If this image is legit, do you think it's pointing to the styling direction of the 'always-rumored' next-gen Rx-7?

 

Yes.

No.

Maybe.


That said, I don't like the wheels or headlights. Really the whole front end would take a lot of getting used to.

 

Interesting, never a big RX-7 fan myself, but it is an interesting concept.

 

So wouldn't it be an RX-9 or is there some other reason why the current one is named the RX-8?

 

Most likely not.

Since the RX8 was larger and had two rear suicide doors it made sense to call it the RX8.

I believe that the RX8 sales have been lukewarm (I could be wrong) so I would guess that Mazda would bring out the RX7 to replace the RX8 in a few years.

The RX7 is probably Mazda's best known brand name (historically speaking)right now since they even went as far as to ditch the "Miata" name on the new MX-5 (even though everyone will still call it the new Miata).

There's alot of equity in a name and the RX-7 is no different.

 

Looks like the body tooling for a Nissan Z, maybe it is. The japs never come out with any originals, just copies of copies.

 

rx-8 was never meant to be a replacement for the rx-7. rx has just been used for any rotary powered car.

i hope they bring back the rx-7 soon. i love them like i love camaros. my first car was an rx-7. i even got into mechanical engineering in hope of advancing the rotary

 

Looks like the Mazda Kabura concept which will be at LA.

http://www.autoweek.com/files/specia...a/pages/01.htm

 

Not a fan... basing my opinions on that pic alone. It's overstyled and not as natural as the RX-8 IMO.

 

I always thought one of the biggest grips on the RX8 was the narrow powerband? Are they going to put a different motor a RX7 if it makes it?

 

Surely it won't have wheels off of a Buick. I dunno about the rest; maybe a bit too 350Z.

 

My best friend has one. He came back from flight school (airforce fighter pilot) and I got some seat time in it. I'd say the car is luke warm.

It's painfully slow feeling. My A4 feels faster even though I know it's not. It does 'fit' pretty well in terms of ergonomics, and handles well... but a car that looks like that and costs that much should be much MUCH faster.

He's trading it in on a C6 in less than a year, he says.

 

That is a very cool looking car.

 

Your sig hurts my eyes.

STOP IT

 

Although that concept was originally planned to have a rotary in it, I believe it's been replaced with a 4-banger.

Mazda says it's a concept for an affordable RWD "starter car".