Autoblog

REPORT: Mazda's next-generation rotary needs more work

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 09:00:00 EST

2009 Mazda RX-8 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Though the rotary engine certainly has its fair share of detractors, many who find themselves behind the wheel of a Wankel-powered machine from Mazda fall in love with the engine's zippy and rev-happy characteristics... including this particular blogger, who purchased a new RX-8 back in 2004. Regardless, nobody can deny that the rotary has always been a thirsty little bugger, especially when compared to powerplants with similarly rated displacements.

We've been hearing for the last few years - and seemingly every other time a new rendition of the Wankel engine came to market - that the next version of Mazda's rotary would address complaints about its high fuel consumption and emissions. Perhaps the early projections about the so-called 16X engine were a wee bit premature. According to Seita Kanai, head of R&D at Mazda:

The 16X demonstrated the possibility, but that performance is not good enough. We are doing R&D which will incorporate more new technology... The 16X is more a profile of a rotary still in our concept stage. It needs more evolution.

That really doesn't sound all that confidence inspiring to us. At this point, only time will tell if the 16X will actually be ready for prime time when the long-rumored next-gen rotary-powered car from Mazda hits the scene in 2012 or so.

Gallery: 2009 Mazda RX-8 R3

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req'd]

REPORT: Mazda's next-generation rotary needs more work originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Grassroots Motorsports' Tim Suddard picks ten future Japanese collector cars

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 12:31:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Japan

First generation Mazda Miata - Click above to see entire list of future Japanese Collector Cars

"Everybody wants to go to the dance, no one wants to stay and clean up." So says Robert De Niro's Sam in John Frankenheimer's spy thriller/car porno Ronin. We mention the line, because it's not only well written, but nicely sums up most people's attitudes towards classic, collector cars. Yes, we'd all love a Boss 302 Mustang or a Maserati Bora, but no one wants to pay the tens of thousands of dollars it takes to procure and maintain them. But what if in the future collector cars weren't limited to American muscle or exotic Europeans? What if relatively cheap and reliable Japanese cars came to be collectors items?

Regardless of the answer, that's the exact future that Tim Suddard, publisher of both Grassroots Motorsports and Classic Motorsports, is predicting. In fact, here's what he has to say about it:

Right now Japanese cars are generally overlooked by the collector car world, but we expect that to change. A generation that grew up on Hondas, Datsuns and Mazdas is coming of age where they're after the icons of their youth. Where previous enthusiasts paid big money for the Mopars, Chevelles and GTOs that they couldn't afford when teens, we expect the same happen soon with milestone Japanese cars.

Which, if what Suddard is saying is true, means that both demand and price should increase. Which is probably... bad. Click here to see the ten cars (with captions) that Suddard claims are going to be future classics, plus our own two cents on each selection. And of course, what do you think? Also - like what you see? If you're in the Southern California area, don't miss the 2009 Japanese Classics car show this weekend

Gallery: Tim Suddard's ten most collectable Japanese cars

Grassroots Motorsports' Tim Suddard picks ten future Japanese collector cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Student designed Mazda Yuuga Coupe features no smiley face

Jonny Lieberman — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 12:56:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Japan, Mazda, Misc. Auto Shows, Design/Style

Mazda Yuuga Coupe - Click above for high-res image gallery

The jury is largely in on Mazda's new happy corporate face and well, most folks don't like it. But what if Mazda designed a car featuring its Nagare design language minus the smiley face? That's exactly what one student designer named Imran Ali did with the Yuuga Coupe. Presented at the 2009 Degree Show at the National Waterfront Museum in Swansea, UK, we have to say that the Yugga Coupe is quite the looker.

No known plans exist for production. For all anyone knows, this could be a Mazda6 coupe. Or, the Yuuga could indicate a design direction for future RX models - like a return to the gone-but-totally-not-forgotten RX-7. Or hey, it could be something totally different - who knows? The all-glass roof and crash-cymbal sized brakes are obviously auto show wishful thinking, yet the side profile is quite modern and Fisker-like. The rear looks even better - sorta like an Aston Martin V8. Then, of course, there's the Mazda meets GT-R front end, which is especially handsome. Good work, Mr. Ali. We hope they build it, though the name has to go. Too close to Yugo for our liking.

Gallery: Mazda Yuuga Coupe

[Source: Car Body Design via Car Scoop]

Student designed Mazda Yuuga Coupe features no smiley face originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Aug 2009 12:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Mazda RX-7 concept headed to Tokyo Motor Show?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 13:28:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Tokyo Motor Show, Mazda, Rumormill

Ever since Mazda revived its Wankel rotary program in 2004 with the RX-8, the internet rumormill has constantly been abuzz with reports of a proper two-door RX-7 variant. The latest such rumor comes by way of Japanese magazine Best Car (via JDM-centric website 7Tune.com), which indicates the new sportscar has a 55% chance of making an appearance at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show in October.

We understand that Mazda's continual development of its rotary engine technology is likely to bring a displacement boost from 1.3- to 1.6-liters for the next RX model - whatever and whenever that may be - along with the seemingly contradictory qualities of more power, cleaner emissions and lower fuel consumption.

Naturally, Best Car provides a rendering of the supposed RX-7 to go along with the speculation of an October debut. Drawing inspiration from the expressive styling language from Mazda's recent concept cars along with a hearty dose of the happy-go-lucky expression of the current Mazda3. We'll see if there's any truth to this report in, oh, about three months.

[Source: 7Tune.com | Image: Best Car]

Rumormill: Mazda RX-7 concept headed to Tokyo Motor Show? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Jul 2009 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Mazda RX-7 still under development, next RX-8 to be called RX-9

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 20:36:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Japan, Tokyo Motor Show, Mazda, Rumormill

The recent news out of Japan hasn't been good for fans of front-engine, rear-wheel-drive two-doors. First came word that Subaru and Toyota were postponing the launch of their boxer-powered RWD coupe, then the S2000 is killed off and finally reports suggest that Nissan has cancelled its Silvia successor. Thankfully, all is not lost. InsideLine is reporting that Mazda is hard at work on another version of the RX-7 and development is underway on the next RX-8, supposedly - and predictably - dubbed the RX-9.

According to IL's (traditionally) unnamed sources, Mazda is working on a 16X twin-rotor Wankel (two rotors, each displacing 800cc), boosting displacement of the current 13B by 300cc and putting out upwards of 270 hp in naturally aspirated guise. Mazda's aim for its next generation of rotary engines is to dramatically reduce emissions and boost fuel economy to the tune of 20%.

Mazda will likely use the same engine to motivate the RX-7, but in addition to offering a traditional manual gearbox, Mazda is developing a dual-clutch transmission with a twist: the DCT will allow drivers to set the exact points where the clutch packs engage for maximum performance on the track.

The RX-7's circuit-friendly cred is enhanced by the report that Mazda engineers are struggling to keep the coupe's curb weight in check. An all-new chassis is being developed that will supposedly eliminate around 220 pounds, bringing the RX-7's weight down to approximately 2,640 pounds.

We're keeping our fingers crossed that both the RX-7 and RX-9 will make an appearance during this year's show season, although the way things are going, we don't expect to see either at this year's Tokyo Motor Show.

[Source: Inside Line | Image: Motor Magazine via Carscoop]

Rumormill: Mazda RX-7 still under development, next RX-8 to be called RX-9 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Feb 2009 20:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Auction of the Day: Mint 1984 Mazda RX-7 GSL-SE for a good cause

Dan Roth — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Auctions, Mazda

Click above for image gallery of Patti Wilhelm's GSL-SE

For the first generation Mazda RX-7, it didn't get any better than the GSL-SE. The FB cars were done by 1985, and the GSL-SE was only available for 1984-85. Carrying larger brake rotors, an upgraded suspension, revised front airdam and a fuel-injected 13B Rotary, SEs are sought after and a clean, unmolested original-owner car is a rare find, indeed. Patti Wilhelm's 1984 RX7 GSL-SE is the cleanest we've ever laid eyes upon. Even though it's traversed 291,000 miles since she drove it away from Valley Mazda in 1984, the car has been well cared for and has seen recent refurbishment and upgrades like Bilstein shocks.

Patti sadly passed away from kidney cancer in June, 2008. She wanted her RX7 to go to a good home, and that it should benefit others. Being a motorsports enthusiast and an animal lover, the beloved Mazda is being raffled off, with the proceeds going to The Humane Society of the United States. Autoweek magazine is helping coordinate online bidding, which currently stands at $7,100, and will close at midnight on December 14th. We're wowed more by the quality of Patti's life than anything, but the car is just as much a class act. Head on over to place your bid for a good cause.

Gallery: RX7 GSL-SE

[Source: Autoweek via MotorWorldHype]

Auction of the Day: Mint 1984 Mazda RX-7 GSL-SE for a good cause originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Dec 2008 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wrenching LeMons: Late nights and flying sparks

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 18:28:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Etc.

As our October 20th deadline for destruction grows near, we've been making some significant progress on Project LeMons. After the interior was stripped and the hatch removed, Casey and Brad got to fabricating the roll cage out of pilfered pieces lying around the shop. We've got a full hoop mated to a couple of 50ish-degree pipes that tie into the custom rear strut tower brace. Last night, the harness bar was welded in place, along with the plate to mount the door bar to the floor, and although there is a seat sitting in the appropriate place, it's not mounted to anything yet.

Next up: we've got to weld the door bar in (and possibly add another one above it), get the seat positioned and secured, replace the brakes and water pump, and try to find a driveshaft. The good news: while yours truly was running ragged around Frank-town last week, the Modacar crew hooked up a battery and turned the beast over, and according to Brad, "it runs like a champ!" Can we get a "hooraa!"

Oh, and we cut a few holes into the hood to allow some airflow and plan on ditching the front and rear bumpers, and fitting some custom tubing in their place.

Our friend from Shutterflick snapped off some photos for your perusal; you can check them out below.

Gallery: Wrenching LeMons, Part Two

Wrenching LeMons: Late nights and flying sparks originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Sep 2007 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Because we're masochistic like that: Autoblog enters the 24 Hours of LeMons

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 20:04:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Etc.

Click the image above for more pics of our rubbish racer.

"So you're really going to do this, huh?" We've lost count as to how many times we've heard that line over the course of the last two months. After covering the event live this past July, we came away from the 24 Hours of LeMons with dreams of surviving the crap-car enduro the next time it came around, and now it's official. We've been accepted, we've got a car and now, the unfortunate task of getting ready for the event begins.

We've secured a 1988 Mazda FC RX-7 for the "race", and by all outward appearances, it looks like a perfect contender. Front-engine, rear-wheel drive, plenty of space between the bumper and the engine to fit a V-mounted radiator when the inevitable front-end collisions occur - it's all there, well kind of. We still have to install a radiator, fit a new rear end, rip out the interior, make a cage and install all the required safety equipment. Oh, and the brakes aren't working. But that's all little stuff easily solved during the endless late nights we plan on putting into the build. And naturally, we'll be covering it all between now and the weekend of October 20 and 21.

Our friends at Modacar are helping with the build and are supplying us with a few hot shoes in the form of Casey Horner, Jay Juane, Brad Wood and Ken Falconitin, not to mention yours truly.

In the meantime, watch this space for ongoing updates, and although we've already got a temporary team name, we're open to your suggestions. Because just like everything else with LeMons, it's all about constant improvisation.

Gallery: Autoblog's 2007 Arse-Freeze-Apalooza LeMons RX-7

Because we're masochistic like that: Autoblog enters the 24 Hours of LeMons originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Aug 2007 20:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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