2012 Mazda RX-7 spied (via Auto Express)

[Antoine]

Mazda RX-7 spied

Spiritual successor to the legendary rotary-engined RX-7 is nearing production -
and we've caught it out testing.


Auto Express Car Reviews

Text: Jack Rix / Photos: SB Medien
13th January 2010

Mazda's latest rotary-engine sportscar is almost here - and our team of spies has caught a chassis mule heading out for a spin.
Although the low-slung bodywork of the production car has been replaced by a Mazda6 bodyshell, the bulbous headlights and reshaped bumper are a clear giveaway to what lies beneath.

Although this model will be a natural successor to the RX-8, making RX-9 the logical name choice, rumours are circulating that the 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.

Mazda has chosen to use the light and compact Renesis 16X Wankel engine for the newcomer – the same unit as fitted to 2007’s Taiki concept car. With an larger capacity - equivalent ti 1.6 litres - to improve torque, and the addition of a turbocharger to boost power beyond 300bhp, the rear-wheel drive RX-7 will be much more sporty than the RX-8.

Expect to see an RX-7 concept at next year's Tokyo Motor Show, with a production model following in 2012. ​

Read more: http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/autoexpressnews/247276/mazda_rx7_spied.html#ixzz0cYIN9MfE

 

[mountjonas]

awesome. can't wait to pick up a used r3 for cheap.

 

[13bcosmo]

Hardcore they usually just put some stickers and covers on and call it a day

 

[altspace]

Our spy photographers have caught the first pictures of Mazda's 2012 RX-7.

Spied wearing a Mazda6 body, the RX-7 chassis mule appears to feature adapted front and rear ends as seen in the protruding headlights and bumper at the front end. If previous reports are correct, the final product will resemble the stunning Furai concept of 2008.

Under the hood, power will be provided by a turbocharged 1.6-liter Renesis 16X Wankel engine with at least 300 hp. This should allow the RX-7 to easy outgun the RX-8 and its 232 hp 1.3-liter Renesis engine.

Despite being the successor to the RX-8, Mazda decided to use the RX-7 name (instead of RX-9) because it would evoke memories of the classic RX-7 produced between 1978 and 2002.

Look for a RX-7 market launch in the end of 2011 as a 2012 MY.

 

[altspace]

If this part becomes a reality...look out! "turbocharger to boost power beyond 300bhp"

My only question is why bother trying to adapt RX-8 looking headlights to the 6 sedan? Just looks wacky and a waste of time. Who knows?

 

[Kymerik]

it's a mule...dont put much stock into anything on the outside of that car

 

[Zelse]

I think they had to rework the frame to fit the engine, turbo, piping, and anything specific like electronics... so instead of just cutting holes, fitting it in and leaving the holes open, they probably just put something together so that it's decent enough to drive and test the engine. Thats just my guess.

 

[Olestra]

If this part becomes a reality...look out! "turbocharger to boost power beyond 300bhp"

My only question is why bother trying to adapt RX-8 looking headlights to the 6 sedan? Just looks wacky and a waste of time. Who knows?

Possibly it has some rx7 electrical under the hood and they needed to test the headlights. So ghetto rigging it was the easiest way.
Just guessing.

I'm wondering why they'd test with a mazda6 shell instead of rx8.

 

[njaremka]

Possibly it has some rx7 electrical under the hood and they needed to test the headlights. So ghetto rigging it was the easiest way.
Just guessing.

I'm wondering why they'd test with a mazda6 shell instead of rx8.

headlights would allow for leagal use on highways.

i wonder if this is even an RX platform mule. with a mazda6 body, my guess would be a 6 variant, possibly speed6 or something with AWD. otherwise, why trail it with an audi.

 

[BlackCherry06]

That would be a bizarre choice for a test mule. Seems they've have better luck fitting it in a RX-8 and the drivetrain setup would already be there. Surely they didn't hook that Wankel up to FWD.

 

[altspace]

Unless they are really trying hard to hide the fact it has a rotary. Lol! Anyone else think the rear tires are wider than front? Maybe it's just the angle, I'm not sure.

 

[evilmonkeyMSP]

A 300hp turbo'ed rotary, RWD coupe by mazda? Yes please!

 

[Kymerik]

Unless they are really trying hard to hide the fact it has a rotary. Lol! Anyone else think the rear tires are wider than front? Maybe it's just the angle, I'm not sure.

yep, they're significantly wider...they're failing at hiding the fact it's rotary

Maybe this one will have some torque?

 

[evilmonkeyMSP]

its still a rotary...lol

yep, they're significantly wider...they're failing at hiding the fact it's rotary

Maybe this one will have some torque?

 

[altspace]

Indeed it will. Just read here. http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123686702

We all know a rotary powerplant is not designed to be a torque monster, which is fine because it does not need to be.

 

[magnumP5]

I thought Mazda made it pretty apparent the next RX model was going to be using the 16X in a naturally aspirated form so the very fact this article mentions a turbocharger makes me skeptical. I'm fairly certain Mazda doesn't want to revisit the reliability issues they had in the past as well. Aren't the CR numbers for the 16X too high for a turbocharged application anyway?

Either way, I agree with what has been said above; something else is going on and it's very likely this has nothing to do with an RX-7 revival

 

[Wagonbacker9]

Unless they are really trying hard to hide the fact it has a rotary. Lol! Anyone else think the rear tires are wider than front? Maybe it's just the angle, I'm not sure.

Looks that way to me too, and thats the only thing stopping me from throwing the BS flag on this.

A reliable 300hp turbo'ed rotary, RWD coupe by mazda? Yes please!

fixed. lol (sorry FD guys, just telling it like it is)

 

[Donas64]

Indeed it will. Just read here. http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123686702

We all know a rotary powerplant is not designed to be a torque monster, which is fine because it does not need to be.

I'm not looking for a torque monster, I just don't want another torque weenie!

Also, someone mentioned this when I followed the link: Could this just be an 2nd gen MS6 mule?

 

[altspace]

Calling me a weenie! Lol. Dems are fightin' words. I love the RX-8 for what it is designed to be. Some people want/need power and torque, others like the sophistication of precise engineering. You like what you like, right? Trust me, I was this () close in buying a Z.

 

[Kymerik]

Calling me a weenie! Lol. Dems are fightin' words. I love the RX-8 for what it is designed to be. Some people want/need power and torque, others like the sophistication of precise engineering. You like what you like, right? Trust me, I was this () close in buying a Z.

precision engineering with poo fuel economy for the power it's producing *lawl*