Mazda new product plans
#26
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Originally Posted by labrat
I can only see Mazda putting FI into the RX-8 if they can figure out how to do it without increasing fuel consumption. I suspect that getting it further up the pecking order will have as much to do with giving it some sort of green tinge, as much as boosting power. Interesting times ahead.
As for fuel economy, both Porsche and BMW are developing solutions with turbo technology. Witness the variable vanes on the 911 Turbo and the more efficient fuel injection system used on the twin-turbo 335i. With Mazda's turbo experience, I don't think making fuel economy improvements is beyond their ability. It will probably never be as fuel efficient as a NA car, but relative to the power and torque gains, a case might be made for it, especially if consumers worried about consumption have the option to purchase a thriftier yet still stylish Kabura.
Remember, despite the endless "gas milage" threads started by the yanks, there are plenty of people who are prepared to pay a higher fuel price for higher performance when purchasing a car like the RX8. It's a practical sports car. It can't be all things to all people. So, while fuel economy should be managed to the extent possible, to me it's not and never should be the determining factor in the design (and desirability) of a car like this.
#27
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Unfortunately, the beancounters ascended in Mazda after the FD was released and only sold in very small numbers at a very high price. While the engineers managed to slip the 8 past them, I thought I read that many of the RX-8 team had moved on, so I'm not sure who remains of the team with the courage to bring forward a factory FI RX-8. That Allan Horsley couldn't even get a limited edition SP up in this market (as he has done previously with the RX-7 and MX-5) does not bode well, IMO.
I very much hope I am wrong on this, but the Kabura specs suggest not (it could so easily have been a rotor )
I very much hope I am wrong on this, but the Kabura specs suggest not (it could so easily have been a rotor )
#28
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Which is precisely the kind of ***** product planning that will have me saying sayonara to Mazda in a few year's time and gutentag to an achtung baby from Porker, Audi or the house of flame surfacing.
Maybe Mazda's waiting to see if Nissan will fall flat on its **** with the next Godzilla?
And just maybe, the rotary doesn't have a big enough market to warrant the R&D investment.
Maybe Mazda's waiting to see if Nissan will fall flat on its **** with the next Godzilla?
And just maybe, the rotary doesn't have a big enough market to warrant the R&D investment.
#29
Nissan is getting a brand new 3.5 ltr engine into the 2007 model 350Z and a complete body upgrade in late 2008 .
230KW AND 365NM in a new 3.5 liter
Mazdas biggest weakness has been new more powerfull engines
Michael
230KW AND 365NM in a new 3.5 liter
Mazdas biggest weakness has been new more powerfull engines
Michael
#30
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Originally Posted by Grizzly8
Nissan is getting a brand new 3.5 ltr engine into the 2007 model 350Z and a complete body upgrade in late 2008 .
230KW AND 365NM in a new 3.5 liter
Mazdas biggest weakness has been new more powerfull engines
Michael
230KW AND 365NM in a new 3.5 liter
Mazdas biggest weakness has been new more powerfull engines
Michael
And I need four useable seats too...
#31
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The 350z is more of a muscle car anyway. Hard suspension, hard to drive in the city, you wrestle it through corners rather than just finesse it, uncomfortable ride, low rent interior, bad boy looks etc.
#33
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Originally Posted by MissyK
^^ its not very good looking car either
Although I will concede that current models have a much better ride than the earlier cars. They've made some noticeable suspension improvements.
#34
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Originally Posted by labrat
I think Kabura will be marketed to people who want to stand out, but whose wallets don't quite stretch to the next level (RX-8 and whatever supersedes it). Given that the MX5 (Miata) is built on the same line as the RX-8, it sort of suggests that Mazda have figured out how to make niche vehicles in a fairly economical manner. Thus Mazda will be in position to enhance its sporty image with 4 sports cars: rag top MX5, hard top MX5, Kabura and RX-8/Senku derivative. The zoom-zoom image will be boosted, and it should hold the position of the 3 and 6 family cars, not to mention the CX7. Not a bad marketing concept.
Nice to hear from someone in Baton Rouge. I visited there a couple of times, once to an alumina refinery (Ormet). The folks there took me to a seafood cafe on the levee, and I remember the beer was so cold my sinuses froze. On another visit, we were taken to Mulate's, and a nice women taught me how to dance two-step. Love Cajun music! Love Louisiana!
Nice to hear from someone in Baton Rouge. I visited there a couple of times, once to an alumina refinery (Ormet). The folks there took me to a seafood cafe on the levee, and I remember the beer was so cold my sinuses froze. On another visit, we were taken to Mulate's, and a nice women taught me how to dance two-step. Love Cajun music! Love Louisiana!
On a side note...I didn't even realize this thread was in the Australia forum until I saw your post, whoops! My bust.
Carry on.
#35
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Originally Posted by CAM427R
On a side note...I didn't even realize this thread was in the Australia forum until I saw your post, whoops! My bust.
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