It's the Mazda that’s guaranteed to send rivals into a spin! These illustrations are the best yet of the forthcoming RX-7– an all-new two-seater sports car, complete with a turbocharged rotary engine.
Although this model will be a natural successor to the RX-8, the logical RX-9 badge is to be shunned in favour of RX-7 – evoking memories of the rear-wheel-drive Mazda produced in various forms between 1978 and 2002.
Reports from Japan have revealed that new design chief Ikua Maeda has already sketched plans for the next RX-7, and is said to be pushing the three-door model to the firm’s board of directors. Mazda has chosen to use the light and compact Renesis 16X Wankel engine – the same unit as fitted to 2007’s Taiki concept car.
With an equivalent capacity of 1.6 litres to improve torque, and the addition of a turbocharger to boost power beyond 300bhp, the RX-7 will be much more sporty than the RX-8.
By sticking with a rotary engine, Mazda will ensure the model can be adapted to run on hydrogen in future. Plus, it would retain the RX-8’s appeal as the only rotary-engined car in production.
Rumours that an RX-7 concept could debut at October’s Tokyo Motor Show came to nothing; it may not appear until next year’s event. A production model would then follow early in 2011 For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express