Autoblog

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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SEMA 2009: Mazda introduces us to a happy couple, inspires 3-some

Frank Filipponio — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 10:59:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Concept Cars, SEMA Show, Sedan, Performance, Hatchback, Mazda

Customized 40th Anniversary 2010 Mazdaspeed3 - Click above for high-res image gallery

For SEMA 2009, Mazda introduced us to a pair of the happiest Mazda3 derivatives we've ever seen. Part Le Mans-winning 787B tribute, part rolling showcase (for their Mazda accessories catalog) and part 40th anniversary present to itself, this couple with their odd, knowing smiles was pretty easy on the eyes.

Built by Mazda R&D employees to show off the wide range of accessories available for the 2010 Mazda3 and Mazdaspeed3, these tuner cars also serve as tributes to Mazda's motorsports prowess and to 40 years of Mazda sales in the U.S. The cars are painted in a Crystal White Pearl with gray graphics that mimics the Mazda3 World Challenge race car, which itself apes the look of the Le Mans-winning Mazda 787B from 1991. There are also plenty of other changes in the mix to make these special 3s go like they show.

Both cars get forged aluminum 19x8-inch wheels with 225/40 Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tires stripped off the RX-8 R3, and KW coil-overs to button things down a bit, but that's about where the similarities end. The 2.5-liter engine in the Mazda3 sedan gets a thorough makeover by World Challenge-contending Tri-Point Engineering. With their Garrett GT2871R ball bearing turbo kit adding 10 psi of boost, the 2.5-liter MZR engine is now making more than 250 HP at the wheels.

The Mazdaspeed3 was already turbocharged but an AEM cold-air intake was added to increase its output by about 20 HP. Like the special Mazda3, this car gets KW coil-overs and the RX-8 R3 wheel/tire combo, but whereas the 3 got brakes from the Speed3 and Mazda5, this car gets four-piston StopTech calipers and floating two-piece rotors that are nearly identical to the ones used on the World Challenge car. We really like this sexy duo from Mazda and think we now know why they're smiling.

Gallery: SEMA 2009: 40th Anniversary Mazda3 and Mazdaspeed3 customs

Continue reading SEMA 2009: Mazda introduces us to a happy couple, inspires 3-some

SEMA 2009: Mazda introduces us to a happy couple, inspires 3-some originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Redesigned Mazda RX-8 coming to Frankfurt? Not likely.

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 14:28:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Coupe, Performance, Europe, Mazda, Rumormill

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

Several reports have surfaced over the past day indicating that Mazda is prepping a thoroughly redesigned RX-8 for display at the Frankfurt Motor Show this September. However, according to Mazda USA's director of communications, Jeremy Barnes, the next rotary-powered coupe won't debut for at least a few more years.

Since Mazda just released the facelifted RX-8 last year, a full-scale overhaul seems a bit hasty, particularly considering the four-door coupe's niche status. If something does arrive in Frankfurt, it's likely a region-specific model, packing some additional features (new Recaro seats and infotainment package, say) akin to the recently released R3.

As for the next RX-series from Mazda, the automaker is hard at work on the all-new 16X rotary engine, and in that case, a revised Wankel rotary is expected to power the updated model, which is not expected until around 2011 or 2012.

Gallery: 2009 Mazda RX-8 R3

Redesigned Mazda RX-8 coming to Frankfurt? Not likely. originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Jul 2009 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Turbocharged Mazda RX-8 to campaign in 2009 Targa Tasmania

Michael Harley — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Mazda, Australia, Specialty

Click above for high-res image gallery of Mazda's turbocharged RX-8

Mazda's turbocharged RX-8 SP will be making its Australian rally debut at the 2009 Targa Tasmania. The 2,821-pound sports car, driven by Steve Glenney and co-driver Bernia Webb, will be competing in the "Showroom 2WD" class.

Developed by Mazda Motorsport Australia, the coupe is powered by a rotary turbo engine rated at about 275-horsepower, with a six-speed manual transmission sending power to the rear wheels. "The RX-8's perfect 50/50 weight balance will give it a huge dynamic advantage on Tasmania's twisting roads. That, combined with its torquey turbocharged engine, will make the RX-8 SP a standout at this year's Targa," says Glenney.

The grueling race runs from April 28 to May 3, and covers 1890 km (1,174 miles) including 40 competitive closed-road stages.

Gallery: Turbocharged Mazda RX-8 at 2009 Targa Tasmania

[Source: Mazda]

Continue reading Turbocharged Mazda RX-8 to campaign in 2009 Targa Tasmania

Turbocharged Mazda RX-8 to campaign in 2009 Targa Tasmania originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Mar 2009 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mazda bringing Circuit Trial RX-8, Demio and Atenza to Tokyo Auto Salon

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 18:32:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Japan, Mazda, Tokyo Auto Salon

Click above for a high-res image of the Mazda RX-8 Circuit Trial

Traditionally, Mazda has a large presence at the Tokyo Auto Salon, and the 2009 show won't be any different. Mazda will have 13 vehicles on hand in January to showcase the automaker's continued commitment to its "zoom-zoom" philosophy, along with concepts carrying the theme (and we quote) "Driving-oriented environmental technologies for endless driving pleasure." Mkay.

Headlining the show will be three "Circuit Trial" models, including an RX-8, Demio and Atenza (Mazda6), along with the all-new Mazda Roadster (MX-5) kitted out in NR-A trim and packing Bilstein dampers along with other race-ready parts. Mazda hasn't released any details on what the Circuit Trial models will consist of, but its safe to assume that reworked suspensions, brakes, fascias and engine components will be part of the package.

The other featured model this year is the Mazda Biante people mover, which benefits from production accessories provide by Wagonist, Rota, DAMD, Kenstyle and others. Mazda also plans to show of its Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid concept and will be exhibiting the new 2010 Mazda3 in Japan for the first time. The show gets underway January 9th and runs through the 11th. Check the press release below the fold for all the details.

Continue reading Mazda bringing Circuit Trial RX-8, Demio and Atenza to Tokyo Auto Salon

Mazda bringing Circuit Trial RX-8, Demio and Atenza to Tokyo Auto Salon originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Dec 2008 18:32:00 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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Rumormill: Mazda RX-9 to pack hydrogen power

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 15:01:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Hybrid, Green, Mazda

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Mazda Taiki concept.

The rotary engine is world-renowned for many things, but fuel-efficiency isn't one of them. Mazda wants to make Wankel's masterpiece the poster child for its hydrogen-powered endeavors, so it's considering offering a dual-fuel version of the engine in its next RX-badged offering.

According to AutoExpress, Mazda's RX-8 Hydrogen RE vehicle will evolve into a new model, dubbed the RX-9, and is rumored to be motivated by a hydrogen-gasoline powertrain that will offer 20 percent better fuel economy and emissions over a traditional gasoline-powered Rotary. The rear-wheel-drive coupe will take styling cues from the Taiki concept and a dash-mounted switch allows drivers to toggle between gasoline and hydrogen fuel systems. For city driving, the hydrogen setting will be employed, which will reduce fuel consumption (at the expense of a 20 percent drop in power), while the gasoline system can be employed when drivers desire more performance.

Mazda's goal is to make the rotary engine's performance, fuel economy and emissions up the level of gasoline-electric hybrids, and if AE's sources are to be believed, the hydrogen-powered RX-9 should arrive in 2012.

Gallery: Mazda Taiki

[Source: AutoExpress]

Rumormill: Mazda RX-9 to pack hydrogen power originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Aug 2008 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered Speculation: 2010 Mazda9

Chris Shunk — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 16:59:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Mazda, Rendered Speculation

The Mazda 929 from the '90s was a rear-wheel-drive technological marvel that was ultimately unsuccessful because of its hefty price tag and Americans' infatuation with the SUV. Times have changed and big cars are cool again, with just about everybody on the market offering a large sedan. Mazda, however, is an obvious exception. The artists over at CGI Automotive decided to render out a future Mazda9 just for fun, and while it looks a bit awkward, the overall idea is pretty solid.

Out front, the blue rendering holds true to the design of the upcoming Mazda6, but Audi-like jewelry has been added to the headlamps and the lower air dams look aggressive and sporty. The bulging wheel arches borrow from the Mazda6 and RX-8, and the roof-line is tapered to give it the four-door coupe look. The one thing that would have to change is the hatchback, which might be OK on smaller Mazdas, but is unattractive for a large flagship sedan. Would we like to see a Mazda9 flagship sedan? Hell yes, the more Zoom Zoom the better. But it would have to be more distinctive and less hatch-like, or it'd suffer the same fate as the 929 of years gone by.

[Source: CGI Automotive via Carscoop]

Rendered Speculation: 2010 Mazda9 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Jun 2008 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mazda extends rotary warranty on RX-8 to 100k miles

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 10:28:00 EST

Filed under: Maintenance, Coupe, Performance, I.C.E., Marketing/Advertising, Recalls, Mazda

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Mazda RX-8.

You've got to hand it to Mazda for its perseverance with the Wankel rotary engine design. Ever since it's engineers managed to make it semi-reliable, the turbine-like smoothness of the quick-spinning lump has seen duty in numerous Mazda-branded vehicles, and even a few others as well. Still, despite constant engineering work and updates to the basic rotary engine design, there is a lingering question about the reliability of the design. Most owners seem happy with the engines in their RX, that is, until a seal blows or they forget to keep the oil supply topped up and it fails to restart. Or it floods in the winter, needing a tow. Alright... so there may be a few problems.

To ease the minds of RX-8 owners and owners-to-be, Mazda has reportedly decided to extend the warranty coverage for the 2004-2008 Renesis rotary engine for a period of eight years or 100,000 miles. Mazda even goes so far as to offer reimbursement to those who've spent money on engine repairs before 100,000 miles. This seems like a nice measure made in good faith on Mazda's part. After all, most educated owners of the rotary-powered cars knew what they were getting when these purchases were made, and the engine was already covered under the same basic warranty that comes standard with all Mazda vehicles. Nice work, Mazda.

In the interest of full disclosure, this particular blogger bought an RX-8 new in 2004, though it was sold two years later.

Gallery: 2009 Mazda RX-8 R3

[Source: RX8Club.com]

Mazda extends rotary warranty on RX-8 to 100k miles originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Jun 2008 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered Speculation: Way out there Mazda RX-9

Chris Shunk — Tue, 20 May 2008 18:57:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Mazda, Rendered Speculation

click above to enlarge

The photo above looks too cool not to be a future RX-8 incarnation, but the rendering merely represents one Mazda fan's interpretation of the next Rotary-powered sports coupe. Forum poster Rhoadwh over at Fomoconews concocted the sweet-looking coupe after picking up on the most sensible parts of the Taiki and Furai concepts from this past year's auto circuit. Rhoadwh chose the front engine layout of the Taiki and the overall design theme of the completely badass Furai to make a race-ready RX-9 for the future.

Sure, this rendering is just one guy having fun, but we're with him in hoping that Mazda takes into account the outstanding design language used in the Taiki concept, and even more so the Furai. It's amazing what someone with Photoshop and a healthy dose of talent can do. Thanks for the tip, Mbuku!

[Source: Fomoconews]

Rendered Speculation: Way out there Mazda RX-9 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 May 2008 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Updated Mazda RX-8 now on sale in Japan

John Neff — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 12:57:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Japan, Mazda

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Mazda RX-8

While we've already seen the new digs that Mazda has given its 2+2, rotary-powered RX-8 model at the Tokyo Auto Salon and Detroit Auto Show earlier this year, the car that's always been shown up to this point has been the top shelf RS model. Perhaps you're curious to know what a base RX-8 looks like without the big wheels and wings. Well, the updated RX-8 has gone on sale today in Japan, and Mazda has released new images that show the car without all that high-performance filigree. The larger air intakes up front remain, but gone are the deep chin spoiler, rear spoiler and 19-inch wheels. One of the lesser models known as the Type-E in Japan makes do with new standard 17-inch wheels (up from 16-inches). Mazda's changes to the RX-8 are more than skin deep and nearly all will be featured on models sold in the U.S., as well. Check out the list of details in Mazda's press release after the jump and peruse the galleries below for more RX-8 goodness, including new action shots of the RS model.

Gallery: 2009 Mazda RX-8

Gallery: Mazda RX-8 RS

[Source: Mazda]

Continue reading Updated Mazda RX-8 now on sale in Japan

Updated Mazda RX-8 now on sale in Japan originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Mar 2008 12:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2008: 2009 Mazda RX-8

Damon Lavrinc — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Coupe, Mazda

Click the image above for a gallery of the 2009 Mazda RX-8.

Mazda's redesigned RX-8 has officially been released into the wild and, surprise, it's exactly the same as the RS model that debuted at the Tokyo Auto Salon, right down to the wheels. Mazda admits that the 2009 RX-8 is simply a mild evolution of the outgoing model, with a few changes to the exterior and interior, along with a couple of mechanical revisions and a new suspension package.

On the outside, the RX-8's shape is largely unchanged, with a new front and rear bumper, restyled front fascia and larger exhaust pipes. Inside, Mazda has redone the instrument panel and included a "variable red-zone" on the tach that indicates when the Wankel is up to operating temperature (similar to BMW's M-powered products).

Follow the jump for more...

Gallery: 2009 Mazda RX-8 R3

Continue reading Detroit 2008: 2009 Mazda RX-8

Detroit 2008: 2009 Mazda RX-8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 13 Jan 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mazda releases two images of updated RX-8 RS, many more leaked

John Neff — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 09:04:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Coupe, Performance, Japan, Mazda, Misc. Auto Shows

click above for more images of the Mazda RX-8 RS

According to World Car Fans, the vehicle you see above is the JDM-only RX-8 RS that's scheduled to be unveiled this week at the Tokyo Auto Salon, Japan's version of our own aftermarket SEMA Show. In advance of the car's debut, Mazda was nice enough to release two images of the RX-8 RS with its fresh face and updates, some of which we may see in a few days on the standard RX-8 at the Detroit Auto Show. The rest of the 25 images we have in our gallery came from Motor Authority, higher-res versions of which are likely forthcoming from Mazda as soon as the car officially debuts.

The RX-8 RS features larger air intakes on the front fascia that now incorporate a set of flush-fitting fog lights. There's also a chin spoiler that flares out near the edges to divert air up and into the intakes. New taillights can be seen on the car's rear, as well as a spoiler we're not likely to get on garden-variety RX-8. We probably won't see those new 19-inch wheels either, but wouldn't mind if we did.

Mazda did not divulge any information with the two images it officially released, so we can't tell you what's under the hood of the RX-8 RS, whether the engine is an update of the current Renesis motor or an all-new one. The Detroit Auto Show starts on Sunday, at which time all will be revealed.

[Source: World Car Fans, Motor Authority]

Gallery: Mazda RX-8 RS

Mazda releases two images of updated RX-8 RS, many more leaked originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Jan 2008 09:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mazda RX-8 Convertible rolled out at shipment ceremony

John Neff — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Japan, Mazda

click above image to enlarge

Mazda held a traditional sending off ceremony yesterday for its first shipment of vehicles to leave its headquarters in Hiroshima, Japan in the new year. This is done at the beginning of every year and all the big execs come out to watch new vehicles like the Mazda2 and CX-7 get loaded onto a shipping vessel and whisked away to markets abroad. Rotarynews.com, however, noticed something particularly interesting in the photos of the event that Mazda released. Decorated in balloons and streamers is a Mazda RX-8 Convertible, a version of the RX-8 that doesn't technically exist and which we've never seen before. Its duties appear to be parade-like in nature, slowly transporting two execs around a parking lot who are seen standing up on the back seat and holding onto a crossbar. It's probably just a one-off vehicle that was made for occasions like this, but at least you now know that an RX-8 Convertible does exist and that it can be done. Thanks for the tip, Walter!

[Source: Mazda, Rotarynews.com]

Gallery: Mazda RX-8 Convertible

Mazda RX-8 Convertible rolled out at shipment ceremony originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Jan 2008 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2008: facelifted Mazda RX-8 leaked

Noah Joseph — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 09:01:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Performance, Mazda

As more and more artists' impressions of the anticipated Mazda RX-9 surface online, images have leaked showing us what the interim facelifted version of the current RX-8 will look like. The image, as you can see, comes from a scanned Japanese magazine.

The changes appear to be exclusively cosmetic. Up front, the grille has been revised to feature higher-mounted fog lamps under new, wider headlights. Around back the taillamps have been updated with four round LED rings. That's pretty much the extent of it, although the car pictured is a new RS version featuring 19" wheels, Recaro racing buckets and Bilstein shocks.

The facelift is reportedly targeted mainly towards American customers, and may not even make it to other markets. We'll bring you more from the updated RX-8's anticipated launch at the fast-approaching Detroit auto show.

[Source: Mazda-Madness.nl via World Car Fans]

Detroit 2008: facelifted Mazda RX-8 leaked originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Jan 2008 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered Speculation: Mazda RX-8 refresh

Dan Roth — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 12:07:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Spy Photos, Performance, Mazda

Japanese car magazines often use 'chopped photos willy-nilly, so take this with a grainy bit of salt, but it appears that a scan of the face-lifted Mazda RX-8 has hit the web. We'll know for sure if this low-resolution subterfuge is accurate or not when the actual freshened RX-8 has its sheet cleaved away at the NAIAS in Detroit. From what we can see, changes are pretty subtle, with the most visual revisions restricted to the front and rear fascias. There's a new grille treatment up front and the two flanking air intakes changed a bit, with the foglamps moving up to a position at the top of the opening. Mazda-philes will be able to differentiate the early and late RX-8s in a heartbeat, but the rest of the population will notice absolutely nothing. There are substantive changes beyond the styling, the chassis has gotten some attention, acceleration is said to be improved and inside there are supposed to be more upgrades. It sounds like the 2009 RX-8 is this model's mid-cycle freshening, and they're putting more goodies in the car to keep people interested in Mazda's sweet-handling four-place GT.

[Source: 0-60]

Rendered Speculation: Mazda RX-8 refresh originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Dec 2007 12:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2008 Preview: Mazda Furai concept, 2009 RX-8 to debut

Alex Nunez — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 22:10:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Coupe, Performance, Supercars, Mazda

Click image to enlarge the Mazda Furai concept

Mazda has released a teaser shot of its Furai concept, which will debut next month in Detroit alongside the "heavily revised" 2009 RX-8. Its name translates from Japanese to "sound of the wind," and the car takes the design language introduced on the Nagare and applies it to what is literally a race-bred sports concept. The Furai, you see, is built atop the Courage C65 chassis that Mazda campaigned two years ago in ALMS. Power comes from a 450-horsepower three-rotor engine that runs on E100 Ethanol. As for the '09 RX-8, Mazda's announcement states only that it boasts an updated design, better quality and features, and improved handling and acceleration. The announcement now has us wondering if the spy photos that came out yesterday are actually the car we'll see in Detroit, and not the 2010 as initially believed. Finally, Detroit will mark the first appearance of the Taiki concept outside Japan. The Taiki, you'll recall, was introduced at the recent Tokyo Motor Show. We'll be there in force to cover it all.

[Source: Mazda]

Continue reading Detroit 2008 Preview: Mazda Furai concept, 2009 RX-8 to debut

Detroit 2008 Preview: Mazda Furai concept, 2009 RX-8 to debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Dec 2007 22:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2010 Mazda RX-8

John Neff — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Mazda

click above image to view spy shots of the 2010 Mazda RX-8

Spy photographers for Brenda Priddy & Co. caught this very early development mule for the next-generation Mazda RX-8 testing, and it appears to be wearing a few of the car's new design elements that are obscured by covering. Priddy believes the cosmetic update will be quite extensive, though the basic layout of the car, its 2+2 seating and rear access doors will remain. The front covering is hiding what appears to be the new front end, and doing so very well. The headlights appear to be the same as the current car, though the side markers are also covered up and bulge out, indicating that the new car will likely be wider. Out back, meanwhile, are new taillights, as well. Some diagnostic equipment appears hooked up to one of the tailpipes, which also could indicate a new rotary for the RX-8, most likely the 16X Renesis that first appeared in the Taiki Concept at this year's Tokyo Motor Show. We're just speculating, of course, as the current RX-8 is still scheduled for sales duty up to at least the 2010 model year.

[Photos: Brenda Priddy & Co.]

Gallery: 2010 Mazda RX-8 - spy shots

Gallery: Mazda RX-8

Spy Shots: 2010 Mazda RX-8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Dec 2007 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered Speculation: Mazda's Taiki-inspired RX-7 revival

Dan Roth — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 19:31:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Performance, Japan, Mazda

"We've just introduced a special edition of the RX-8" was the response from a Mazda rep when asked when we might get a new RX-7. Not the answer to the question, but we understand that it's all hush-hush when it comes to whatever might be in store on the 2-door, rear wheel drive, not-an-MX-5 tip. A new RX-7 (FE?) will debut within the next three years according to Autocar, and it will be the first production car to carry the design themes presented in Mazda's latest series of concept cars (Nagare, Ryuga, Hakaze, Taiki). The RX-8 will be freed up to evolve into more of a GT if the 7 comes to be. Autocar has had its digital image wizards whip up what they think the car might look like. We hope not, as it looks like what might happen if a Corvette stopped short in front of a Testarossa. In other words, it looks like 1988.

Joining the new "flow"-ing exterior lines will be a thoroughly revised rotary engine. Bumped out to 3.2 liters, the new Wankel will have direct fuel injection and sport forced induction via turbocharging. Reshaped combustion chambers are said to improve thermal efficiency, burn more completely, produce more low end torque, and return better fuel economy (woo-hoo!). We're surprised they didn't switch it's fuel to Unicorn sneezes, as the rest of the improvements seem like a fairy tale outcome for the wimpy, thirsty Wankel we know and love.

[Source: Autocar]

Rendered Speculation: Mazda's Taiki-inspired RX-7 revival originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Dec 2007 19:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Following CX-9, Mazda to make more vehicles just for U.S.

Chris Shunk — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 11:01:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Budget, Sedan, Crossover, Mazda

The CX-9 was Mazda's first vehicle designed specifically for US consumption, and one Motor Trend SUV of the year award later, Mazda may be on to something. Sales momentum has increased steadily for the seven-seat utility vehicle, with 3,000 units flying off dealer lots in October alone. Mazda's flexibility allowed the automaker to transform in 18 months a minivan that would likely retail for less than $30,000 into a hot CUV with a price tag reaching $40,000. The Hiroshima-based automaker will leverage those lightning-fast production capabilities and its Ford-shared global architecture bin to produce more vehicles for US tastes, and we're happy to hear it.

Since Mazda seems to have a handle on CUVs (it has four in the US already), we can only guess what exclusive product the development team in Irvine, CA will give us next. A zoom-zoom version of the Honda Ridgeline would be interesting, as would a US-unique Mazda2. We'd like to put in a vote for Mazda utilizing the RX-8 platform to create a sporty RWD sedan, but we're sure everyone the world over would want that.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Following CX-9, Mazda to make more vehicles just for U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Nov 2007 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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