Mazda planning RX-7 revival by 2012
May 14, 2008 by George Skentzos
Mazda is expected to launch its next-generation of the much-loved turbocharged RX-7 performance car by 2012, according to a report published by RoadandTrack magazine.
The RX-7 rebirth is a must for Mazda, with the affordable sports car market from Asia set to make a long awaited return with cars like the Nissan 200SX, Hyundai Genesis Coupe and ‘Toyobaru’ Coupe.
The current RX-7 is still a modern and highly sought-after sports car despite its age, and as the rendering above demonstrates, the new model will draw its inspiration from Mazda concepts such as the Kabura and Furai.
The new model is expected to be powered by the new 16X rotary engine, an evolution of the current Renesis 13B engine found in the RX-8.
In its naturally-aspirated guise the 16X rotary engine is expected to produce around 150-190kW with improved low-end torque.
However sources indicate Mazda is still experimenting with forced-induction – determined to meet emissions regulations which faulted the RX-8’s turbocharged ambitions.
The new RX-7 is likely to share an extended version of the platform used by the MX-5, already a great formula for performance dynamics.
The best part is that eager to compete with the next generation of budget Japanese sports cars, Mazda could release the RX-7 for as little as USD$30,000 in the States.
Print it: 
I stil like the FD shape even if the twin turbos are kinda inferior to the earlier models….
very high maintenance cars though…. as all sports cars are.
It’ll replace the RX-8, but its a bit ironic that RX-8 was supposed to be replacement to RX-7… but it seems that RX-7 will replace the RX-8 in the end…
I thought the new RX-7 was meant to compete with the japanese supercars like the GTR and new NSX, leaving the RX-8 with the cheaper performance segment.
That’s great news…but not until 2012? Let’s hope there’s still some oil left…
Cant wait…expecially if it looks like the 1st photo. Should have the RX-8 paid off by then too.
150-180kw sounds a bit low though-should be 250-280.
30K in the US should equate to about 200K here once we add the aussie taxes, LCT, GST, on roads, levys, import duties, federal duties, state duties, ies, ies, ies etc :-)
Oh OK I exaggerated! 199K then.
why cant they just call it the rx-9, or something else if they are so determined to compete in the ‘affordable’ sports car segment? after the FD the rx-7 name shouldn’t be used for a cheap sports car.
Why dont some people like the current RX-8?
Power would be the first thing that comes to mind, Duck
I agree with Fenno. The 1st photo looks great, but power figures seem low.
not much people like the RX-8 because its “soft”
But soft is very acceptable in Oz…
Look at the Oz spec S15s etc…
Mainly reason why.. is market in Oz is different that people drive these cars daily…. so to increase durability and ease of maintenance… power is reduced, also to meet regulations etc.
Subaru’s new WRX is designed to be a friendlier “DAILY” driver… people hate it but in the end its actually “GOOD”… the RX-8 is the same, heck the auto loses 30kW…. hehe, thats ridiculous.. for people who are into looks and luxury and ease of driving….
Its not all performance..
and yes they should of ended the “RX-7″ name with the FD..
RX-9… hmm.. well yeah obvious choice…
I hope they dont wreck the image of the RX-7 with a new spaceship model.
The last generation RX-7 is probably one of the best cars in the world
if that last picture is the new rx 7 ….. oh god save us
the rx8 is a fantastic car. superb handling, easy to drive and suffice power. the rx7 will be a sport car on the same level as the GTR and a few bars ahead of the current rx8. 150-190kw Naturally Aspirated is very good, add maybe 20-50kw extra with a turbo and you have a very fast car. keep in mind that the engine is still in “experimental stage”. the rx7 was and still is an incredible machine. mazda know this and will obviously keep the stardards high, or they wouldnt be using the same name.
It is not always about power. It is the balance of power and weight. There is a high chance it is a in a low weight chassis. With it being turbocharged and handling, then it can easily be as fast as the R35 if not fast