"Jay_Hoff" (jayhoff)
03/21/2015 at 19:18 • Filed to: bullshit rx7 rumor neverhappening
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"Jay_Hoff" (jayhoff)
03/21/2015 at 19:18 • Filed to: bullshit rx7 rumor neverhappening | 3
| 30 |
Previous reports recently mentioned Mazda was developing a new turbo-less 225kW rotary powertrain for its next-generation RX-7 due in 2017. New information from a source close to Mazda tells us that the company is now focusing its R&D efforts on a radical twin-scroll turbocharged rotary powerplant rumoured to develop upwards of 335kW.
Rotary diehards would, of course, remember that Mazda's first-ever rotary-powered production car, the Cosmo Sport, was launched in 1967, making 2017 the 50th anniversary of that event. Right in the middle of its 25th anniversary for its Guinness Book of Records-featured MX-5, Mazda knows how to celebrate and wants to keep the party going.
Earlier this year, the prototype for this new RX-7 was said to employ a naturally-aspirated rotary engine based on the 16X configuration. Using "laser ignition" that test mule was said to produce around 225kW. In less than six months, Mazda has decided to add a twin-scroll turbo setup, expanding power to some 335kW.
We'd also heard that, in the absence of a suitable rear-wheel drive platform, Mazda was using a reinforced version of the next MX-5's platform which could accommodate the suggested 225kW. But now, with over 335kW on the table, Mazda has ditched the MX-5 underpinnings and reverted to a significantly rebuilt RX-8 platform for its test mule.
It is common knowledge in motoring circles that the RX-8's platform was already of superior build quality and rigidity and could take more power. An example was the RX-8 SP developed in Australia and raced in Targa Tasmania, which used a turbocharger to generate 205kW/305Nm.
The coupe you see in this pic is an artist's impression of the RX-7's design direction, based on information sourced from our insider. Using a stylised version of the company's 'Kodo' design language and the signature grille, the new rotary sports car is destined to take on lines and proportions reminiscent of modern-day sports cars like Ferraris.
So what will the new high-performance model be called? For well over a year now, we have heard the name 'RX-9 bandied about when speaking of a next-generation RX-7. Our source now tells us that Mazda has actually registered both RX-7 and RX-9 names with Japan's trademark office, leaving their options open as to a successor's name. Given the coupe's high-performance sports car focus, unlike the hard-to-define RX-8, Mazda may well stick with the RX-7 name, which first surfaced back in 1978.
But while the RX-8's platform is slightly larger all round when compared to that of the MX-5, our source explains that Mazda engineers are aiming to retain rigidity while decreasing the coupe's length to that approaching an MX-5.
With the issues of the out-of-production RX-8's rotary engine – poor mileage, excessive oil consumption and weak mid-range torque – Mazda originally planned to address all of those shortcomings using the company's much lauded SKYACTIV technologies with a fully redesigned fuel-efficient, more powerful, non-turbo rotary.
But then the marketing people interjected, explaining that a 225kW non-turbo rotary would not excite the marketplace and would fall short of its rivals' performance.
So, aiming to seriously challenge the Porsche 911 Carrera (not the Cayman!), Mazda changed direction and bolted on two turbochargers lifting power by 75 per cent.
Given that Mazda plans to celebrate the rotary-powered Cosmo Sport's birthday of May 1967 with the launch of a new RX-7, it stands to reason that we will see the all-new model in May 2017.
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lucky's pepper
> Jay_Hoff
03/21/2015 at 19:26 |
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They need to stop pissin' about with this and get the diesel to market in the US already!
speedoption
> Jay_Hoff
03/21/2015 at 19:54 |
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heh i turned the other cheek when i read. " The coupe you see in this pic is an artist's impression of the RX-7's design direction, based on information sourced from our insider. " uhm.... so its a sketching of an sketching....???? LOL spreading the gospel.
unclevanos (Ovaltine Jenkins)
> Jay_Hoff
03/21/2015 at 20:02 |
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It's like Half Life 3, neither are being developed.
turbojames
> Jay_Hoff
03/21/2015 at 20:03 |
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But I would really like to see a new RX-7...
samssun
> Jay_Hoff
03/21/2015 at 20:03 |
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With two rotors and two turbos, how do you twin scroll them? They'd have to be sequential with each turbo fed by both rotors, right?
Better question: if Mazda doesn't have the resources to develop modern traditional engines, leaving us stuck with this Skyactive crap in everything, how in the world will they find time & money to overcome the niche rotary's drawbacks? Just partner with Ford again and put the Ecoboost 4s and 6s in the Miata, 3, and 6.
Snuze: Needs another Swede
> Jay_Hoff
03/21/2015 at 21:10 |
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That concept doe... *HNNNG*
bryan40oop
> Jay_Hoff
03/21/2015 at 22:27 |
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Yeah, it's true. Coming in the next couple of years with the mid engine corvette, new supra, & new bronco!
HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles
> samssun
03/21/2015 at 22:37 |
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Well you can have sequential twins on a 4 or 6 or 8 Cylinder car, so why not a 2 Rotor. Also the 13b was a twin rotor with sequential turbos.
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HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles
> turbojames
03/21/2015 at 22:39 |
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where do you stand on calling it an RX-9.
PS9
> Jay_Hoff
03/21/2015 at 22:42 |
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LOL 'It's stands to reason'. It actually stands to reason that some fanbois be up on that batshit again. I'd be just terrible if I were a chief engineer at Mazda and had a rotary fanboy friend. Just completely awful.
"...and I can't prove it, but I know they've got a three-rotary prototype up and running in Japan. They're testing it."
* stars in eyes* "Really, PS9!?"
"Oh-ho yeah. The CEO of the global operation skyped (LOLOLOLOLOL) the guy running things here in the us during a conference and we were all there. They spoke in Japanese so we wouldn't know what they were talking about sometimes...but I of course know a bit of rudimentary japanese (LOLOLOLOLOL). He kept talking about an 'R3'. "Move those shitty crossovers, we need more cash for R3! It has to be ready in time!"...
*head explodes from sheer force of fandom*
gergey - Wishes vette was Datsun
> Jay_Hoff
03/21/2015 at 22:47 |
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We have a new NSX and a new Ford GT.... anything is possible.
Every morning I wake up expecting to see that the Stig has done a Top Gear lap time of 01:15.0 in a new Supra....
norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback
> lucky's pepper
03/21/2015 at 22:49 |
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They do!
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samssun
> HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles
03/21/2015 at 23:06 |
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It's just not a typical layout. Most cars using twin scroll turbos are either I4s feeding a single turbo, or V8s feeding twins. The twin scroll lets a bigger turbo spool like a smaller one, replacing the need for different sized ones in a sequential setup.
TheHondaBro
> Jay_Hoff
03/21/2015 at 23:11 |
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Sure, because let's forget the RX8 was a thing, and let's go back to using the number 7!
Eric @ opposite-lock.com
> Jay_Hoff
03/21/2015 at 23:27 |
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Twin turbo... I can hear the apex seals screaming out in terror.
moran11
> lucky's pepper
03/21/2015 at 23:37 |
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Did Mazda ever resolve the oil level rising in the Skyactiv diesels?
whiskeybusiness NOW A DANGER TO CROWDS NEAR YOU
> Jay_Hoff
03/21/2015 at 23:37 |
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I know it probably won't ever happen. . . but it needs to because rotary.
Steve in Manhattan
> Jay_Hoff
03/21/2015 at 23:49 |
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Looks a bit LFA, a bit ... 4C? Sharper corners, not designed by an Italian. Just build it already.
titsinmymitts
> Jay_Hoff
03/22/2015 at 01:29 |
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I do not see the appeal of a rotary engine. Outside of the sky high redline, what good is a motor that makes little torque, drinks oil, and get shit fuel economy?
jsemerica
> titsinmymitts
03/22/2015 at 02:55 |
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Definitely, quarts of oil a year is expensive.
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jsemerica
> Jay_Hoff
03/22/2015 at 02:56 |
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Yes please.
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BmanUltima's car still hasn't been fixed yet, he'll get on it tomorrow, honest.
> titsinmymitts
03/22/2015 at 06:47 |
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Smaller, lighter engine that makes more power? That's it's greatest advantage I think. Also it's mechanically simpler than a piston engine.
SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie
> Jay_Hoff
03/22/2015 at 08:21 |
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Laser ignition. Seems legit.
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SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie
> titsinmymitts
03/22/2015 at 08:22 |
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Packaging and weight. Rotaries are smaller and lighter than Otto-cycle ICEs.
Mike
> Jay_Hoff
03/22/2015 at 09:21 |
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I want to believe, I really do. I'm a massive Wankel fanboy. But I've heard this same story so many times....
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turbojames
> HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles
03/22/2015 at 10:53 |
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lol
1337HPMustang
> Jay_Hoff
03/22/2015 at 11:36 |
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if it's true and it looks like that, I might just get an erection lasting longer than 4 hours
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NJAnon
> Jay_Hoff
03/22/2015 at 13:20 |
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Of course we want to believe they will revive the RX-7/RX-9. We also want to believe they will make another Toyota Supra too.
Better get comfortable with Nissan 350Z/370Z and FR-s/BRZ everyone.
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Skreamies1234
> Jay_Hoff
03/22/2015 at 14:34 |
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Guys, the place where you got this article from stole the whole article from somewhere else word for word, the original was from back in July 2014.
Not sure if the image will show but it's from Motoring on 10th Jul 14.
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Jay_Hoff
> Skreamies1234
03/22/2015 at 14:48 |
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Wow. More bullshit.