Autoblog

Red Bull RX-7 goes drift crazy on New Zealand's Crown Range

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 07 May 2013 18:29:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Mazda, Specialty, Racing

For the first time ever, the Crown Range, New Zealand's highest paved road, was closed off for the drifting pleasure of one man. That man is Mad Mike Whiddett, and the machine he's piloting is a heavily modified Mazda RX-7 sponsored by the energy-rich crew from Red Bull and powered by a 750-horsepower quad-rotor engine. There will be smoke. Lots and lots of smoke.

Mad Mike hits speeds in excess of 140 miles per hour over the course of the road's six and a half miles, which boasts 47 individual corners at over 3,500 feet of elevation. Scroll down for all kinds of fire-belching, tire-squealing and smoke-inducing action. Or, as Mad Mike himself puts it, "A dream turned into reality."

Continue reading Red Bull RX-7 goes drift crazy on New Zealand's Crown Range

Red Bull RX-7 goes drift crazy on New Zealand's Crown Range originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 May 2013 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Mazda to revive RX-7 in... 2017?

George Kennedy — Tue, 06 Nov 2012 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Technology, Mazda, Rumormill

There is a special place in our hearts reserved for the Mazda RX-7. Its screaming rotary engine made the '80s and '90s a time of high-revving fun. While Mazda continued the rotary with the four-door RX-8, the two are not the same car, and eventually the latter was phased out.

The Motor Report is the latest outlet to crank up the rumormill over a return to Wankel power and an RX sports car for the troubled Japanese brand. According to TMR, a rotary engine could come back - and so could the RX-7 nameplate - albeit not overnight. The return of the RX-7 is said to be set for 2017, and the source quoted is none other than Mazda sports car boss Nobuhiro Yamamoto.

Speaking with the press at a local launch of the updated MX-5 Miata, Yamamoto said the future RX-7 would have a curb weight close to that of the Toyota GT 86 (about 2,600 pounds), and have a larger emphasis on the driver's involvement. Yamamoto was also the powertrain chief for the JDM-market FD3S generation (1992-2002 model) and was extremely proud of that engine. Yamamoto reportedly says he would prefer a naturally aspirated version of that engine over any kind of forced induction solution, claiming that the 16X rotary engine that has been developed would be capable of 220kW (295 hp) in that configuration. The 16X was developed in 2007 but has yet to find its way into a production vehicle.

2017 would mark the 50th anniversary of the introduction of the rotary engine. Frankly, it would be a shame if some form of the quirky and revvy powerplant was not found under the hood of a sports car anywhere in the market.

Mazda to revive RX-7 in... 2017? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Nov 2012 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Video: Drift battle pits Mazda RX7 against Kawasaki ZX10

Jeff Glucker — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Etc., Videos, Mazda, Motorcycle, Racing

The bike vs car debate extends into the drifting arena - Click above to watch video after the jump

Regardless of where you stand on the "drifting is/isn't a form of motorsports" debate, it's fun to watch a car being piloted on full opposite lock. But is it possible on a motorcycle? Icon Motorsports rider Nick Brocha answers with a fat sideways-smoking yes.

Icon may be known for providing gear for ~~maniacs~~ fans of two-wheeled transportation, but they also sponsor a team of skilled bikers. Brocha is one of those riders and he pits his modded Kawasaki ZX10 against Jim Guthrie and his Corvette-powered Mazda RX-7 drift machine. Add in some cameras (one strapped to an R/C car) and a prime location and we have ourselves an entertaining video, which you can watch after the jump.

[Source: Icon Motorsports via Hell for Leather]

Continue reading Video: Drift battle pits Mazda RX7 against Kawasaki ZX10

Video: Drift battle pits Mazda RX7 against Kawasaki ZX10 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Jan 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Report: Mazda working on next-gen rotary-powered RX-9

Noah Joseph — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 18:30:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Mazda, Rumormill

Mazda Kabura Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

According to a report from Autocar, Mazda is currently working on a successor to the old RX-7 and the current RX-8. (We've heard this before. Many times.) Believed to carry the RX-9 nameplate, the next-gen sports car is tipped to ditch the innovative but clumsy quasi-four-door layout of the current RX-8, and that the platform is to be spun off from the MX-5 roadster. But what you really want to know about is the engine.

Dubbed the 16X project, the new Renesis rotary engine is expected to grow in size considerably over the RX-8's and pack around 300 horsepower - quite a bit more than the 232 hp we enjoy in the current car. Mazda is also said to be hard at work keeping the engine as clean and efficient as possible, as the current RX-8's high fuel and oil consumption have driven it out of certain markets already. The Japanese automaker could alternatively turn the RX-9 project strictly into a hydrogen halo vehicle, which might be nice if you happen to live near a hydrogen pipeline, less so for the rest of us.

Gallery: Mazda Kabura Concept

[Source: Autocar]

Report: Mazda working on next-gen rotary-powered RX-9 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Nov 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Report: Mazda rotary reportedly at least a year behind schedule, but work continues

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Mazda

Renesis rotary engine in 2009 Mazda RX-8 - Click above for high-res image gallery

"We will never give up," says Mitsuo Hitomi, general manager of Mazda's powertrain division, referring to the automaker's long-running investment into the rotary engine. This vote of confidence in Felix Wankel's replacement for displacement will surely come as welcome news to rotor-heads the world over, but that doesn't mean there aren't problems in World of Wankel.

Apparently, the so-called 16X engine, which is the latest take on the pony-keg-sized engine that spins into the stratosphere, is failing to meet emissions requirements set by the engineering team at Mazda, despite the fact that it is 30 percent more fuel efficient than the previous Renesis rotary. Impressively, Hitomi stated that the 1.6-liter 16X is slightly more fuel efficient than the automaker's standard 2.0-liter gas engine.

It would seem that the rotary's well-known thirst for fuel has at least partly been quenched, but until the 16X is tuned to hit its emissions targets we can expect it to stay in the engineering department and off the showroom floor. So, when might we see a new rotary-powered machine from Mazda? "Maybe within two years we can tell you when we will introduce it to the market," responds Hitomi.

Now, let the debate continue as to what kind of body and platform that engine will be featured in...

Gallery: 2009 Mazda RX-8 R3

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

Report: Mazda rotary reportedly at least a year behind schedule, but work continues originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Oct 2010 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Shocking Rumor! Mazda considers RX-7 revival

Zach Bowman — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Mazda, Rumormill

Rumors about a true successor to the FD RX-7 have been kicking around automotive circles since... oh, just about exactly when the car left the world for good way back in 2002. While it could be argued that the Mazda RX-8 is a spiritual progeny of the Zoom-Zoom kingdom's white night, the four-door sports car doesn't quite stack up to its curvaceous predecessor. It would seem that Autocar is doing its best to keep the flame alive for the return of the RX-7, this time with - gasp - a new set of leaked details from an insider close to the project. Consider us stunned.

According to Autocar, the project could yield a car much closer to the original RX-7 recipe by as early as 2013. Supposedly - and stop us if you've heard this one before - the company is working on a new rotary mill to be used with an electric turbo for a little extra grunt. With the RX-8 on its way out the door and no word of a replacement on the horizon, it would seem only fitting for Mazda to be working on something rear-wheel drive with a Wankel at its heart, but given the lack of hard sources and solid details, we're going to have to take this one with a jumbo-sized side of skepticism.

[Source: Autocar]

Shocking Rumor! Mazda considers RX-7 revival originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Jul 2010 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Mazda RX-8 to exit U.S. market after 2011 model year?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 05 May 2010 12:31:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Mazda, Rumormill

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

According to "a well placed source at Mazda's North American Operations," Motor Trend is reporting that the aging RX-8 is set to exit stage left here in the States after the 2011 model year. As it is, the rotary-powered sportscar is slated to see the European guillotine at the same time due to its inability to meet Euro V emissions standards.

There are a number of issues that all manufacturers that have chosen to borrow the rotary engine design from Felix Wankel have had to deal with, not the least of which have been poor fuel efficiency, comparatively high exhaust emissions and excessive oil consumption. It seems that these same long-running plagues may kill off yet another fun-to-drive rotary-powered model from Mazda.

Mazda has not made any formal announcements as to the death of the RX-8 or the rebirth of the perennially rumored RX-7 revival. That said, we'd be more than a little shocked if Mazda didn't renew its commitment to the high-revving, barrel-shaped rotary engine wrapped up in some sort of innovative package within the next few model years. We'll see.

Gallery: 2009 Mazda RX-8 R3

[Source: Motor Trend]

Mazda RX-8 to exit U.S. market after 2011 model year? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 May 2010 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Report: Next Mazda RX-7 in development, but don't hold your breath

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 19:57:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Mazda, Rumormill, Diesel

Mazda Furai Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's the rumor that just refuses to die. We're not sure if that means there's a lot of truth behind it or it's just wishful thinking, but once again we're hearing that Mazda is hard at work on a new RX-7 sportscar. And while you might think such a vehicle would be as easy as adding a turbocharger to the existing Renesis-powered RX-8 and jettisoning the back seat (or pulling a Kabura with the MX-5's platform), Mazda apparently has much more grandiose intentions for its next range-topping sportscar.

According to Motor Trend, Mazda's oft-talked-about 16X rotary engine is now capable of running on either gasoline or diesel with nary a difference in performance. We have to wonder about the accuracy of such claims, but if true, perhaps running on diesel or biofuels would give Mazda the eco-cred it's aiming for - specifically boosted fuel economy and lower CO2 output. In any case, MT says that Mazda is aiming for something north of 300 horsepower with improved fuel consumption, emissions and oil intake over the current Renesis.

As ever, we're taking a wait-and-see approach to these continuing rumors. As much as we'd love to see a new RX on the scene, we're beginning to wonder if it's ever going to happen. In the meantime, enjoy the photo gallery of the too-awesome-for-words Mazda Furai concept.

Gallery: Mazda Furai Concept

[Source: Motor Trend]

Report: Next Mazda RX-7 in development, but don't hold your breath originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Apr 2010 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Report: Mazda designer wants to revive RX-7

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Mazda

Mazda Kabura Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ikuo Maeda, Mazda's design overlord, designed the soon-to-be-Stateside Mazda2. He also penned the Mazda RX-8, following quite literally the path his father laid before him: Maeda's father created the original Mazda RX-7. Now Maeda wants to bring the RX-7 back to life, saying "I do have a strong yearning to revive the RX-7 during my tenure."

Even though many enthusiasts would like nothing more than for Mazda to tap that root, we have heard that other Mazda officials queried on the subject poo-pooed the idea, asking "Why go backwards?" If we were to answer, we'd say "Because things were awesome back then. Except for the warranty claims..." That latter point being another reason the last RX-7 is not exactly a fond memory for the Japanese brand.

For it to have any chance at all, though, Maeda said "... we need the U.S. economy to come back, first and foremost." We hereby give you our permission to begin buying everything.

Gallery: Mazda Kabura Concept

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Report: Mazda designer wants to revive RX-7 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Mar 2010 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Mazda RX-8 to die as RX-7 resurfaces for 2012?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 12:45:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Mazda, Rumormill

The rumormill just can't stop churning out stories of an impending Mazda RX-7 revival. We've been hearing that we should expect the rotary-powered sports car any day now... for the last few years. It's still yet to show its smiling face. Still, here we are with another report indicating that the next RX-7 is just around the corner, this time as a 2011 or 2012 model.

Inside Line reports that the birth of the two-seat Mazda RX-7 will mean the death of the current four-door, four-seat RX-8 that's been in circulation since 2004. Furthermore, the gang in Santa Monica says that next-gen rotary sportscar may not up the performance ante of either the last twin-turbo RX-7 or even the current RX-8's 1.3-liter 232-horsepower Renesis engine. This, despite earlier rumors that the latest 1.6-liter 16X powerplant was kicking out as much as 350 horses while still achieving superior fuel economy over its forebears.

Mazda could instead return to the ethos of the first RX-7 from 1979, fielding a lightweight two-seater powered by a new version of the Wankel producing somewhere between 200 and 250 horsepower. If true, we can expect the next RX-7 to cost somewhere around $25,000 and be positioned against cars like the Hyundai Genesis Coupe and the upcoming RWD Toyota/Subaru.

Gallery: 2009 Mazda RX-8 R3

[Source: Inside Line]

Mazda RX-8 to die as RX-7 resurfaces for 2012? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 26 Dec 2009 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

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

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

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Mazda

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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments