MAZDA SkyActiv-R Sportscar... New RX-7?

[Payman]

[Payman]

Mazda jumps in on the joint venture between Toyota and BMW

That would put it above $60,000. I hope not.

[68_427]

That would put it above $60,000. I hope not.

I'm sure Mazda could take the platform a different direction and produce less of a GT car, and undercut the Toyota handily.

[12,000 RPM]

The proportions are too different for it to have anything to do with the Toyobarus.

I am surprised they didn't make it ribbed for her pleasure.

[Raza]

As part of their agreement with Toyota to sell the Mazda2 as a Scion, Mazda will sell a variant of the FR-S/BRZ, dubbed the MX-4.

Really?  That's both disappointing and exciting at the same time.

[Payman]

Really?  That's both disappointing and exciting at the same time.

No, not really. He's joking.

[2o6]

Cool, but it's probably just fiberglass over clay vaporware at this point

[Payman]

Cool, but it's probably just fiberglass over clay vaporware at this point

No doubt the showcar is probably a FG mockup. That isn't necessarily representative of the progress of the actual car though. For all we know, years of R&D have already been invested, testing carried out, final design signed off, and production is within 2 years away. Let's see how it unfolds.

[BimmerM3]

A straight BRZ clone would be super disappointing. Do we really need another badge on the same car?

[Payman]

A straight BRZ clone would be super disappointing. Do we really need another badge on the same car?

It has nothing to do with the Toyobaru twins. As illustrated above in the pics of the FRS and Mazda sportscar, the proportions are different. The Mazda is lower, with a longer front end, no front fender bulges, different greenhouse, etc etc.

[BimmerM3]

It has nothing to do with the Toyobaru twins. As illustrated above in the pics of the FRS and Mazda sportscar, the proportions are different. The Mazda is lower, with a longer front end, no front fender bulges, different greenhouse, etc etc.

Oh, I know. I was just saying that it'd be a stupid idea anyway.

[Payman]

Hmmm... this is getting interesting. A rotary engine with a capacitor-based hybrid KERS style booster and turbocharging for a rumoured 450 hp total. 

http://jalopnik.com/that-mysterious-mazda-sports-car-concept-might-just-hav-1736908069

[Payman]

Lol, is that Teuton in the comments section, with insider information? 

[Eye of the Tiger]

Big things

[Payman]

Big things

are afoot.

[12,000 RPM]

HCCI? IDK bro this is sounding very sci fi. Other stuff sounds good though, could be a test bed for new tech for Mazda.

[FlatBlackCaddy]

The rotary motor is actually a perfect candidate for a kers or other similar type of hybrid system that would supplement torque and slower speed driving. It would probably be the only way to make a new rotary able to pass emissions standards and have somewhat decent looking EPA FE figures.

I think it would be great.

[Payman]

The rotary motor is actually a perfect candidate for a kers or other similar type of hybrid system that would supplement torque and slower speed driving. It would probably be the only way to make a new rotary able to pass emissions standards and have somewhat decent looking EPA FE figures.

I think it would be great.

Exactly. I see it as the perfect hybrid matchup. The big worry though, is what's it gonna cost.

[FlatBlackCaddy]

My Speculation or dream, and I know I'll catch hell for this but.

1.0L Turbocharged Rotary motor with 250-300HP with a 100ish HP(or more important 150ish ftlbs) hybrid system.

Rear wheel drive

2 doors, 2 seats Coupe

<2900lbs curb weight

and a 7 speed dual clutch transmission

40-45K base price.

I'd be a buyer.

As for the transmission choice, I really believe that integrating multi drive systems together and giving the MAXIMUM benefit and seamless implementation would require something that is able to be intregrated in with the computer control system. IE automated manual.

[Cookie Monster]

If it doesn't have a traditional manual transmission, I don't care for it.

[FlatBlackCaddy]

If they are going to put a manual in it i'd prefer a traditional non hybrid drivetrain.

I'd be fine with that.

[Eye of the Tiger]

If it doesn't have a traditional manual transmission, I don't care for it.

Your miata has synchronizers. Yes/no?

[Cookie Monster]

Your miata has synchronizers. Yes/no?

Yes, but I double clutch, not granny shift, like I should.

[Cookie Monster]

If they are going to put a manual in it i'd prefer a traditional non hybrid drivetrain.

I'd be fine with that.

Me too, but that's not going to happen.

[Eye of the Tiger]

Yes, but I double clutch, not granny shift, like I should.

You're lucky you haven't blown the welds on the intake.

[Cookie Monster]

You're lucky you haven't blown the welds on the intake.

Bitches don't know bout my AEM cold air intake. Keeps my intake welds nice and cool.

[Eye of the Tiger]

Bitches don't know bout my AEM cold air intake. Keeps my intake welds nice and cool.

You need to spray methanol directly onto the outside of your intake. The evaporative cooling will be amazing, but it may also burst into flames.

[12,000 RPM]

400+ HP <3000lb sports car? Value of stickshift in such a car is debatable IMO. I would prefer one but I can understand and appreciate why they wouldn't put one in.

I still think a lifesaver for rotaries will be more rotors with DoD. One of the big problems with rotaries is all the surface area. OK, so low loads you reduce the surface area by taking some rotors out of play. I feel like the tech is there now.

[MX793]

Rotaries don't have valves.  Those are kind of essential to DoD unless you're OK with pumping losses associated with driving a dead rotor.

[FlatBlackCaddy]

The issue always seemed to be fuel consumption and emissions. Smaller displacement coupled with a hybrid system would.solve most.of the issues.