2011 MAZDA RX-7

Behind closed doors, far from the public's eye, an anonymous source at Mazda revealed to one of our spies in Japan that there will be another rotary-engine car coming from the Hiroshima-based company. It's still early, but a team is being assembled as you read this to produce such a car. The basis for the future car — we have yet to confirm if it will be called the RX-7 — is the 16X rotary engine, unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show last year. The 16X is an all-new Wankel — an evolution of the Renesis 13B powerplant in the RX-8 — with a revised eccentric shaft designed to produce more low-end torque. While Mazda hasn't published horsepower figures yet, we hear it's in the neighborhood of 200–250 bhp.

 Because of the increase in torque, there probably won't be a turbocharged version of the 16X, at least not in the beginning. But our source went on to say that Mazda is still experimenting with forced induction. So, our first glimpse of the 16X will not be in a pure high-performance sports car like the last RX-7, discontinued more than a decade ago in the U.S., but rather something along the lines of the original RX-7 — an affordable, user-friendly sports car that was nimble and fun to drive.

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EL34 - 5/31/2008 12:28:07 PM

-2 Boost

That looks pretty decent.

zairnaim - 5/31/2008 1:22:38 PM

+4 Boost

if el34 says decent to the design of a jap car it means deep down inside he loves it:)

EL34 - 5/31/2008 1:33:47 PM

-2 Boost

I don't love it, the front is way too busy.

Brembo - 5/31/2008 8:45:26 PM

+4 Boost

EL34...it's ok. Come join the dark side. LOL.

Look great.

Htay7500 - 5/31/2008 12:51:27 PM

-1 Boost

word.

Drerx8 - 5/31/2008 3:30:07 PM

0 Boost

Considering the FD had 255HP with about 218hp at the wheels and was able to hit 60 in 4.9/5 flat...I think that a car with 240-250HP and weighs less than an RX8 would be capable of low to mid 5 second 0-60 times. Remember though historically Mazda rwders shine on the road course. With less than 240HP the RX8 can hit 60 in about 5.9 (with tranny abuse) but it shines on the track...not dragstrip though.

bmwdrvr - 5/31/2008 5:51:02 PM

0 Boost

but there has been many test where the RX8 cant clear 7 seconds to 60, the best ive ever seen on it its like 6.4 seconds to 60 thats with almost 250hp unless this thing will be made employ some very lightweight materials and expensive engineering i seriously doubt with 200-250 hp it will be that fast. besides the RX8 isnt a heavy car it handles very well but it certainly by no means is fast by todays standards..its really underpowered, and with epa ratings on par with 400hp corvette i think they should rethink the formula

BostonBiosafety - 5/31/2008 4:22:45 PM

+1 Boost

I applaud Mazda for keeping with it's heritage. When other car companies shy away from these types of cars, Mazda embraces it. Seems Mazda was always a one trick pony, times have changed.

Peyton18 - 5/31/2008 5:43:24 PM

+1 Boost

I think this is amazing!

Peyton18 - 5/31/2008 5:45:11 PM

+2 Boost

I mean that because of the other crap in the segment...this looks quite exotic in comparison...looks like Peugeot..which I think is a good ting

Drerx8 - 5/31/2008 6:30:52 PM

+2 Boost

M/T or C&D got an RX8 to 60 in 5.9, but that was with an abusive launch. RX8s are of course not drag cars; they are definately underpowered, stock they are about 15 - 20HP shy of 250HP. At least there are some boosted RX8s around putting down mid to low 13sec 1/4 times. I've got an RX8 and I don't regret it; but definitely wish for more torque. I'm waiting on a real replacement for my old FD :-(

EvoAudi - 5/31/2008 9:05:19 PM

-1 Boost

Will it be called the RX-9?

LexSucks - 6/1/2008 1:00:16 PM

+2 Boost

Please no Rotary. With out a Turbo Rotary engines can't really generate HP. 200hp-250hp? What is the 1990?

91z4me - 6/1/2008 5:28:45 PM

+1 Boost

Well they do generate decent HP numbers but there is no torque, that is the problem.

mini22 - 6/5/2008 9:02:38 PM

+2 Boost

With the extra torque and perhaps lighter weight the new RX7 should be quicker then the current RX8.