Tekknikal
12-19-2007, 10:51 AM
<img src="http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t193/streetseen/TMS07/Mazda/IMG_2162.jpg" alt="" />
Usually when news comes my way it's not mainstream yet. If it's legit I'll post it and let my StreetSeeners know in advance what's taking place. Sometimes it takes a while for things to pan out, but this time has been an exception. Mazda has made some official announcements regarding the future of the RX8.<!--more-->
First off, Mazda will be unveiling an upgraded 2009 RX8 at the Detroit Auto Show this January. While they haven't been very specific as to what to expect, I think there's a good chance we should see the power increase from the new RX motor that I was mentioning before. With an expected 20% gain you'd be looking at 278 horsepower, which should be enough to allow it to keep up with cars such as the upcoming WRX and Lancer Ralliart, although it may still lag behind the 350Z and upcoming Hyundai Coupe. If Mazda decides to keep the pricing aggressive though, the car should be very competitive in class because this is one of the best handling cars under $50k today (on many tighter tracks the underpowered RX8 can keep pace with 350Zs and M3's).
Then again, Mazda might also decide to follow the rest of the industry and take prices significantly higher, which would put the RX8 up against the Evolution X, G37, and Nismo 350Z. At that point, the value proposition would be less obvious...
Moving along though, Mazda also announced that its new RX concept, the Furai, would be unveiled in Detroit next month. They provided this teaser picture:
<img src="http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t193/streetseen/Mazda/Misc/mazda-furai.jpg" alt="" />
All we know right now is that the concept car will utilize the Courage C65 race car chassis with a 450hp three rotor rotary mounted. The concept is designed to run on 100% ethanol (E100) fuel.
And finally, more evidence of Mazda's commitment to long term development on the RX:
<img src="http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t193/streetseen/Mazda/Misc/mazda-rx-8-6.jpg" alt="" />
This is likely a mule for their upcoming sports car, guised as an RX8, captured in a spy shot by leftlanenews. I have my fingers crossed on this one. Mazda is in a great position to deliver a car for its enthusiasts, whom it already heavily supports in the grassroots racing scene. Will they deliver? Or will they undersupply and overcharge? Time will tell. We'll keep you updated.
Usually when news comes my way it's not mainstream yet. If it's legit I'll post it and let my StreetSeeners know in advance what's taking place. Sometimes it takes a while for things to pan out, but this time has been an exception. Mazda has made some official announcements regarding the future of the RX8.<!--more-->
First off, Mazda will be unveiling an upgraded 2009 RX8 at the Detroit Auto Show this January. While they haven't been very specific as to what to expect, I think there's a good chance we should see the power increase from the new RX motor that I was mentioning before. With an expected 20% gain you'd be looking at 278 horsepower, which should be enough to allow it to keep up with cars such as the upcoming WRX and Lancer Ralliart, although it may still lag behind the 350Z and upcoming Hyundai Coupe. If Mazda decides to keep the pricing aggressive though, the car should be very competitive in class because this is one of the best handling cars under $50k today (on many tighter tracks the underpowered RX8 can keep pace with 350Zs and M3's).
Then again, Mazda might also decide to follow the rest of the industry and take prices significantly higher, which would put the RX8 up against the Evolution X, G37, and Nismo 350Z. At that point, the value proposition would be less obvious...
Moving along though, Mazda also announced that its new RX concept, the Furai, would be unveiled in Detroit next month. They provided this teaser picture:
<img src="http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t193/streetseen/Mazda/Misc/mazda-furai.jpg" alt="" />
All we know right now is that the concept car will utilize the Courage C65 race car chassis with a 450hp three rotor rotary mounted. The concept is designed to run on 100% ethanol (E100) fuel.
And finally, more evidence of Mazda's commitment to long term development on the RX:
<img src="http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t193/streetseen/Mazda/Misc/mazda-rx-8-6.jpg" alt="" />
This is likely a mule for their upcoming sports car, guised as an RX8, captured in a spy shot by leftlanenews. I have my fingers crossed on this one. Mazda is in a great position to deliver a car for its enthusiasts, whom it already heavily supports in the grassroots racing scene. Will they deliver? Or will they undersupply and overcharge? Time will tell. We'll keep you updated.