We've been bringing you updates on the internal development of Mazda's RX-7 successor for almost two years now, and today on the brink of the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show, a new report adds to the story. Mazda's design chief, Ikuo Maeda, has said he wants to see a new RX-7 built.
The reborn RX-7 will likely be powered by Mazda's next generation Renesis 16X rotary engine, most recently seen in the Mazda Taiki concept, displacing 1.6-liters and making use of a longer stroke, direct injection and aluminum side housings. Outputs haven't been disclosed, but it's safe to assume the new mill will put out around 250 to 300 horsepower and a sizeable increase in torque, while boosting fuel economy and reducing emissions.
Looking as far back as 2007, the modern revival of the RX-7 was being foretold in general terms with the Taiki concept, a two-seater which featured the same 1.6-liter, 270-horsepower 16X Renesis rotary expected for the next-gen car. The concept's materials and design also hint at a lightweight goal for the car, possibly as low as 2,600 pounds--a figure almost unheard of in today's age of crash testing, pedestrian safety and full-featured interiors.
It will still likely be several years until any potential production model is revealed, however, as the car must go through prototyping, concept and testing stages first. If Mazda decides the market might bite on a new RX-7, however, expect to begin seeing test mules and prototypes in our spy shots soon.
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