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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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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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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