The rumor has been circulating for the past 6 years and till today there is no fresh word from Mazda insiders on the replacement RX-8……..but here is some news on the replacement RX-7 which was Mazda’s ace sports car that started life from the Savanna running a rotary engine. The original RX-7 debuted in 1977 and quickly built a large and loyal worldwide following as a fast, agile, and affordable two-seat coupe with a unique and fascinating rotary engine. Powered by a Wankel (inventors name was Felix Wankel) engine (also used briefly by NSU) positioned behind the front axle, this version was available with two outputs: 105 HP or 115 HP. Rear wheel drive and manual, 5-speed transmission were standard. Noteworthy specs included the 4-link rear suspension with Watt linkage and 50/50 weight ratio. The first generation of the RX-7 sold in impressive numbers, Mazda quoting figures of around 475,000 units.
A 1986 redesign added size and a convertible body style, but neither did much for sales.
Accordingly, Mazda went back to basics for a third-generation 1993 RX-7 coupe but turbocharged the engine to over 250 horsepower.
The RX-7 continued into the new century in Malaysia via parallel importers. Even as Mazda rolled out the four-door, four-passenger RX-8 demand today is strong for the FC2 and even the Efini.
Sources say the 2012 Mazda RX-7 will be another Japan-sourced two-door coupe, but based on Mazda’s latest MX-5 roadster platform. However, that rear-wheel-drive architecture will be scaled up to near RX-8 size, which could mean a tiny back seat instead of a strictly two-passenger cockpit.
Styling is said to be drawn from the 2006 Kabura concept, so look for traditional long-hood/short-deck proportions, an arched roof, prominent cycle-style front fenders, an aggressive nose, and big wheels pushed right out to the corners. Here are some possible pictures of the car pasted above, the sliver and red cars are 2 possiblities but we reckon the red car will be a winner with buyers.
