantee the next concept markup will look drastically different than this one.

[NewYearsBoy]

Originally Posted by VinnieAces

bring back the rx7 damnit

I wish^^ this new one is

[JoeBoy]

They should dump this whole RX-8 line...and redo based on the RX-7 and loose the rear doors!!!