Mazda Rx7 Fd3s Rotary 13b Jdm 93-95 on 2040-cars

Auto blog

Mazda RX-7 could return in 2020

We like writing about the next Mazda RX-7 because it's like writing about the Chupacabra, Slenderman, or the Florida Skunkape, all of which are imaginary creatures seen by someone who knew someone who had an uncle whose dead great-grandfather's sister took a picture of it, invariably at night, while she was drunk, with her 1933 Kodak Brownie. Autocar is the latest with an RX-7 revival, saying it could come as soon as 2020 to celebrate Mazda's 100th anniversary. Before we get to that, let's take a brief look at RX-7 rumors. In 2009 there was speculation we'd get a concept RX-7 at the Tokyo Motor Show. That same year it was predicted the RX-8 would die to make room for a new RX-7 in 2012. In 2010 Mazda was developing a 300-horsepower rotary for the RX-7 that could run on gasoline or diesel and had better fuel economy and less oil consumption. Then Autocar said we could get the new RX-7 by 2013, a rumor that turned into a new RX-9 based on the Mazda MX-5 Miata platform. In 2012 the potential arrival date had become 2017. In 2013 the company CEO Masamichi Kogai said the equivalent of "Not gonna happen," and he said it again last year, just 90 days ago. It should be clear by now that this car is Mazda's version of the Lotus Esprit. Whew. Now that we're clear on all that, what does Autocar say? That a follow-up to the extinct RX-8 is coming that will sit on the new MX-5 Miata platform, and Mazda's vice president of European R&D said there are still 30 engineers working on rotary engines in partnership with universities. The successor will be front-engined and rear-wheel drive, have either two seats or 2+2 seating, and could be called RX-6, RX-7, or RX-9. That sounds like three distinct statements, only one of which is definitely true, that could possibly just maybe add up to a new RX-7, but could even more likely add up to a rotary-engined concept car that never sees production. We've only got five more years to wait, and since we've been begging at the RX-7 doors this long... Related Video: News Source: Autocar Rumormill Mazda Coupe Performance rotary rotary engine mazda rx-7

Mazda's Tokyo concepts have us wishing for more Mazdaspeed

It's been a while since we've seen any new Mazdaspeed machinery, and we're sorry to report that today isn't the day the wait ends. But if you want to see what they might look like based on Mazda's latest models, the Tokyo Auto Salon will be the place to be in a couple of weeks. Turns out the Zoom-Zoom brand has a whole raft of performance models in store for the aftermarket expo. Most intriguing to our eyes is the trio of Racing concepts – one based on the MX-5 Miata roadster, one on the CX-3 crossover, and one on the Mazda6 sedan. Each is done up in black with full aero kit, new rolling stock, and Alcantara interior. An adjustable suspension is the big change to the MX-5 – known simply as the Mazda Roadster in Japan – which also features red trim. As does the CX-3, while the Atenza (which we know as the Mazda6) goes for a more monochromatic, murdered-out appearance. The rally-prepped Mazda2 (known domestically as the Demio) focuses on a stripped-out interior with bucket seats, racing harnesses and a roll cage. There's a spec racing MX-5 in white livery with roll cage and tow hooks as well to join the Global Cup roadster we've already seen. That also goes for the RX-Vision and LM55 Vision Grand Turismo concepts which have already made the rounds but will be on display at the Tokyo salon as well. But it's those three Racing concepts that leave us salivating for production performance models to come – and hopefully come to North America in the process. Related Video:

Mazda previews 2016 Miata Global MX-5 Cup racer

At this point, we all know that the Mazda MX-5 Miata is a highly capable racing platform. Mazda even claims that the car is the most road-raced model in the world. Fittingly, then, the Japanese brand is making a huge announcement about the future of motorsport for its next-generation convertible. The MX-5 Cup is going worldwide in 2016 as the MX-5 Global Cup, and all of the racers are getting behind the wheel of the upcoming fourth-gen Miata, similar to the gorgeous redhead pictured above.
"It has long been our goal to see Mazda fans around the world competing in identical MX-5s, and the launch of the 2016 MX-5 Miata is the perfect time to make this goal a reality," said Masahiro Moro, Managing Executive Officer in charge of Global Sales, Marketing and Customer Service for Mazda in the company's announcement.
The racing version makes its grand debut at this year's SEMA show, although at the moment it's really more of a concept. Mazda confirms that the racer uses the 2.0-liter SkyActiv four-cylinder, but the other important parts like tires, suspension and safety equipment are not yet determined. The cars "will be sold ready to race from a single supplier," according to automaker's announcement for the series.