Topic: Mazda unveils RX-Vision Concept, the RX-7 reborn

[Autos_Editor]

Sleek coupe concept promises a return to rear-drive, rotary power.
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[Solstice2006]

Where is the article?

[quadzilla]

Concept + no launch date = vaporware IMO.

[SKYMTL]

A new RX!!!      

More rotary.         

[Noto]

Some will be puzzled as to Mazda’s dedication to rotary technology; the fans will love it. A return of an RX model might seem a dream right now, but it looks like it’s going to become reality.

That's the point here...built or not, it continues interest in the brand.

[SKYMTL]

Funny, everyone I know who was a rotary engine fan shut up real quick after owning an RX-7 or RX-8.  After four years with a 2010 RX-8 my brother wouldn't touch another one with a 20ft pole. 

[Noto]

Funny, everyone I know who was a rotary engine fan shut up real quick after owning an RX-7 or RX-8.  After four years with a 2010 RX-8 my brother wouldn't touch another one with a 20ft pole.

Apex issues, or fuel consumption?

[tenpenny]

Funny, everyone I know who was a rotary engine fan shut up real quick after owning an RX-7 or RX-8.  After four years with a 2010 RX-8 my brother wouldn't touch another one with a 20ft pole.

I have a friend who bought the first one that was brought in to his local dealership when they came out (77 or 78, I think); he'd get another in an instant if they were available.  It was a great car.  He regrets selling it to this day.

[dirtyjeffer]

not sure how you can even see out this thing.

[Noto]

not sure how you can even see out this thing.

It's a concept - the interior isn't even finished (or intended to be).

[SKYMTL]

Funny, everyone I know who was a rotary engine fan shut up real quick after owning an RX-7 or RX-8.  After four years with a 2010 RX-8 my brother wouldn't touch another one with a 20ft pole.

Apex issues, or fuel consumption?

Fuel pump failure, excessive oil consumption (RX-7), compression issues and one complete engine failure after about 3 years of ownership. 

[Noto]

Funny, everyone I know who was a rotary engine fan shut up real quick after owning an RX-7 or RX-8.  After four years with a 2010 RX-8 my brother wouldn't touch another one with a 20ft pole.

Apex issues, or fuel consumption?

Fuel pump failure, excessive oil consumption (RX-7), compression issues and one complete engine failure after about 3 years of ownership.

I'm not a gearhead...but fuel pumps CAN be made to work for a rotary...excessive oil is related to the apex failure (no?), and I would think complete engine failure has to do with the oil issues.

...no?!

[Noto]

Lady No-san's brother got a 2007 RX-8 ona  3-year lease with absolutely no issues with it.  YMMV?

[Fobroader]

Rotaries burn oil, thats why using conventional oil in them AND actually keeping an eye on the level is key. The rotary was not meant for your average, beige Toyata owner to own, it was a specialized car that required an actual enthusiast owner to keep it alive. I am not a fan of the rotary at all but I know a few guys, feckin weirdos if you ask me  , that love the rotaries, swear by them even.  The RX-7 to me is one of the most beautiful cars that Japan ever released, hands down, mine would have an LS swap in it for ease of usage.

[tenpenny]

Funny, everyone I know who was a rotary engine fan shut up real quick after owning an RX-7 or RX-8.  After four years with a 2010 RX-8 my brother wouldn't touch another one with a 20ft pole.

I have a friend who bought the first one that was brought in to his local dealership when they came out (77 or 78, I think); he'd get another in an instant if they were available.  It was a great car.  He regrets selling it to this day.

He had it for about 8 years, used it year round, and only sold it because he had kids.

Not sure what other people did to theirs, but he certainly didn't baby it. 

I guess a lot of people aren't qualified for rotary ownership.

I'd be interested in a REPU if there was one around cheap.


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[johngenx]

Why a rotary?  We can make modern engines that rev to 10,000rpm.  We can build a piston engine that gives great power AND reasonable economy.  We build piston engines that last 500K without problems.

Rotary?  I see no reason.

[rrocket]

Why a rotary?  We can make modern engines that rev to 10,000rpm.  We can build a piston engine that gives great power AND reasonable economy.  We build piston engines that last 500K without problems.

Rotary?  I see no reason.

Agreed.

[mixmanmash]

Why a rotary?  We can make modern engines that rev to 10,000rpm.  We can build a piston engine that gives great power AND reasonable economy.  We build piston engines that last 500K without problems.

Rotary?  I see no reason.

Cause different is cool?

[mixmanmash]

Rotaries burn oil, thats why using conventional oil in them AND actually keeping an eye on the level is key. The rotary was not meant for your average, beige Toyata owner to own, it was a specialized car that required an actual enthusiast owner to keep it alive. I am not a fan of the rotary at all but I know a few guys, feckin weirdos if you ask me  , that love the rotaries, swear by them even.  The RX-7 to me is one of the most beautiful cars that Japan ever released, hands down, mine would have an LS swap in it for ease of usage.

Yep.  But I'd have to have 2 FD3S RX-7s.  One with a twin turbo LS or LS1 stroked to a 383 with some cams (550hp crank naturally aspirated) and the other all rotary.  We have a fantastic rotary engine builder in the Edmonton area who I would heavily leverage in building one up.

[Solstice2006]

Why do we still use manual transmissions?  They are less efficient than modern automatics and CVT's.  Mazda chooses the rotary as a heritage thing.  Is it the most efficient or reliable?  NO.  But it's not marketed that way.