Mazda MX-5 1999 News

Flares have never gone out of fashion in Japan and the annual Tokyo Auto Salon shows why.

It’s one of the most anticipated models since the 2007 return of Nissan’s GT-R, but Mazda is still yet to officially confirm a rotary-powered replacement for the RX-7 and RX8 sports models.However, the latest of a series of reports suggests that an RX-7-succeeding two-door sports coupe is under development at least, with the Nissan 370Z’s 86/BRZ-Porsche Cayman splitting market territory firmly in its sights.An idea of what the model might look like has been created by master artist Theophilus Chin, based on Mazda’s Shinari concept that evolved into the current model 6.According to Autoweek, industry buzz suggests that a lightweight two door coupe based on the upcoming 2015 MX-5 is being developed, with a next-generation rotary engine.With the MX-5 expected to drop its price nearer to the 86/BRZ rear-drive performance bargains, a higher performing RX-7 is expected to target the 370Z’s upcoming replacement, which is also expected to lower its current $56,930 entry point.The Mazda is yet to receive a production green light however, with a “no concrete plans” official line, but Autoweek reports that Mazda executives have made off the record confirmation of the development program.A 2015-16 completion date has also been suggested, which would be a logical fit for the rotary engine’s 50th anniversary in 2017 or the RX-7’s 40th anniversary in 2018.Mazda’s chief designer Ikuo Maeda is also the son of the design boss who oversaw the original RX-7’s development, and reportedly wants to see the new sports coupe reach production before he retires.Mazda plans to use a smaller-scale rotary engine design as a generator for agricultural applications, and has explored its potential as a range-extending engine for hybrid vehicle applications as showcased in the Mazda 2 prototype driven by Carsguide late last year. The rotary used in this model is a 330cc single chamber design, unlike the twin-rotor 1.3-litre Renesis unit used most recently in the RX-8 that ended production in 2012.The report suggests that a production Mazda sports coupe will not use a hybrid drivetrain and will be naturally-aspirated like the RX-8. The new model will also likely deliver significantly improved fuel consumption over the RX-8’s 12.9L/100km combined fuel figure.A capacity of around 600cc per rotor has been suggested – slightly down from the RX-8’s 650cc – and it’s unclear whether twin or triple-rotors will be employed. A twin-rotor like the RX-8 is most likely, which would result in an overall capacity of around 1.2-litres.Given the new engine’s efficiency focus, power output is not likely to climb significantly from the RX-8’s 170kW, with a realistic figure of about 186kW. However with the upcoming MX-5’s expected weight savings, such a figure could prove more than adequate in a coupe version of the same platform.This reporter is on Twitter: @Mal_Flynn 

The new Mazda3 MPS could have diesel power in a radical rethink of the Japanese brand’s hot hatch. The shock revelation was made in Japan overnight by the global boss of Mazda, Masamichi Kogai.When asked about plans for the next Mazda3 MPS Kogai-san told Australian media on the eve of the Tokyo motor show: "The diesel engine has a very strong potential in the future … it’s a possibility."It is unclear whether the diesel version of the MPS would be the only engine available or an alternative to turbo petrol power, as is the case with the Volkswagen Golf which offers a hot hatch with a choice of fuels.But the 2.2-litre turbo diesel fitted to the CX-5 softroader fits neatly under the bonnet of the new Mazda3.Either way, a hot hatch version of the new Mazda3 is still at least two years away.Mazda is focusing its engineering resources into key models -- the new Mazda2 city hatch, the new CX-9 seven-seater SUV and the new MX-5 sports-car -- that will deliver sales volume and profit over the next two years.A baby SUV dubbed "CX-3" has reportedly been put on the back-burner while Mazda focuses its resources on these other models, and is said to now be at least three years away, meaning Mazda will be late with an entrant in one of the fastest growing market segments globally.The Mazda3 MPS is viewed by Mazda as a "nice to have, rather than a must have", say company insiders.Although Mazda is hugely successful in Australia, it has struggled to make a profit globally in recent years and is in a transition phase.It is one of the reasons Mazda fast-tracked the developed of the Mazda3 ahead of the Mazda2, because it generates more profit than its smaller sibling.Meanwhile a rotary engine is still being considered for a hydrogen-powered Mazda or to be used as a range extender on an upcoming electric vehicle.If the rotary engine is developed for these eco applications, it would open the door to being used in a sports car such as the modern version of the RX-7 or a successor to the RX-8.But Kogai-san said there were still no firm plans for a resurrection of the RX-7 despite a strong desire to revive the iconic sports-car.The Mazda rotary engine will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2017, the RX-7 will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2018, and Mazda as a company will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2020.Mazda built 811,634 two-seater RX-7 sports cars from 1978 to 2002, according to automotive history websites.The four-seater RX-8, which had rear-hinged "suicide" doors on either side, notched up 192,194 sales between 2003 and April 2012, but was not deemed successful enough to continue with a new model.Mazda says it has made more than 2 million rotary engines since the first rotary-powered Mazda Cosmo went on sale in 1963.The rotary engine was phased out in 2012 because its fuel consumption was relatively inefficient, and the engine itself was expensive to produce and had limited customer appeal.

Just as rear-wheel drive die-hard BMW prepares its first front-wheel drive models, Mazda could be plotting a return to the layout for future passenger vehicles.Mazda has never let go of rear-wheel drive for its sporty MX-5 and its light commercial BT-50 range, and Edmunds reports that there is a push from within the Japanese brand to revert to rear-drive for more mainstream models as a means of differentiation. Mazda, along with most other brands, abandoned rear-drive for its mainstream models in the early 1980s due to inherent cost, packaging, weight, and efficiency compromises. The last Mazda passenger car to send power to the rear wheels only was the top-line HE-generation 929 model, which bowed out in 1997.Nowadays, the mainstream Mazda2, Mazda3, and Mazda6 models are all front-drive, with the CX-5 and CX-9 SUVs also using a front-biased transverse engine layout.Rear-drive remains the accepted choice on a purely dynamic basis, with the likes of Porsche, Ferrari, and Lotus maintaining the layout as a design fundamental.A Mazda rear-wheel drive shift could enhance the brand’s appeal to enthusiast drivers, but the inherent challenges would need to be overcome to maintain mainstream appeal.Premium brands BMW and Mercedes-Benz have managed to remain successful with rear-drive mainstream models, and look to continue limiting front-drive options to the smaller, more cost-conscious ends of their respective ranges.Significantly, BMW and Mercedes’ big-selling rear drivers sit well up the price scale from any Mazda offering – helping to justify their expensive development. The Mazda push is reportedly coming from within its engineering department, but top management is said to be cold on the idea due to the cost of rejigging platforms to suit. Justification could come thanks to Alfa Romeo’s own desire for more rear-wheel drive models, considering the two brands’ existing relationship for the upcoming Alfa Spider/next MX-5 duo. It’s a long shot at this stage, with no official confirmation of such a strategy, but the rumoured replacement for the defunct RX-7 and RX-8 sports coupes would be a logical first step.This reporter is on Twitter: @Mal_Flynn 

The share market is shot, superannuation is in “negative growth” whatever that means, house prices are dropping alarmingly and interest rates look like falling. Where can you make an honest investment dollar these days? Well, art has some attraction but the numbers involved would make plenty of people tremble in their boots.What about collectable classic cars?We have all heard the stories about the six figure Falcon GTHOs and Monaros not forgetting the European thoroughbred classics, some of which go for multi-million dollar prices.But what if you're just an average punter and want to get in on the action.Take a look at Japanese collectable cars - is the advice coming from those in the know.This is because they have the potential for increased value from a relatively low base. And depending on the car (and luck) you could have a tidy little nest egg in the garage, one that you can take out and actually enjoy at your discretion.Christophe Boribon is the National Auction Manager for Shannons Auctions and he has some firm ideas on what cars are good buying with potential appreciation and those that are dead certainties.Chris' named the Toyota 2000GT as the most collectable classic Japanese car in Australia because of its rarity (only eight imported) and the specification of the car. He says a good one will go for between $2-300,000.Hardly accessible to the average punter.But other cars from most Japanese manufacturers operating here are shaping up well at the auctions and as long term prospects.Mazda's 1960s R100 coupe is worth a look at 10 grand according to Chris' as is the original, glass back RX7.“The RX3 is also good buying at $25-35,000 if you can get a good one and it should appreciate if looked after,” Chris' said.”Then there is the late '90s twin-turbo RX7 and RX7 SP - a locally fettled hotrod that will appreciate because it was a low volume performance car.”“You will pay big dollars for a Mazda Cosmo (up to 100 grand) but the first MX5 is a good proposition for not much money.” He said the SP versions of the later MX5 will be worth more in the long run and even the Japanese turbo model, the SE, should appreciate over time.Toyota has a few potentially collectable models including the late '60s Celica RA23 and TA23 models as well as the rear drive Sprinter 1.6. Celica GT4s should also be good buying if you can find one that hasn't been raced. Honda's most collectable car is the NSX but Chris' says the first S2000 sports cars are worth a look if you can get one that hasn't been thrashed. The tiny S600 and S800 sports cars are good property and even the quad headlight Integra TypeR could appreciate given time.Any Mitsubishi Lancer Evo in reasonable road condition will be worth a punt as a collectable particularly the Evo 6.5 Makinen edition. And if you can get hold of a twin turbo GTO 3000 (non-factory import) it should be a solid investment.Nissan has plenty of collectable cars dating right back to the 1960s. Think Datsun Fairlady sports cars, Datsun 240Z and 260Z coupes and of course the R32 Skyline GTR Godzilla Bathurst winning car - (Australian spec) of which only 100 were imported by the factory. You'll pay about $35,000 for Godzilla these days and it's on the way up for a decent standard one.Subaru has a couple of collectable cars too, the SVX coupe 3.3-litre flat six all-wheel-drive has possibilities and the 22B two door Impreza WRX STi for which you'll pay about $100,000 and going up.Good luck. 

The Mazda3 MPS Extreme was only intended as a Motor Show tease but the reaction by visitors at the 2007Australian International Motor Show prompted a re-think.There are people with cash and commitment who can see a future for an MPS, which has been tweaked to 210kW and 425Nm with matching upgrades to the body and suspension.“If we get a flood of people with cheques asking us to build it we'd have to consider it,” says Mazda Australia marketing chief Alastair Doak.“We've had a lot of interest in it. But there is absolutely no plan to build the car; at the moment. Still, it is food for thought for people looking to buy a car or already have a Mazda3 MPS.”The man behind the Extreme machine is Allan Horsley, who led Mazda to a string of 12-hour race wins; with specially tweaked RX-7s and has also done Extreme upgrades on a Mazda2 and the RX-8 sports car.He also produced limited-edition RX-7 and MX-5 SP (special performance) cars for Mazda Australia, which were a sell-out showroom success. They also prove there could be a future for the MPS Extreme.“We just like doing it. We have a bunch of guys here who just love doing this stuff,” Doak says. “We get a big thrill out of doing it.”The details of the Mazda3 Extreme are relatively simple, but the key is the tweaking of the car's Powertrain Control Module to lift the output from its 2.3-litre turbo engine.There is also a larger-diameter exhaust system with a sports muffler.The car rolls on upgraded 19-inch BBS Motorsport wheels with suspension, lowered by 25mm, redesigned by motorsport tuner Murray Coote. On the visual front, the Extreme car has picked up black racing stripes, a rear spoiler and extended black wheel arches, with red-stitched, black-leather trim in the cabin and a Momo steering wheel.“It just shows how great a Mazda3 MPS can look, with some paint and stripes and stuff. It has other mechanical things going on underneath,” Doak says.While the Mazda3 Extreme is a work in progress, the earlier RX-8 Extreme is still a one-off. It proved too difficult to make in production, even though Mazda is still looking for a workable way to turbocharge the rotary in the RX-8, and too outrageous for racing.“That proved a very challenging installation with the amount of room around the engine,” Doak says. “Yes, we could have raced the car. But to do the durability and things to the corporate level, to hand the keys to a customer for 10 years, is a much bigger and more complex process.”