According to a report in How Stuff Works, Mazda's legendary RX-7 could make a truimphant return in 2010. According to HSW's sources (which aren't named), the new '7 will be based upon the MX-5's platform and could feature a forced-induction variant of the RX-8's 13B-MSP rotary motor, possibly fitted with an electrically-assisted compressor to eliminate lag.
The attractively-proportioned Kabura concept (above) is claimed to form the basis for the styling of the new RX-7 and passenger capacity will more likely than not be limited to two people. A 6-speed manual or an optional 6-speed automatic are said to be on the cards transmission-wise, however a sequential manual (a la BMW M3 SMG) may also be offered.
HSW also speculates that the new RX-7 may be offered with a hybrid powerplant, with a supplementary electric motor providing assistance at high load when peak power is required (as opposed to during low-speed trundling). Naturally-aspirated rotary motors lack a lot of low-down torque, so the addition of an electric motor would provide a good solution to the problem without having to resort to turbocharging or supercharging.
Keep in mind that this is all speculation, so don't take all this information as being the Gospel truth. That is not to say HSW's story isn't grounded in fact: all indicators point towards Mazda's performance stable becoming seriously outdated if a new model isn't produced soon. At the very least, the RX-8 will need to be revamped if the RX-7 never eventuates, as it has gone 7 years without a significant hike in performance or any sheetmetal changes. Our guess is that the RX-7 will make a comeback. With Nissan and Honda reviving the GT-R and NSX, and Toyota about to release the LF-1 and FT-HS, Mazda would be left far behind in the performance stakes if they don't bring back the RX-7 - and soon.
[Source: How Stuff Works] [Photo courtesy of Mazda]
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