Autoblog

Reprieve! End of Mazda RX-8 pushed back by extra 1,000 units

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 11:13:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Japan, Hatchback, Mazda, Specialty

And now for some good news from Mazda: it is doubling the run of its limited edition RX-8 Spirit R, adding 1,000 more units to production due to demand. Announced late last year, this Japan-only model celebrates the end of the RX-8's nine-year existence. The final Wankel-engined four-door is scheduled to roll off the line in June.

The Spirit R doesn't skimp on the extra trim bits inside and out, with larger brakes clamped by red calipers, piano-black transmission tunnel trim, Recaro Sprint R bucket seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel and an enhanced traction control system among the bonus features.

Both automatic and manual transmissions are offered, but takers have gone decisively for the row-your-own cogswapper, making up 66 percent of orders. Compared to the automatic, they receive larger 19-inch wheels on lower profile tires, a "hard suspension," alloy pedals and aero bits. Hit the jump for the press release with more details.

Continue reading Reprieve! End of Mazda RX-8 pushed back by extra 1,000 units

Reprieve! End of Mazda RX-8 pushed back by extra 1,000 units originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Apr 2012 11:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mazda RX-8 Spirit R will be last special edition before production ends

Zach Bowman — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 09:43:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Etc., Japan, Mazda

Mazda has chosen to commemorate the departure of the company's RX-8 with one last special edition in Japan. The Mazda RX-8 Spirit R is set to arrive at Japanese dealerships next month and will offer 1,000 lucky buyers a host of aesthetic upgrades over the base vehicle. The package starts with an RX-8 RS and adds in exclusive badging, unique head- and taillights with black bezels and red brake calipers outside. Indoors, the cabin wears special Spirit R bucket seats hewn by the people at Recaro as well as piano black transmission tunnel trim.

Models equipped with an automatic transmission will enjoy black leather seats with red contrasting stitching. Mazda says that the RX-8 Spirit R will also feature a sport-tuned suspension and larger brakes, as well as 18-inch gun metallic wheels. A total of three exterior color options will be available, including Aluminum Metallic, Sparkling Black Mica and Crystal White Pearl Mica. Hit the jump for the press release.

Continue reading Mazda RX-8 Spirit R will be last special edition before production ends

Mazda RX-8 Spirit R will be last special edition before production ends originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Oct 2011 09:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #244

Dan Roth — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 16:47:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Etc., Cadillac, Dodge, Ford, Mazda, Toyota, Volkswagen

Toyota-Ford tie-up, Mazda RX-8 and Dakota cancelled, VW Up!, Cadillac ELR

Episode #244 of the Autoblog Podcast is here. This week, Chris and Dan are joined by Zach Bowman, fresh off vacation. Topics we cover include the Ford and Toyota partnership to develop hybrid truck powertrain, the cancellation of both the Mazda RX-8 and the Ram Dakota, Volkswagen's reveal of the Up! production fuel-sipper and the production confirmation of the Cadillac ELR. Your questions and comments power the last third of the podcast, and for those of you who hung with us live on our UStream channel, thanks for taking the time. We've embedded our Q&A module after the jump for you to scroll through and follow along, too. Thanks for listening!

Autoblog Podcast #244:

In the Autoblog Garage
2011 Jeep Patriot Latitude
2011 Chrysler Town & Country

Hosts: Dan Roth, Chris Shunk, Zach Bowman
Runtime: 01:20:32

Get the podcast
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Email: Podcast at Autoblog dot com
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Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #244

Autoblog Podcast #244 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Aug 2011 16:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #244 LIVE

Dan Roth — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 17:44:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Hybrid, Etc., Plants/Manufacturing, Cadillac, Dodge, Ford, Mazda, Toyota, Volkswagen, Electric

We record Episode #244 of the Autoblog Podcast tonight, and you can drop Chris, Dan and Zach your questions via our Q&A module below. Check out our discussion topics or chime in to help determine what else the crew chats about this evening, too. Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes if you haven't already done so, and if you want to take it all in live, tune in to our UStream (audio only) channel at 10:00 PM Eastern tonight.

Discussion Topics for Autoblog Podcast Episode #244

Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast and hear your questions asked:
[UStream] Interact LIVE at UStream - 10PM Eastern on Monday, August 15, 2011
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Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #244 LIVE originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Aug 2011 17:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mazda stops RX-8 production

Zach Bowman — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Etc., Japan, Plants/Manufacturing, Mazda

Automotive News is reporting that Mazda has stopped production of its RX-8 sports car due to lackluster sales and ever tighter global emissions standards. Mazda managed to move a mere 1,134 of the models last year, and 2011 hasn't treated the rotary any better. Sales are down 21 percent through July. The Japanese automaker was forced to remove the model from European showrooms last year after it failed to meet emissions standards, and the company says that it simply can't justify continuing to manufacture the vehicle without sales in the old country.

According to the report, production wrapped up in Hiroshima, Japan in July, and global sales will finish up this year. Currently, Automotive News says that U.S. dealers have 300 RX-8 units in stock. While this may be the end for the rotary sports car in the near-term, Mazda has made it clear that the manufacturer isn't giving up on its rotary heritage any time soon.

Mazda stops RX-8 production originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Aug 2011 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mazda still pursuing rotary development

Zach Bowman — Sat, 06 Aug 2011 12:07:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Japan, Technology, Mazda

Fear not, rotaryphiles. According to a report from The Detroit News, Mazda isn't giving up on the rotary engine anytime soon. Though the RX-8 is headed for the production guillotine, Mazda execs have apparently confirmed that engineers are working on a more efficient and more powerful version of the Wankel. While the project was technically back-burnered during the economic downturn, the research wasn't canned outright. That means that there's a chance that the rotary could make a comeback. What would it go into? That's a little less certain.

We know that the MX-5 Miata isn't a likely candidate, as Mazda has sworn to keep that vehicle true to its inline roots. A rotary does pair well with an extended-range electric vehicle platform, however, as the high-revving nature is perfect for turning a generator. While that may be a far cry from the low-slung RX-8, it's at least reassuring to know that the engine design could have a future.

Mazda still pursuing rotary development originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 06 Aug 2011 12:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Mazda launches certified pre-owned program

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 08:59:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Mazda

Quite a few automakers have had success with certified pre-owned used car programs, and now Mazda is jumping on board by offering a CPO plan of its own. After all, used vehicles that have passed a rigorous inspection are more attractive to potential buyers, even though certified cars commonly carry a heavier price tag than their non-inspected lot mates.

Mazda is offering its CPO program on all 2006 to 2010 model year vehicles with less than 60,000 miles. Depending on the auto's age, certified used cars will offer the remaining balance of Mazda's warranty, or will be sold with an additional 12-month/12,000-mile comprehensive warranty, as well as additional seven-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage. What's more, Mazda offers roadside assistance on its CPO vehicles.

Expect the certified pre-owned program to make its way across the vast majority of Mazda dealers in the United States in the coming months. For the full details, hit the jump to read the release.

[Source: Mazda]

Continue reading Mazda launches certified pre-owned program

Mazda launches certified pre-owned program originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Jul 2010 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Is the sports car an endangered species? [w/poll]

Chris Shunk — Thu, 06 May 2010 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, Mazda, Nissan, Porsche

Porsche 911 Turbo - Click above for high-res image gallery

The 2010 Camaro has been a boon for General Motors and its Chevrolet brand, with sales of 9,150 units in April alone. The Mustang is down a bit at 5,145 units for April, but that's expected to change once the vastly improved 2011 models begin rolling into Ford dealers around the country. Even the Dodge Challenger had its best month ever in April. We can't tell you how happy it makes us that the pony car wars have once again began to boil over, but a report by Edmunds' Auto Observer correctly points out that the rest of the sports car market isn't faring nearly so well.

The report shows that sports cars like the once hot Nissan GT-R, with only 106 sales in April, are now struggling for sales. Porsche 911 sales are down 18 percent from a poor 2009, only 428 Mazda RX-8s have been sold in 2010 and Nissan failed to sell 1,000 copies of the fun to drive 370Z. Even the venerable Corvette, which saw 2007 production of over 40,000 units, is only at 3,522 units through four months of 2010.

Is the sports car on the permanent decline, or are we just hitting a big-time bump in the road? Take the poll below to give us your thoughts.

View Poll

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Porsche 911 Turbo

[Source: Auto Observer]

Is the sports car an endangered species? [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 May 2010 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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.

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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.

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Report: Mazda RX-8 denied re-entry into Europe

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 14:32:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Europe, Mazda

Mazda RX-8 R3 - Click above for high-res image gallery

According to the crew at Auto Motor und Sport, the Mazda RX-8 won't be coming back to Europe for the 2011 model year. Why? The rev-rific rotary can't pass the Euro-5 emission standards and a replacement won't arrive until 2013.

Mazda Germany exec, Joseph Alois Schmid, told AMuS that retrofitting the current engine would be too cost prohibitive and the Wankel can't adapt quickly enough to Europe's stringent emission standards.

Although a replacement is in the works - and a hydrogen version could arrive within the next few years - the next rotary mill will have to be significantly reworked to adhere to the new standards. But even a revised rotary could have problems in 2014, when the new Euro 6 emission rules take effect.

Gallery: 2009 Mazda RX-8 R3

[Source: Auto Motor und Sport via TTAC]

Report: Mazda RX-8 denied re-entry into Europe originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Apr 2010 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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.

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SEMA 2009: World's only known four-rotor Mazda RX-8

Frank Filipponio — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 09:40:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Motorsports, SEMA Show, Coupe, Performance, Mazda

BMI Racing Mazda RX-8 four-rotor - Click above for high-res image gallery

We came across this RX-8 at SEMA and it immediately rang a bell. Time Attack, four-rotor, Mazda RX-8? It's the BMI Racing car we saw on Streetfire a while back. It's said to be the only four-rotor RX-8 in the world and it looks and sounds incredible. Don't believe us? You can see a couple of videos after the jump and judge for yourself.

Gallery: SEMA 2009: 4-Rotor Mazda RX-8

Continue reading SEMA 2009: World's only known four-rotor Mazda RX-8

SEMA 2009: World's only known four-rotor Mazda RX-8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 09:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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.

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REPORT: NHTSA investigating Ford F-150 airbags, Mazda RX-8 clutch pedals

Chris Shunk — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Truck, Safety, Ford, Mazda

According to The New York Times' Wheels blog, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is currently in the early stages of investigating issues involving the 2005 Ford F-150 and 2004-2008 Mazda RX-8 models equipped with manual transmissions.

In the case of the Blue Oval, NHTSA has received eight complaints of F-150 airbags that have either deployed during ignition or in the seconds directly after ignition. The issue has reportedly resulted in some bumps and bruises, but if NHTSA finds the issue to be a big problem, up to 530,000 vehicles stand to be effected by what could be a very expensive safety recall for the Blue Oval.

At the other end of the automotive spectrum, Mazda's RX-8 sportscar is under the watchful eye of NHTSA for a problem that could effect far fewer vehicles but the problem is equally serious. The safety administration has reportedly received 40 complaints of 2004-2008 models that have experienced clutch pedal bracket failure, and in 15 cases, the rotary-powered Mazda was moving and the drivers couldn't change gears normally as a result. Two of those drivers could have found themselves in a more dangerous situation, as the clutch pedal was reported to have become wedged under the brake pedal.

At this point, NHTSA is just beginning to investigate these issues, and if a recall results in either case, the government agency will assuredly issue notice.

[Source: The New York Times]

REPORT: NHTSA investigating Ford F-150 airbags, Mazda RX-8 clutch pedals originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Top 10 Cars You Should Drive on a First Date

Chris Shunk — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Humor

Click above to view Top 10 Cars You Should Drive on a First Date

Back in November, we did a post titled Top 10 Cars You Should Never Drive on a First Date. Many readers told us that we needed a Top 10 list of the cars you should drive on a first date. The only problem is that we're less qualified to write this list than the last one, but we decided to give it a go anyway. Click above to check out our Top 10 Cars You Should Drive on a First Date, and once you've seen all our Don Juan specials, feel free to offer up your first date motoring suggestions in the comments.

Top 10 Cars You Should Drive on a First Date originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Jan 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2009 Mazda RX-8 R3, return of the "hummer"

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 12:38:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Performance, Mazda

2009 Mazda RX-8 R3 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Hard as it may be to believe, the word "hummer" didn't always bring up visions of obnoxious, polarizing SUVs. In fact, there was a time not so very long ago that uttering that word evoked something entirely different, namely cars powered by Wankel rotary engines. For the past three decades, the world's sole purveyor of rotary-powered automobiles has been Mazda. The "Zoom-Zoom" brand has always been a little different from its compatriots. Back in 1963, a young Kenichi Yamamoto was heading up the research department at Mazda and latched on to the concept developed a decade earlier by Felix Wankel.

Just as two-stroke engines were all the rage for a time in the early 1990s and fuel cells in the middle of this decade, the Wankel rotary seemed to be the next big thing in the 1960s and early '70s. For a time it seemed every major automaker had licensed the design from Wankel and was trying to commercialize it. Some like NSU did build rotaries while General Motors and Daimler Benz built an assortment of concept cars. By the mid-'70s, all had given up except Yamamoto-san and Mazda. From the original 1967 Cosmo, Mazda has built an unbroken string of hummers culminating with the recently updated 2009 RX-8 R3. The pony-keg sized power plant isn't the only unique element of the RX-8, which you can read all about that after the jump.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Mazda RX-8 R3

Continue reading Review: 2009 Mazda RX-8 R3, return of the "hummer"

Review: 2009 Mazda RX-8 R3, return of the "hummer" originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Oct 2008 12:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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