Mazda in 2011 - Look for the RX-7

While the name RX-7 has yet to become official, it is expected that a rotary-engine car will arrive for 2011 from the Hiroshima-based company Mazda.  The last version of the Mazda RX-7 was discontinued more than a decade ago in the U.S, and had become a pure high-performance sports car.  The 2011 RX-7 will likely be more of an affordable, user-friendly sports car that is fun to drive, similar to the performance of the original RX-7.  Considering the release of a new RX-7, the current RX8, which is seven years old seven years old and ready for retirement will be discontinued, as it is unlikely that a company like Mazda would carry two 2-seater sports cars at once.

RX-7 Powertrain? A 16X Rotary Engine

The basis for this future car is a 16X rotary engine, which was introduced 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. It is unlikely that a turbocharged version will become available at first, simply because of the increase in torque in the 16x. When engineers are able to develop a proper turbocharger, it  would likely be assisted by an electric motor at low rpm. This makes sense for a type of engine that's strong on high-end power but weak on low-end torque. Besides broadening the power band, the "electric turbo" promises to reduce low-rpm emissions, a traditional issue with the rotary.

Or Maybe a Hybrid

The only issue the powertrain of the RX-7 is the combination of a rotary engine and its poor fuel efficiency and government required higher fuel-economy standards that may come in to place by 2011.  Considering this, the other option would be a Honda-style gas-electric hybrid RX-7.  Instead of a turbocharger, the battery-driven motor would boost engine acceleration at or near full throttle, but would not be set up to drive the vehicle by itself. Like traditional hybrids the system would include regenerative braking to charge the batteries when coasting and decelerating, plus an engine stop/start feature to reduce idling time and thus save fuel. If the 2011 Mazda RX-7 is a hybrid, it would be the first such vehicle with a rotary powertrain.

'11 RX-7 Design

The RX-7 will be a Japan-sourced two-door coupe based on the MX-5 roadster platform. With the MX-5 firmly established in Mazda's lineup, the new rotary-powered car will most likely be a 2+2 with distinct sports-car styling.  Also, it will share the dimensions and proportions of the Kabura concept car. This means upper-and-lower A-arm suspension systems at both ends, as well as a low curb weight, somewhere under the 3000-lb. mark.  Expect the RX-7 to have long-hood/short-deck proportions, an arched roof, prominent cycle-style front fenders, an aggressive nose, and big wheels pushed right out to the corners.  The rear-wheel-drive architecture will be scaled up to near RX-8 size, which could mean a tiny back seat instead of a strictly two-passenger cockpit.

Cabin Features

Do not expect the interior of the 2011 RX-7 to represent anything close to luxurious. Still, the features will be satisfyingly appropriate for a mid-priced sports car. As far as standard equipment goes, look for 17- or 18-inch wheels housing four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, stability/traction control and perhaps steering with fuel-saving electric assist instead of hydraulic. Transmissions should comprise a six-speed manual and optional six-speed automatic, though a sequential manual with automatic shift mode might be an option. Up-level options should include leather upholstery, heated/power seats, navigation system, keyless entry with pushbutton starting, rear spoiler, lower-body flares, and even a firm "competition" suspension package

Mazda RX-7 History

The original RX-7 debuted in 1977 and quickly built a  worldwide following, and became well known as a fast, agile, and affordable two-seat coupe with a unique and fascinating rotary engine. A 1986 redesign added size and a convertible body style.  Unfortunately for Mazda these improvements did not help sales as they had hoped.  Considering this Mazda went back to basics for a third-generation 1993 RX-7 coupe, but turbocharged the engine to over 250 horsepower. It got excellent reviews but this all happened just as the dollar-to-yen exchange became weak, made the RX-7 too expensive to draw sufficient U.S.  In 1996, Mazda ended RX-7 availability in the United States.  Meanwhile this car lasted much longer in Japan and Europe, even as Mazda rolled out the four-door, four-seat RX-8.

 

The RX-7, or whatever Mazda chooses to call their rotary engine car, will be introduce around the 2011 model year, and although the price is not concrete, Mazda's aim is to offer it at under $30,000, but a lot will depend on how the dollar fares against the yen between now and 2011.  A $32,000 to start and upwards of $39,000 loaded may be more realistic.  The 2011 model promises to be the fastest, most agile RX-7 yet.  If and when the 2011 Mazda RX-7 is rolled out it will certainly be a unique sports car, just as its predecessors were.  There are many RX-7 fans that have been eagerly waiting over 10 years for a new version of their favorite sports car.  Demand for the new RX-7 is likely to be strong, at least around the time it is first available. Because Mazda won't necessarily be looking for big sales, availability might even be capped at 25,000-30,000 units a year to maintain both exclusivity and resale values.