2012 Mazda RX-7 Replacing RX-8 Next Year, Says Report

The rumours are seemingly right, for once: The all-new Mazda RX-7 is coming in late 2011 as a 2012 model, according to a report from Edmunds which cited sources close to Mazda. Due to RX-8's relatively high price and poor fuel economy, coupled with the current economic climate, Mazda is said to be developing a cheaper, more efficient sports car that evokes the character of the original RX-7 but with 200-250 horsepower. Of course, a lowered price tag and lesser power would put the upcoming RX-7 in the playing field of Hyundai Genesis Coupe and Toyota FT-86.

A brand new Renesis rotary engine is reportedly in the workings, too. Called Renesis 16X, this 1600cc, two-rotor Wankel engine sports an 800cc x 2 configuration, compared to the 1308cc, 654cc x 2 configuration in the current RX-8. It is said to churn out 350 hp and 292 Nm versus RX-8's 232 hp and 216 Nm. For use in RX-7, the Renesis 16X is likely to have its power reduced, while Mazda engineers work on further lowering the weight of the engine and improving fuel economy.

AboutSeow Yaohan

Seow Yao Han strives to bring you the latest and the most comprehensive information on cars available in Malaysia. But it's never easy for him to talk and write cars in this part of the world because what you lust after is often not what you drive home. When the euphoria of test-driving that branded, super-expensive sports car dies down, he just goes home in his less-than-glamorous ride.

Mazda Authorised Distributor

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