Don't call it a comeback, the Rx-7 is being
redesigned in 2010. Affectionately known as the "rotary rocket" the 2010
version promises to be the fastest, most agile RX-7 yet, and it could also be a
hybrid.
A Rumored Existence Becomes Reality
Rumors of its existence being passed around for
years, the new RX-7 appears to be on its way to market at long last. Currently
in development, there isn't much on the slate that is set in stone. Sources
close to Mazda predict that the all new RX-7 could see a release of 2010 as an
early 2011 vehicle. The RX-8, already 7 years old by that time may be ready for
retirement, which would confirm the speculation that the RX-7 is in development
to take over as Mazda's senior sports car.
With its introduction in 1977, the RX-7 quickly
built a large and loyal worldwide following as a fast, agile, and affordable
two-seat coupe with a unique and fascinating rotary engine.
In 1986 a redesign added size and a convertible
body style, with neither increasing sales. Intelligently, Mazda redesigned for
the third-generation 1993 RX-7 coupe, but turbocharged the engine to over 250
horsepower. Enthusiasts loved it, but a weak dollar-to-yen exchange made it too
expensive to draw sufficient U.S. sales, so Mazda pulled the plug after
1995, but only in America. The RX-7 continued into the new century for Japan,
Europe, and other overseas markets, even as Mazda rolled out the four-door,
four-seat RX-8.
Sources say the 2010 Mazda RX-7 will be another
Japan-sourced two-door coupe, but based on Mazda's latest MX-5 roadster
platform. However, that 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. Styling is said to be drawn from the 2006 Kabura concept, so look for
traditional 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.
Powertrain Technologies
2010 Mazda RX-7 will inherit the RX-8's "Renesis"
rotary engine, modified for more horsepower than today's 212/232. Mazda aims to
stand conventional sports car thinking on its ear with RX-EVOLV concept car, a
rotary-powered, four-door, four-seat true sports car that promises to be the
next big thing in sports cars. The "RENESIS" rotary engine in the RX-EVOLV
represents the potential that Mazda believes lies within this unique power
plant. The "RENESIS" (Rotary Engine GENESIS) twin-rotor engine delivers a potent
280 horsepower, the highest output ever achieved by a normally aspirated rotary
engine, and revs to an astounding 10,000 rpm.
The "RENESIS" rotary engine has been developed and
refined from the multiple side-port experimental rotary engine which powered the
RX-01 concept sports car unveiled at the 1995 Tokyo Motor Show.
Engineers are reportedly working to install a
turbocharger that could be assisted by an electric motor at low rpm. This makes
sense for a type of engine that's inherently 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 bugbear with the rotary.
The 2010 Mazda RX-7 won't be luxurious, but
furnishings should be appropriate for a mid-priced sports car. So, too, standard
equipment, which will likely include 17- or 18-inch wheels housing big
four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, plus 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 in the cards. Like RX-8, options should include leather
upholstery, heated/power seats, navigation system, keyless entry with pushbutton
starting, rear spoiler, lower-body flares, and for weekend racers, a firm
"competition" suspension package.
Thirsty For More Fuel Efficiency
Mazda's Wankel-type rotary engine not only presents
more emissions-cleanup challenges, it's inherently thirstier than comparably
sized piston engines. With that and the prospect of higher fuel-economy
standards, some believe the 2010 Mazda RX-7 could appear with a Honda-style
gas-electric hybrid system. 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. Presumably, the system would also 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 2010 Mazda RX-7 turns out to be a hybrid, it would be the first such vehicle
with a rotary power plant.
Early Conclusions
The 2010 RX-7 should be no less unique a sports car
as the predecessors to the line were. It's too early to tell whether or not it
will live up to the hype as it is in the design phase. RX-7 fans have been
waiting for over 10 years for a successor to the throne and they can certainly
wait a year more for it to come to fruition. Our recommendation is to be ready
to move once it hits the dealer floor. With a likely high demand in the first
season consumers will have to get on it if they want one before their friends.
Also, like the RX-8, this car is partly a technology and image flagship, so
Mazda won't be looking for big sales. Indeed, availability might even be capped
at, say, 25,000-30,000 units a year to maintain both exclusivity and resale
values.