Let’s talk rotary!!! It’s no big surprise to any Mazda enthusiast, or car enthusiast for that matter, that Mazda released the first full concept look at the new Mazda RX. If you’re anything like us at the CorkSport office, you were giddy with joy talking about all the things the car may or may not have. I can say personally I was like a kid on Christmas morning as I saw the silk piece of fabric come rolling off the sleek sexy body line of the new car. I was thrilled. So like any true enthusiast, I want to share my thoughts on what I think we will and will not see when it comes to a production model a few years down the road.
Let me first start by making it clear that none of what I’m about to say is confirmed. It’s my personal opinion on the car and what I think we will see in a true production model. SO here we go.
The first things to go will be the wheels and tires along with the side view mirrors. I’d say right now, with much confidence, that none of that will show up on a production model for various DOT regulation purposes. On that note, I think the A-pillar will move forward a lot and the roof line will be raised. I just don’t think that nice low profile will actually hit the streets. I think it’ll be a much more person-friendly entry for the average guy (or gal). Next, I don’t think the turn signals will stay unless they either get larger or are very bright. Once again, I base this off the fact that in order for this car to be legal to sell in the U.S., it will have to pass all DOT and NHTSA standards and they have quite a few in regards to glass, lights, crash test ratings, and much more.
Now for what I think we will see. We were all pretty much told that it will get a rotary engine but no details about the engine itself were released. On that note, I think we can say with confidence it’ll be a rotary engine under the SKYACTIV nameplate. It will have to be much cleaner and more fuel efficient than the outgoing Renesis engine to meet current EPA standards. I personally think it will be a naturally aspirated 3 rotor. I come to this conclusion because it will need the third rotor to make power — that really long hood profile tells me they need the room for something. Also, I think it will rev out real nice, as they all do, and be mated to a nice 6 speed manual of some sort.
Like I said, this is all educated guesses of what I think will happen, but there’re still tons of maybes and what ifs out there. I think we’ll see the car around late 2018 or early 2019, with a price tag in the mid 50k range. Regardless, I think Mazda will deliver a great car that will live up to its legend and I’ll definitely want to drive it.
If you build it, they will come.
Cheers,
Vincent