The Mazda RX-8 - no longer Euro compliant
Euro V emissions regulations look set to end production of the Mazda RX-8 – certainly for Europe – but we expect to see the RX-7 and RX-9 launched in the next two years.
Mazda has persevered with the Wankel engine even when all around realised a long time ago that despite huge promise there were just too many obstacles to overcome to make it commercially viable. And that persistence has seen the rotary-engined Mazda RX-8 turn in to a very good – if somewhat thirsty – sports car. But the Wankel dream is about to die for now – at least in Europe – as the EuroV Emissions kick in and the RX-8 is unable to comply.
So where does that leave Mazda’s RX range and the Wankel engine? Despite the huge problems attached to Wankel engines Mazda are not giving up, and are busy developing a new rotary lump. We stand by our report in December where we said that Mazda would be dropping the RX-8 this year to replace it in 2011 with an RX-7 and an RX-9.
Despite reports that Mazda won’t be able to get their latest Wankel engine – the Renesis 16X, first seen in the Taiki Concept in 2007 – fettled and fit for action before 2013, our sources are still saying that things are on track for the entry-level RX-7 to see the light of day in 2011 sporting a 250bhp version of the new engine.
Following on from the RX-7 – which will be pitched at the likes of the Toyota FT-86 – we expect to see the launch of the Mazda RX-9 by early 2012 sporting a 350bhp version of the Renesis engine and coming in at mid £30k, giving Mazda an entry level sports car in the MX-5, an entry-level Wankel in the RX-7 and a range-topping hot-Wankel RX-9 with 350bhp.
Which if they get the Renesis 16X right could be a very appealing range.
moe says
how much is the mazda rx 8