2006 Mazda RX-7
Don't think of the next RX-7 as a 2-door version of the RX-8 because we hear that the car will be more powerful and slightly smaller than its 4-door sibling. The next-generation RX-7 will be a 2-seat coupe riding on a shortened-wheelbase version of the RX-8 platform. There will likely be two renditions of the car: a base model powered by the RX-8's Renesis rotary producing 250 bhp; and a Mazdaspeed edition powered by a turbocharged rotary producing up to 300 bhp.
Plans for a revived RX-7 existed when the RX-8 was being developed. When asked if there was room in Mazda's lineup for both an RX-8 and RX-7, top Mazda brass said yes. Therefore, much of the car's basic foundation, including its RX-8-derived suspension, has already been determined.
Like the previous RX-7 (and unlike the RX-8), the next car will be a pure sports car, with a low, wide stance, flowing profile and a lightweight body. However, the next RX-7 will be priced aggressively we are hearing estimates of $30,000 to $35,000. Depending on the success of the RX-8, the RX-7 may bow as early as fall 2005.
Source: Road and Track, September 2003
