Consumer Guide's Impressions of the 2012 Mazda RX-7

The "rotary rocket" sports car is coming back after more than 10 years away. It promises to be the fastest, most-agile RX-7 yet. It could also be a hybrid.

What We Know About the 2012 Mazda RX-7

After being rumored off and on for the past five years, a new Mazda RX-7 looks to be on the way at last. Not much is known about it right now, as development has reportedly just begun, but sources predict a calendar-2011 debut, perhaps as an early-2012 model. By that time, Mazda's RX-8 will be nine years old and ready for retirement, hence speculation that the next RX-7 will replace Mazda's "senior" sports car.

The Mazda RX-7 could return for 2012 as a Japan-sourced two-door coupe based on the MX-5 platform.

2012 Mazda RX-7 Details
2010 mazda rx-7
The 2012 Mazda RX-7 might appear with a Honda-style gas/electric hybrid system.

It's believed the 2012 Mazda RX-7 will inherit the RX-8's "Renesis" rotary engine, modified for more horsepower than today's 212/232. One source says engineers are wo*rking to install a turbocharger that could itself be assisted by an electric motor at low rshared_pm. This makes sense for a type of engine tha*t's inherently strong on high-end power but weak on low-end torque. Besides broadening the power band, the "electric turbo" promises to reduce low-rshared_pm emissions, a traditional bugbear with the rotary.


*The 2012 Mazda RX-7 won't be luxurious, but furnishings should be appropriate for a mid-priced sports car. So, too, standard equipment, which will likely include 17- or 18-inch wheels housing big four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, plus stability/traction control and perhaps steering with fuel-saving electric assist instead of hydraulic. Transmissions should comprise a 6-speed manual and optional 6-speed automatic, though a sequential manual with automatic shift mode might be in the cards. Like RX-8, options should include leather upholstery, heated/power seats, navigation system, keyless entry with push-button starting, rear spoiler, lower-body flares, and--for weekend racers--a firm "competition" suspension package.

A Notable Feature of the 2012 Mazda RX-7

Mazda's Wankel-type rotary engine not only presents more emissions-cleanup challenges, it's inherently thirstier than comparably sized piston engines. With that and the prospect of higher fuel-economy standards, some believe the 2012 Mazda RX-7 could appear with a Honda-style gas/electric hybrid system. Instead of a turbocharger, the battery-driven motor would boost engine acceleration at or near full throttle, but would not be set up to drive the vehicle by itself. Presumably, the system would also include regenerative braking to charge the batteries when coasting and decelerating, plus an engine stop/start feature to reduce idling time and thus save fuel. If the 2012 Mazda RX-7 turns out to be a hybrid, it would be the first such vehicle with a rotary powerplant.

2012 Mazda RX-7 Preliminary Specifications


The Basics

Vehic*le Type:* sporty/performance car

Drivetrain

Drive wheels: rear

Engine: 1.3-liter Wankel rotary

Horsepower: 260 (CG estimate)

Torque: 200 (CG estimate)

Transmission: 6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic

Dimensions (CG estimates)

Wheelbase: 106.0 inches

Length: 170.0 inches

Width: 70.0 inches

Height: 52.5 inches

*Base curb weight:* 3,100 pounds