1988 Mazda Rx-7 10th Anniversary Coupe 2-door 1.3l on 2040-cars

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Patent application suggests Mazda rotary return

A recent patent application by Mazda reveals that the Japanese automaker is still working on the rotary engine. This could in fact be the Skyactiv-R engine found in the RX-Vision concept from the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show. As with anything Wankel-related, nothing is certain until Mazda makes a production commitment. But this filing suggests that serious development is happening in Hiroshima. The 2011 Mazda RX-8 was the last rotary-powered car you could buy in America. Slow sales, poor fuel economy, and tighter emissions standards prevented Mazda from committing to a follow-up. But the fundamental principles of the rotary - compact size and light weight - perfectly fit Mazda's Skyactiv ethos. (For an explanation of how rotaries work, click here.) In this new engine the intake port sits at the bottom of the engine with the exhaust port on top instead of the other way around. That allows for lower mounting, which improves a car's center of gravity. This rotary is also turbocharged. Putting the turbo up high helps ensure it doesn't get in the way of any body or chassis crossmembers. The implication of those claims is that somebody is thinking about how to put this engine in a car. There are other benefits as well. The short path from the exhaust port to the turbo ensures minimal turbo lag. It also allows for a close-mounted catalyst on top of the enigne, which will help emissions. Another innovation in this new engine is a triangle-shaped rotor that covers part of the exhaust port. This allows for different exhaust flow characteristics. The filing claims that that two of the four orientations allow for less airflow resistance in the exhaust port. As in previous Mazda rotaries, there are two spark plugs to manage ignition timing and combustion. But unlike in the 16X concept, Mazda's last public display of such an engine, the new rotary uses port fuel injection. Keep in mind this is only a patent application. A Mazda spokesperson refused to comment on future product, but commented "As we stated at the Tokyo motor show, Mazda is doing all that it can to bring a rotary to the market." In the meantime, keep your RX-7 prayer candles lit and hope for the return of the rotary before the end of the decade. You can bide your time by reading the entire application here. Related Video: Related Gallery Mazda RX-Vision Concept: Tokyo 2015 View 11 Photos News Source: USPTO via autoevolution Rumormill Mazda Performance rotary mazda rx7

NHTSA urges owners of recalled Takata airbag vehicles to take immediate action

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Department of Transportation are taking the unusual step of issuing a followup press release urging owners of certain recalled vehicles "to act immediately" to fix their cars and trucks. The problem in question concerns the repair campaigns for rupturing Takata airbag inflators issued in June and covers a long list of models from Toyota, Lexus, Honda, Acura, Mazda, BMW, Nissan, Infiniti, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, Oldsmobile and Pontiac.
While NHSTA doesn't specifically say why the recall is vital in the new release, Toyota's own explanation in its newly announced renotification campaign earlier today sheds some new light on the topic. According to the Japanese automaker, in testing, Takata found a possible link between the rupturing airbag inflators and high humidity. NHTSA is advocating that all owners pursue repairs immediately if they haven't already done so already. This is especially crucial for those drivers especially in Florida, Puerto Rico, Guam, Saipan, American Samoa, Virgin Islands and Hawaii because of the humid conditions there.
We don't need to tell you how dangerous an inadvertent airbag deployment could be - even in a stationary vehicle - but adding to the Takata issue is fears that the deployment could lead to shrapnel being sprayed into the cabin.

Mazda prices 2016 CX-3 from $20,840

Been eager to put your cash down on the hood of a new 2016 Mazda CX-3, but haven't known just how much to take out from the bank? You can call your branch manager now, because Mazda has released pricing details for its new subcompact crossover. The MSRP for the new CX-3 will start out at $20,840, including an $880 destination charge. (Alaskan buyers can expect to pay an extra $45 on top.) That's for the base-level Sport model with front-wheel drive. Tack on another $1,250 for all-wheel drive if you think you'll need the extra traction, but either way it'll be channeling 146 horsepower and just as much torque from a 2.0-liter inline-four through a six-speed automatic transmission. Step up to the Touring model and the retail price jumps up to $22,840 (with delivery), plus the same $1,250 for the AWD option. There's a Touring Technology package available for another $1,410 that includes moonroof, satellite radio, and cargo cover. Finally at the top of the line is the CX-3 Grand Touring for $25,870 (delivered), available with that same i-Activ all-wheel drive system, and an i-Activsense package that throws in an array of electronic conveniences and safety systems for another $1,920. So while you can get away with paying as little as $20,840 for the base model, a fully loaded CX-3 can run you as much as $29,040. Related Video: All-New 2016 Mazda CX-3 Subcompact Crossover MSRP[1] to start from $19,960 - Latest evolution of Mazda's signature KODO design comes embodied in crossover available with premium, class-exclusive features and class-leading fuel economy - IRVINE, Calif., July 16, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- New vehicle segments don't come around often. So when Mazda had the opportunity to create its very own subcompact crossover to tackle the urban sprawl, as well as the road less-traveled, it did so the only way it would – with the fun-to-drive, stylish and upscale 2016 Mazda CX-3. 2016 Mazda CX-3 Subcompact Crossover Priced From $19,960 Nearing its mid-August expected on-sale date, Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) has released full pricing for its entry-level CUV offering, starting at an MSRP2 of $19,960 for the entry-level CX-3 Sport with front-wheel drive. As a $1,250 upgrade, buyers can select CX-3 Sport with Mazda's predictive i-ACTIV all-wheel drive that takes temperature, road conditions, steering-angle and weather into account, among other factors, to help optimize to which wheels engine power is routed for maximum performance and stability.