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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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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