Mazdaspeed2 in the works? Redesigned RX-8 coming to Tokyo

According the folks over at WhatCar, Mazda engineers are saying that Mazda is studying the possibility of a Mazdaspeed variant for the mini Mazda 2.

According to the engineers, Mazda would use a 2.0 liter turbocharged engine that produces about 230 horsepower and 231 lb-ft of torque. It hasn’t even been officially confirmed whether the U.S. will be getting the Mazda2 and Mazda...
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dlin - 9/29/2007 8:25:46 PM

+3 Boost

When is MAZDA gonna put its turbocharged 2.3L engine in RX-8? That will make it a serious contender to 350Z or 328.

Alec - 9/29/2007 10:04:18 PM

+1 Boost

They wont. The RX8 is the semi-successor to the RX7, it will only suit it to wear the RX badge with the rotary engine.

I95SPEEDINGTICKETS - 9/30/2007 6:17:07 AM

+1 Boost

Hmm

Serious contender to the 350z or 328..........

The Current RX8 runs rings around those 2 already with its 1.4L Rotary Engine.

bmwdrvr - 9/30/2007 8:35:27 AM

+1 Boost

well regardless of whether or not it can handle the Rx8, needs more power, its not that fast some mags have gotten close to 7 seconds for 0-60. and above 6 seconds really isnt sports car territory with camry's, altima's running low sixes, and high fives.

pelucidor - 9/30/2007 7:15:19 PM

+2 Boost

The RX-8 stands for Rotary Experiment 8. It will not ever come with a piston engine while it bears the RX nametag. I owned one of the first 100 RX-8s in the USA - at that time every magazine got a 0-60 in about 5.9 seconds by being very brutal with the car at takeoff. The 5-60mph time was higher - probably about 7 secs.
Straight line acceleration was not the cars forte - handling and agility was (would make a BMW 3 series weep).

M35MT - 10/1/2007 8:42:44 AM

+1 Boost

Mazda is on a roll and has found their niche. They have filled a void in the auto industry over the past few years: affordable cars that are stylish, handle well, reliable and fast. A Mazdaspeed2 will technically be the first of its kind - unless you count the Mini Cooper S, which is really a sub-compact when you get out the tape measure.

alfistiDK - 10/1/2007 11:50:32 AM

+1 Boost

They should keep the Rotary, but damn put those 2 turbos back on it...