Mazda unveiling all-new pickup

Mazda Motor Corporation is planning to unveil an all-new Mazda BT-50 compact pickup truck at the 2010 Australian International Motor Show on Friday, October 15, 2010. This will be the world debut of the new truck, which Mazda is calling an "active lifestyle vehicle." They are promising nothing less than a revolution in our conventional image of a compact pickup truck with modern and refined styling.

The new model was developed from the ground up as a brand new type of vehicle. Rugged and dependable are two words we expect to hear about but pickup trucks, but Mazda says the all-new BT-50 promises to be beautiful as well. Hoping to get buyers to think outside the box, Mazda is calling the BT-50 the perfect solution for customers who lead active lifestyles – including families, workers, and pleasure seekers.

This being a Mazda, the company also promises a level of performance and handling unseen in this market segment before. Mazda recognizes the occasional need for an open bed truck, but understands there is usually a heavy price to pay in routine driving with a pickup truck. For most customers, a full-size pickup is too cumbersome for every day driving needs, but when it's time to haul a large load, the need for an open bed becomes evident. The BT-50 promises to be a good compromise between daily commuting car and weekend work – or play – truck.

Mazda 6 2.2 driven

Bit of a forgotten hero the Mazda6. It's always been one of our favourite cars in the Schlepping Up The M1 Every Waking Hour With Suit Jacket Hung In The Rear Window And Many Boxes In The Boot Repmobile class, along with the Ford Mondeo and Vauxhall Insignia, because it combines sharp looks with sporty handling. Now it's even better thanks to this worthwhile upgrade.

New headlights and tail-lights brighten up the looks a smidge, and inside, the dials have silver rings and the centre console layout is less cluttered. A new finish on the dash and piano-black trim feel more ‘premium', too. It's not exactly Audi in here, but it's beautifully made and is a comfortable place to be.

The engines - three petrol and three diesel - have been tweaked to emit less gas and drink less as well. Emissions and economy are improved by 4.8 and 4.1 per cent respectively across the diesel range. The pick of the engines is the 163bhp 2.2 turbo-diesel: not quite as punchy as the 180bhp version, but not as expensive either. It's torquey, smooth and refined.

2011 Mazda 2 - First Drive Review

With lofty government-mandated fuel-economy standards coming down on one hand and a shaky economy spurring consumer interest on the other, carmakers are serving up more subcompact cars to U.S. consumers than ever. Among the most hotly anticipated (at least among Car and Driver staffers) is the 2011 Mazda 2, Mazda’s first America-bound B-segment vehicle since the 323 and arguably the best such car Mazda has ever built.


While Mazda is calling the 2011 model the “third generation” of the 2, it’s more or less a refresh of the second-gen car sold around the globe since 2008. Aside from redesigned front and rear fascias and sundry new interior bits, it’s essentially the same car as before, one which shares its architecture with Ford’s slick new Fiesta—which, incidentally, also arrives stateside for 2011.


Of the two platformmates, the 2 is the simpler machine: lighter, less powerful, and available only as a five-door hatchback in either “Sport” or “Touring” trim levels. Its Eurocentric cabin assigns ergonomic priority to front-seat occupants while giving rear-seaters (and cargo) the somewhat shorter end of the stick. The interior design is pleasing, but the features list is surprisingly short. Unavailable, for example, even on Touring models, are a telescoping steering wheel, a sunroof, integrated navigation (a portable Garmin system will be available from dealers), a USB port, or a hands-free Bluetooth system. The only option beyond dealer accessories is special paint.

Mazda MX-5 Named UK’s Best Sportscar

Since its launch 20 years ago, Mazda MX-5 has been one of the UK’s most favourite cars. So no wonder that in the 2010 JD Power survey it was awarded as Britain’s ‘Best Sports car’. This little Japanese is probably the only successful copy of a true British roadster. It’s a very desirable car not for things that is has, but because of things that it doesn’t have!

The MX-5 is simple and honest and most importantly affordable. It offers unmatched level of driving fun in its class, mainly thanks to its lightness. It doesn’t ask what you need, it asks what you can live without! Of course these days it’s got caught up in the game and comes with retractable metal roof and all other stuff you won’t need, and that has made it heavier ans less fun, but still comparing to its rivals, it’s a true British sportscar, except its Japanese!

Mazda RX-8 Hydrogen To Race At 24 Hour Le Mans

Mazda is making a big return to LeMans 24 Hours race in 2010 19 years after their memorable victory with a rotary-engine race car. This time too, they are coming with a groundbreaking car, the Mazda RX-8 Hydrogen RE sports coupe, powered by a petrol/hydrogen rotary engine. The car will get a special demonstration at “Le Mans vers le future” (Le Mans into the Future).

Mazda considering hybrid rotary for MX-5 replacement

Mazda MX-5 Superlight Concept

According to reports coming out of Japan, Mazda is developing a hybrid
rotary powered roadster for 2012. The model is said to be a smaller and lighter replacement for the Mazda Miata MX-5.

Japan’s BestCar magazine reports that Mazda is looking fit its newly developed Sky-G Hybrid Rotary Engine in a 1.2L or 1.3L engine capacity for the Roadster. The magazine said that the move makes since the industry is being pulled towards a “Hybrid Sports” movement (yes, it’s pretty sad for us to hear that too).

MAZDA B2500 Pick-up Truck (2000) diesel 4WD

Mazda B2500 pick up truck from 2000. 4WD and diesel engine. Regular cab. I have bought the truck 5 yrs ago from International Motors. Car is in fairly good condition. 30000 miles

I'm looking for $6500 OBO

Mazda MX-5 Roadster four drive wheel

There’s a certain allure to the prospect of piloting a car without a roof down a twisty road: The slipstream buffeting your face, the exhaust note rudely ringing in your ears, the smell of hot metal and burning rubber confirming that you’re giving it stick. It’s the ultimate expression of freedom on four wheels.

Sports cars come in many flavours. For many, the exotics from Ferrari and Lamborghini count among the most desirable. Arguably more rewarding are the everyday, easy-to-drive supercars like the Audi R8 V10 and the Porsche 911 Turbo.

Hardcore sports cars? Think Lotus Exige S, or Aerial Atom. Sports coupés? Audi’s TT, and the impressively affordable VW Scirocco come to mind. And let’s not forget sport sedans such as the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG, or the Subaru Impreza WRX.

Though the roof is undoubtedly clever. It stows away in a dedicated receptacle behind the seats, and doesn’t encroach on boot space at all. Which is just as well: at a shoebox-sized 150-litres, there isn’t much of a boot to start off with.

The interior is everything you’d expect of a roadster: snug, comfortable and well equipped. The heated sport seats are shaped for support, the small, fat-rimmed steering wheel looks and feels just right and the analogue instrument dials are clearly legible.

Sporty look gives Mazda CX-7 its edge

2010 Mazda CX-7 unique? Styling, I guess — it's sleek and reasonably contemporary, updated considerably for this model year, but those swoopy lines cost the CX-7 some cargo space and rear-seat room. If a lot of rear space is your central concern, you might be better with something more, well, angular, such as a Toyota Highlander.

Indeed, with the five-passenger CX-7, and its larger seven-passenger sibling, the CX-9, Mazda has tried hard to position itself as emphasizing "sport" over "utility" in its bigger SUVs. Just as important as styling is the CX family's stiffer-than-usual suspension and, with the CX-7, at least the option of a powerful engine.

That suspension and larger-than-average tires and wheels also mean a mildly rougher ride, especially on uneven pavement, and quite a bit of tire noise on coarse concrete. Even so, I'll happily take the rougher ride to get the CX-7's crisp handling. It doesn't feel like an SUV, and that's a compliment.

In a straight line, though, the thrill is gone if you have this 2.5-liter, 161-horsepower four-cylinder engine, mated to a plucky five-speed automatic transmission that tries hard to help the slightly coarse engine motivate the 3,500-pound sport-ute. At least mileage isn't bad, with an EPA-rated 20 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, on regular-grade gas. This engine, shared with the Mazda6 and Mazda3, is new to the CX-7 this year. Previously, you could only get the now-optional turbocharged engine, which gave the CX-7 an abnormally high base price.

You can, of course, get that 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that pumps out 244 horsepower, and rides on 18- or 19-inch tires and wheels, instead of the standard 17-inchers. That model is also offered in all-wheel-drive, as well as the standard front-wheel-drive. With all the options, the turbo version of the CX-7 can hit almost $33,000, pricey in this class.

Mazda Biante 20s NAVI SPECIAL Introduced

Mazda announced that it will release a limited edition version of its mid-size, tall roof Biante minivan, destined for the Japanese market.


The vehicle is dubbed Biante 20s NAVI SPECIAL and offers additional equipment including a navigation system that uses a hard disk drive and a park assist system, while only having a price premium of around $800 (73,500 yen) over the standard 20S model. As the vehicle aims to offer a special image, it does not feature the flexible hook that is standard equipment on the model it is based on.

The vehicle can be ordered in a two wheel drive or a four wheel drive version, with the first one featuring Mazda’s idling stop system, i-stop. Both versions are equipped with a 2.0 liter DISI (Direct Injection Spark Ignition) gasoline engine, with the two wheel drive one using a 5 speed automatic gearbox and the four wheel drive one featuring a four speed automatic gearbox.

The front wheel drive minivan also qualifies for Japan’s eco-car incentive program and 75 percent tax reductions under the government’s tax reduction program. The vehicle has a starting price of $27,000 (2,572,000 yen), with the tax reduction included.

Mazda's Receives Award for Hydrogen Rotary Engine Initiatives

Mazda Motor Corporation recently announced it received the IAHE Sir William Grove Award from the International Association for Hydrogen Energy (IAHE) at a presentation ceremony in Essen, Germany.

The IAHE is an international organization that promotes academic and technological advancements in the field of hydrogen energy. Every two years, the IAHE presents five awards to researchers or organizations that have made significant contributions in areas related to hydrogen energy. The awards are presented during the World Hydrogen Energy Conference (WHEC), the world's largest international conference on hydrogen energy, which the IAHE hosts.

1986 Mazda RX-7

First Drive: 1986 Mazda RX-7

We Are Talking Seriously All-New Here

From the January, 1986 issue of Motor Trend

/ By Ron Grable

/ Photography by Jim Brown

Editor's Note: This year, Mazda celebrates its 90th anniversary and along with an extensive retrospective coming on May 20, we've gone through the archives to bring you a look at several classic Mazdas from the 70s and 80s.

Mazda RX-8 to Bow as RX-7 Prepares for the Stage

Mazda RX-8

According to a Motor Trend-sourced report, the Mazda RX-8 is working toward a 2011 retirement. U.S. sales will cease during that year and there will be a two-year gap before the new RX-7 swoops in and uplifts the hearts of Mazda lovers. The report follows an official Mazda announcement that European RX-8 sales will wind down that same year.

Mazda RX-8 Most Likely to Bid Goodbye After 2011

According to the recent report from the sources, Mazda is due to cease U.S. sales of the RX-8 after 2011. The only rotary-powered production car will no longer be available after the 2011 model year.

Mazda some time back announced that the RX-8 will not be sold in Europe due to more stern EuroV emissions standards. The Wankel-engined 2+2 sports car was refreshed in 2009, abiding by the U.S. emissions standard but it had still failed to gather much sales from the market. Mazda sold only 128 RX-8s in April of 2010 and not even crossing the 500 mark, with a total of 428, year to date.

The auto enthusiast are now pinning their hopes on the next-generation Mazda RX-7. The two seat coupe is currently under development and is expected to arrive sometime in 2013. It is believed that the new Mazda RX-7 will use company’s new Renesis 16X rotary engine and possibly a dual-clutch transmission thus delivering something around 350-hp of output and 215 lb-ft of torque.

2010 Mazda CX-9 Price and Specification

2010 Mazda CX-9

Mazda’s medium-size CX-9 looks a lot like its smaller stablemate, the CX-7. Blink and you wouldn’t pick it until you drive up alongside where the 9’s size becomes more apparent.

The whole differentiation thing got harder with a recent mid-life upgrade to both vehicles which ushered in the new smiley face, five-point grille and other changes inside and out.

A range topping GT version of the CX-9 has been added with everything except the kitchen sink for $63,186.

The GT is the only car in medium sports utlility vehicle territory to get 20-inch alloys as standard equipment. They make it look a little like “puss in boots” but big wheel nuts will like it.

The GT has plenty of kit for luxury motoring including satellite navigation, seven leather-clad seats in three rows, three-zone climate control, cruise control, a reversing camera, premium audio, large info screen and xenon headlights.

Bluetooth is also included in the package along with heated mirrors and keyless entry/engine ignition.

Nothing much has changed under the bonnet to the vehicle that was launched in 2007. It runs a 3.7-litre petrol V6 with 204kW/367Nm output driving mostly the front wheels through six-speed auto offering sequential change mode.

2010 Mazda RX-8 R3 Real Review

2010 Mazda RX-8 R3

The Mazda RX-8's chassis is superb; it honestly doesn't get much better. Precise turn-in, balance, and grip, the RX-8 has it all. The low torque numbers (159 lb-ft @ 5500 rpm) mean you need to rev the living daylights out of it for any power, but the rotary engine has no problem climbing the tachometer to numbers a conventional engine can only spit oil at.

This R3 package looks really, really good: nineteen-inch smoked-gray wheels, Recaro seats, and a body kit with rear wing. My only gripes: $33,000 is a tough pill to swallow, and as great as the engine is, it needs more power. Address these issues, Mazda, and you'd have yourselves a perennial Automobile Magazine All-Star in my book.

Mazda CX-7 finely tuned

Number crunching is one of those terms like business casual that is hard to define but often achieves the desired effect and a case in point is the 2010 Mazda CX-7 crossover utility vehicle.

The CX-7 was launched in 2007 aimed at the compact CUV buyer. With its turbocharged engine, it was (and remains) one of the fastest and best handling vehicles in the segment and sold well.

Mazda CX-7

But going through the sales data, Mazda realized it was losing out at the entry end against Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V because it didn’t have a similarly priced competitor.

That has now been addressed in 2010 by the addition of a 2.5-litre normally aspirated engine in addition to the turbo.

It has resulted in the GX model with front-wheel drive and five-speed automatic transmission, the only CX-7 with FWD offered.

The engine itself is a Mazda stalwart being also used extensively by Ford.

At 2.5-litres, it’s large for a four-cylinder so Mazda uses counter rotating balance shafts in the oil pan to quell the imbalance normally found in big fours. In this form it produces 161 hp and 161 lb/ft of torque.

Mazda Crafts Special Mazda2 Yozora Edition

Mazda has announced the launch of the 2011 Mazda2 Yozora, a special limited-edition version of its all-new Mazda2 subcompact.

The Yozora, which means “night sky” in Japanese, is finished in a brilliant black exterior paint and features a themed “2″ decal package on the front driver’s side bumper and fender. The design also includes a unique rear raised spoiler, short stubby antenna, chrome tailpipe, and special silver and black 16-inch alloy wheels with Toyo Proxes T1R performance tires.

The Yozora is based on the entry-level Mazda2 GX trim, either with five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission, with air conditioning and a Convenience Package of body-colour heated mirrors, keyless entry with jackknife key, steering wheel-mounted cruise and audio controls, two additional speakers, trip computer, outside temperature gauge, and interior silver accents.

Exclusive to the Canadian market, the Mazda2 Yozora has a starting price of $19,280. Only 500 units will be produced and will go on sale in July 2010.

Mazda2 Yozora Edition

Mazda MX-5 car review

The MX-5’s Japanese roots are immediately obvious when you look at its interior – but things are none the worse for that. Clearly laid out and well screwed together, there’s a lot of black in evidence, with just the right amount of alloy (actually silver plastic) highlights to make things interesting, without looking over-designed.

What’s really impressive is the ease with which the roof can be raised and stowed. There’s no power assistance; you simply release a catch and flip the boot back. It then latches into place on its own, with the top of the roof also doubling as a tonneau cover. When you want protection from the elements, you simply press another button and the roof is easily raised and clipped back into place. All convertible roofs should be this simple.

Mazda May Fix Oil Hose Defect In Additional 190,000 Subcompact Cars

Mazda Motor Corp. (7261.TO) said Friday it may offer to repair an oil hose defect in an additional 190,000 Mazda3 subcompact cars with 1.5-liter engines in Europe and other regions, after the company said Thursday it would recall 90,000 of the vehicles in Japan and China.

Models sold in North America and Australia with 2-and 2.3-liter engines are not affected, a company spokesman said.

The problem in the company's best-selling model comes as Japanese automakers find their reputation for quality under pressure following Toyota Motor's global recall of over 8.5 million vehicles.

2010 Mazda MX5 20th Anniversary

Mazda celebrates two decades of roadster success with the world premiere of a 20th Anniversary special edition MX-5 at the Geneva Motor Show in March. This model will have a limited production run of just 2,000 units, will only be available in Europe and will take sports car fans back to the basics of open-top driving fun. It´s equipped with a special edition scuff plate in stainless steel with pan-European serial number (1 to 2000).

2010 Mazda MX5 20th Anniversary

Mazda celebrates two decades of roadster success with the world premiere of a 20th Anniversary special edition MX-5 at the Geneva Motor Show in March. This model will have a limited production run of just 2,000 units, will only be available in Europe and will take sports car fans back to the basics of open-top driving fun. It´s equipped with a special edition scuff plate in stainless steel with pan-European serial number (1 to 2000).

Mazda3 MPS Test Drive

It’s new, it’s got 256bhp and it’s one of the fastest hot hatches you can buy. In this video, Vicki Butler-Henderson finds out if the Mazda3 MPS is as mean as it sounds.

Mazda's MZR 2.3-liter DISI turbocharged engine with 191 kW (260 PS) and 380 Nm of torque. 0-100 km/h comes in 6.1 seconds, while the top speed is limited to 250 km/h (155 mph). Other performance features include a torque-sensing limited-slip differential, a revised six-speed manual transmission with wider gear ratios, and improved drive shafts to minimize torque steer.

2010 Mazda CX-9 improves

2010 Mazda CX-9

Mazda’s CX-9 seven-passenger crossover SUV debuted in 2007 and it is one of the more nicely styled vehicles of its ilk. Its sculpted lines flow better than some of its utilitarian competitors and it has undergone several appearance changes for 2010 inside and out.

Most noticeable is a new grille and front-end design as well as new taillights and mirrors. We tested the 2010 CX-9 Grand Touring, the highest trim level, which wears 20-inch wheels and has a nicely appointed interior with some new upgraded features.

The CX-9 has a solid, refined feel with nimble handling that belies its not-so-insignificant proportions. With optional allwheel drive, only the front wheels are powered until slippage is detected, then up to 50 percent can be routed to the rearwheels; the CX-9 proved sure-footed in snowy conditions.

Mazda CX-7 2.5 Dynamic

Mazda CX-7

Mazda CX-7
The SUV market is, at the best of times, plainly incomprehensible to me.

If you wish to go off-road, well, purchase a dedicated off-road wagon with low-range reduction gearing and some lockable axles. If you need loadspace and all-wheel traction security on dirt roads, buy an all-wheel drive station wagon.

Conversely, the idea of a Crossover (sedan platform, pseudo-SUV style) is completely beyond my faculties of reason.

Of course, the Crossover’s appeal is in combining the aspiration to an outdoor, active lifestyle (Camel trophy "lite", if you’ll excuse the tobacco-driven adage) without any of the solid axle ride harshness or ponderous on-road performance.

Crossovers are, mostly, a hapless compromise. Some manage to find the golden mean between faux dirt-road performance and urban usability better than others.

Mazda CX-7 With these vehicles spending so little time on even the most unchallenging of dirt-roads, perhaps there is space in the market for more front-wheel drive derivatives?

Subsequently, Mazda CX-7 after two weeks testing Mazda’s facelifted CX-7 (in 2.5L Dynamic guise) I pondered the issue: was it a hapless compromise or golden mean pseudo-SUV style wagon?

Mazda CX-7 hailed as good family car

The Mazda CX-7 has been flagged up as a good option for families for want to travel in a transporter.

According to the Hamilton Advertiser, the vehicle can carry more than 700 litres of luggage, as well as mum, dad and all of the kids.

The newspaper said the vehicle was particularly easy to handle on town roads, which could be an asset on the mandatory trip to the supermarket.

It also noted that the Mazda CX-7 performed equally well on the motorways, where its motion was said to be "smooth-flowing and effortless".

Indeed, reviewer John Connor stated that the vehicle "really grew in my estimation" when he took it onto the motorway.

"Mazda has another winning model in its line-up," he commented.

2010 Mazda MX5 20th Anniversary

2010 Mazda MX5 20th Anniversary

Mazda3 MPS Test Drive

It’s new, it’s got 256bhp and it’s one of the fastest hot hatches you can buy. In this video, Vicki Butler-Henderson finds out if the Mazda3 MPS is as mean as it sounds.

Mazda's MZR 2.3-liter DISI turbocharged engine with 191 kW (260 PS) and 380 Nm of torque. 0-100 km/h comes in 6.1 seconds, while the top speed is limited to 250 km/h (155 mph). Other performance features include a torque-sensing limited-slip differential, a revised six-speed manual transmission with wider gear ratios, and improved drive shafts to minimize torque steer.

2010 Mazda Axela and Biante

As part of celebrations marking its 90th anniversary, Mazda Motor Corporation today launched special edition versions of the Mazda Axela sports compact (known overseas as the Mazda3) and Mazda Biante mid-size tall ‘high-roof’ minivan for the Japanese market. Both models are equipped with Mazda’s unique idling stop system, i-stop, and go on sale today at all Mazda, Mazda Anfini and Mazda Autozam dealerships throughout Japan.

Founded in 1920 as Toyo Cork Kogyo Co., Ltd., Mazda will reach its 90th birthday on January 30, 2010. The two commemorative special edition models feature the award-winning i-stop system and offer outstanding eco-friendly and safety performance as well as Mazda’s hallmark fun-to-drive attributes. In Japan, i-stop’s list of accolades includes the 2009 Eco-Products Award from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, and the 2010 RJC Technology of the Year award.

Both special edition models qualify for Japan’s eco-car incentive program and 75 percent tax reductions under the government’s eco-car tax reduction program.

The Mazda Axela 90th Anniversary Special Edition is based on the four Axela grades that come with i-stop. It will be the first Mazda in the Japanese market with the exclusive exterior body color, Gunmetal Blue Mica. The Mazda Biante i-stop Smart Edition, also launched to celebrate Mazda’s 90th birthday, is based on the 20CS model grade. Its features include i-stop, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Mazda’s Advanced Keyless Entry System.

Main features of the Mazda Axela 90th Anniversary Special Edition

Base models
Mazda Axela Sport 20C and 20S grades, Mazda Axela Sedan 20C and 20E (FWD) grades (all grades equipped with i-stop)

Special features
Special exterior body color, Gunmetal Blue Mica (new to models for the Japanese market)

Main features of the Mazda Biante i-stop Smart Edition

Base model
Mazda Biante 20CS (FWD model)
Special features
•i-stop
•Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system
•Dual power sliding doors
•Advanced keyless entry and start system (with answer-back function and automatic rear liftgate)

20th-Anniversary Limited Edition Mazda MX-5

For MX-5 lovers in Australia, 110 units will be sold out of the total 2000 units made, while 600 are reserved for UK. The sale is expected to start in March.
“With limited numbers available, this is a great opportunity to own an exclusive version of Australia’s and the world’s best selling sports car” - Doug Dickson, M.D. Mazda Australia

A stainless steel scuff plate will be used for numbering each unit. The model, which is a modified version of the 1.8-litre SE MX-5, is available in three body colours: Radiant Ebony, Highland Green and Stormy Blue. The only available transmission option is a six-speed manual transmission.

The unique features of this exclusive car include new 17-inch alloys, 20th Anniversary badging, Bilstein shock absorbers, leather seats and brushed alloy trim that replaces the piano black on the dash. While the front grille, door handles and headlight surrounds are chromed. Another modification includes the addition of a front suspension bracing bar.

The 20th Anniversary Limited Edition Mazda MX-5 will be part of next month's Geneva Motor Show, where it will be presented alongside the new facelifted Mazda5 and a Mazda6 models.

Mazda May Replace RX-8 with a New 2-door RX-7 for 2012

Its been rumoured that we can expect the resurrection of the Mazda RX-7 sometime in 2011. It is true that we’ve been hearing these stories telling us that we should expect the rotary engine powered sports car any day now and the car’s still yet to reveal its smiling face, but this time, it looks like it is the real deal. Here we have reports from Japan indicating that the next RX-7 may be just around the corner. That is excellent news, isn’t it? Maybe not so, for Mazda RX-8.

Reports from Inside Line suggest that the birth of the 2-seater Mazda RX-7 will mean the death of the current 4 door, 4 seat RX-8 that has been in circulation since 2004. Furthermore, the Santa Monica gang say that the next generation rotary sports car may not exceed the performance of either the last twin-turbo RX-7 or the current RX-8’s 1.3 liter 232 HP Renesis engine. This is contrary to earlier rumors, suggesting that the latest 1.6L 16X power plant was churning out as much as 350 ponies while still achieving superior fuel economy.