Consumer Guide's Impressions of the 2010 Mazda RX-7
The "rotary rocket" sports car is coming back after more than 10 years away. It promises to be the fastest, most agile RX-7 yet. It could also be a hybrid.What We Know About the 2010 Mazda RX-7
After being rumored off and on for the past five years, a new Mazda RX-7 looks to be on the way at last. Not much is known about it right now, as development has reportedly just begun, but sources predict a calendar-2010 debut, perhaps as an early 2011 model. By that time, Mazda's RX-8 will be seven years old and ready for retirement, hence speculation that the next RX-7 will take over as Mazda's "senior" sports car.The original RX-7 debuted in 1977 and quickly built a large and loyal worldwide following 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, but neither did much for sales. Accordingly, Mazda went back to basics for a 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.It's believed the 2010 Mazda RX-7 will inherit the RX-8's "Renesis" rotary engine, modified for more horsepower than today's 212/232. One source says engineers are working to install a turbocharger that could itself 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.
