I believe that the RX-8 is the spiritual reincarnation of the RX-2 more than the RX-7. I have noticed may styling cues in the RX-8 from earlier RX models. I think that, in fact, the RX-8 resembles the RX-7 the least of any of the previous RX cars. The strongest styling cues come from the RX-2 and RX-3 in my opinion. The shape of the front grill is 100% RX-3. The Hood and rear end are 100% RX-2. The earlier versions of the RX-8 had an even stronger resemblance to the RX-2 than the final version. This is especially true of the Hood. Remember the hood that had the triangle shaped raised part in the center and the vents on both sides of it? This was an EXACT copy of the early RX-2 hood (1971 I think). The RX-2 hood had the same triangle raised part in the center , which made it to productoion on the 8, and the vents on both sides, which did not make it to production on the 8 (VERY unfortunate). Also, remember the 2 round tail lights on each side of the earlier RX-8 version? This was also an EXACT copy from the RX-2 and R100. I think it is unfortunate that Mazda modified this on the final RX-8. I thought the 2 round lights on each side were true RX cues and much cleaner than the final production tail lights. I also believe that the overall shape, proportions, layout and concet/purpose most closely follow the RX-2 of any previous RX. The RX-2 was a 4 passenger rotary vehicle that offered sporty performance/handeling. It had a sports car type suspension and steering that was carried over almost entirely in tact to the 1st generation RX-7.

 

post some pics of the rx-2

 

There was a post I made a long time ago to the "Big List" about the fact that I though the RX-Evolv was a successor to the RX-3, rather than the RX-7.

I really see a rebirth of the Rotary Engine Line-Up at Mazda... Once the RX-8 takes off, who know what happens with the New RX-3, and New RX-7 in a few years!

 

here are some RX-2 pics

 

Hey Dazz, I thought the Capella was the NON-rotary equivalent of the RX-2. Has someone been doing some "badge engineering" on that sucker, or is my memory playing tricks on me?

Jon Etkins
Ex-Pres, MCCA (Vic)

 

I too believe that the RX-8 is the rebirth of the RX-2 rather than the RX-7.

The RX-2 or Capella RE as it was known in some countries was Mazda's first four door rotary powered sedan designed as a sportier alternative to it's piston powered variant the 1600 Capella.

It seated four adults in comfort, and also gave very good performance for it's size, and was aimed more at the mass market rather than simply the sports car buyer.

The later RX-3 and RX-4 sedan's also catered for the more normal sedan market.

With the RX-2, RX-3 and RX-4, coupe models were also sold alongside the sedan variants for those who wanted a sportier look.

 

In Australia, although refered to as the RX-2, it carried the same Capella badges as the piston engined variant. In the US and some other countries RX-2 badges were on the 1/4 panels.

However, it was fitted with an RE badge on the front grille and on the rear right hand finisher (badges missing off this car pictured), the Rotor shaped badges on the front guards as well as a Capella RE badge on the glovebox lid.

Also the twin round rear blinker and tail lights kind of give it away as being a Rotary engined car.

 

The RX-2 also came in a 2 door version. By the way, the hood on the RX-2 in the pictures that were posted here is not the hood I had refered to in the original post. The hood in these pictures is what was known as the "Power Bulg" hood. I believe this showed up in 1972. The hood that resembles the RX-8 was on the earlier RX-2 and as discussed previously, had the same triangular shaped raised section in the center like the RX-8. Also, remember the age of this car, then fast forward it to today and I believe you will agree that the RX-8 is the successor. I think by now everyone already knows the RX-8 is not a successor to the RX-7, although some magazines still refer to it as such. While there are some hints of RX-3 in the RX-8, such as the grill opening, I think that overall the RX-8 is more remeniscent of the spirit of the RX-2. The RX-3 had a different suspension set-up (rear leaf sprins) and other more significant differences. The RX-4 was a different animal all together, heavy and not as sporty to drive.

 

The bonnet on the blue car in the pictures is the early style bonnet, from 1970-1973. It has the vents in it.

The next bonnet 1974-1975 had two slightly larger raised sections in the same area with indentations to resemble vents.

The later RX-2 had a more pointed front, still with similar raised sections but no vents.

 

this one is a throw back..

here's a g00d buddy of mind, "FRANKIN RX2"

 

I....see the resemblance

 

It looks like an RX-8.

 

Those plates should be good for the speed cameras in the Harbour tunnel.


The big difference is the location of the rear wheels. There is very little overhang at any of the corners.

 

That's cuz he's yanking us. Those are really RX-8 pics.

 

i thought those were spy shots of the new BWM M3?

 

Good job

 

so ure saying the rx8 is similar to this???
uv'e got to be kidding...

 

Thats a 1973 RX2, FaWk KiNg thing is a FRANKEN STEIN!
It's an 0Ld gurl thats been kept in familiy..
The flares where added
it's been painted several times..

I'll get a full write up on it by N00N or later..

 

 

I can see the resemblance..

 

Lan Evo looks alot like Sonata. Oh wait, I mean Optima

 

The Evo makes you feel inadequate, huh?

 

I see the resemblance. Long hood, stubby rear (almost like a hatchback, but becomes a trunk at the last minute).

Way to revive such an old thread..

 

Good job.

 

The 616 was the piston version of the RX-2 when it had the 1.6 motor in it (1971)and the 618 when it had the 1.8 motor in it (1972+). Think of Cappella as the Sales name (similar to the RX-3 and first two gen RX-7 models were sold as the Savanna RX-3 and Savanna RX-7 in many markets and the 3rd gen RX-7 was sold as the efini RX-7 for a while). Technically the rotary powered version of the RX-2 was called the Capella Rotary/Mazda RX-2.

BTW, the RX-3 piston powered version was called the 808 when first released which later became the Familia/GLC/323/Protege/Mazda 3


and although the RX-8 was supposed to include both new and old rotary styles, I don;t see this:


Being similar to this:


Or this:

Doesn't look much like this (to me):


IN fact I don't even think that the two door RX-2 looks like the RX-8 other than the front of the C pillar: