Mule spied
01-17-2010 | 06:38 PM
#26
Go Texas Longhorns!
Joined: Apr 2003
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From: Houston, Texas
If we see and RX mule of any kind, it will be a miata based mule as the new miata coming out would be the framework for the next RX, just as the last one was.
As such, I think your looking at 2013 at a min for the new RX, as we haven't even seen a mule of the next miata which is due in 2012.
As such, I think your looking at 2013 at a min for the new RX, as we haven't even seen a mule of the next miata which is due in 2012.
01-18-2010 | 12:46 AM
#29
Registered User
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From: New York, NY
http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/per...g-up-new-rx-7/
Thought I'd share. Not sure if its reliable information though.
Thought I'd share. Not sure if its reliable information though.
01-18-2010 | 02:02 AM
#30
I dont think it's the angle at all. The rear tires definitely do seem to be significantly wider. That doesn't imply that it's a rotary or rx car, but it definitely would lean towards sport. It could be the next rx, but it could also be the next miata as mentioned.
Now that I'm thinking about it, the fact that it's rwd doesn't absolutely rule out the idea of a MS6 either. It's not like the MS6 has a longstanding history of how the car should be. If they wanted to make a rwd platform this time, it wouldn't be impossible. Is there a reason that would necessitate the next one to be awd again, aside from the fact that the first one was awd as well?
Now that I'm thinking about it, the fact that it's rwd doesn't absolutely rule out the idea of a MS6 either. It's not like the MS6 has a longstanding history of how the car should be. If they wanted to make a rwd platform this time, it wouldn't be impossible. Is there a reason that would necessitate the next one to be awd again, aside from the fact that the first one was awd as well?
01-18-2010 | 12:26 PM
#33
But are they consistantly reliable enough to satisfy customers and not drive up maintenance/warrant costs? I'd personally rather see a whole new engine.
01-18-2010 | 01:49 PM
#34
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From: Milwaukee Wi.
A factory turbo renesis 1.3 should be reliable if customers don't mess with the plumbing like they did with the rx7s of the 90s. Mazda could just as easily enginneer a reliable turbo 1.3 as a 1.6. I don't understand expensive research for a 1.6 rotary unless Mazda plans to completely redesign the engine for future competetive reasons or gas mileage and emissions.
Last edited by Roaddemon; 01-18-2010 at 01:52 PM.
01-18-2010 | 02:18 PM
#35
Momentum Keeps Me Going
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 5,036
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From: Colorado
If we see and RX mule of any kind, it will be a miata based mule as the new miata coming out would be the framework for the next RX, just as the last one was.
As such, I think your looking at 2013 at a min for the new RX, as we haven't even seen a mule of the next miata which is due in 2012.
As such, I think your looking at 2013 at a min for the new RX, as we haven't even seen a mule of the next miata which is due in 2012.
01-18-2010 | 04:50 PM
#36
Administrator
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From: portland oregon
thats right but at the time the Miata was on a different paltform than it is now. Now its on a shortened RX-8 platform which would form the basis for a rotary coupe as well.
but seriously look at the enlarged photo of the front end- it clearly isnt a rotary in there.
but seriously look at the enlarged photo of the front end- it clearly isnt a rotary in there.
01-18-2010 | 06:02 PM
#38
Wut da F Y'all lookin' @!
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 414
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From: Germany
Not that I am sure one way or the other what the car in the picture is a test mule for but...could you expand on whatever it is that you are observing by looking at the front end? Obviously the writers of the article didn't specify why they believe that this car is a test mule for a rotary car and I honestly can't see any proof that what they are saying is accurate but with that said I am not sure what you are referring to. All I see is a car with an engine bay more than adequate to house a rotary from just looking at the front end.
01-18-2010 | 07:27 PM
#39
Momentum Keeps Me Going
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From: Colorado
motorauthority has some differing info than we are discussing... notably the lower output and price..which sound more 'Mazda' than a firebreathing 300+HP rotary RX-7 successor that everyone is wishing for...
The vehicle seen here sits much lower than the regular Mazda6 and its wheelbase is shorter. Furthermore, the protruding headlights and reshaped bumpers also confirm that this is no ordinary Mazda6. Another detail not discernable in the spy shots is the position of the fuel filler cap, which onlookers claim is in a totally different position to the one found on the regular Mazda6.
Being the successor to the previous generation FD RX-7, the new test mule should also be sporting a rear-wheel drive layout.
Due for launch in late 2011, the new car is expected to eschew outright performance and prestige in favor of affordability and reliability. Mazda is reportedly looking to evoke the character of the first RX-7 by keeping output around the 200-250 horsepower mark and prices well below $30,000. This will make the new car an ideal competitor to the likes of the Hyundai Genesis Coupe and upcoming Toyota and Subaru joint sports cars.
Styling is expected to be influenced by 2007’s race-inspired Furai concept car as well the 2008 Takai concept.
As for its powerplant, Mazda will use a new generation rotary engine dubbed the Renesis 16X, which it has already previewed in concept form. While this engine is capable of developing power levels upwards of 350 horsepower, Mazda will choose a more modest power output while focusing on lowering the weight of the engine itself and improving reliability and fuel consumption--two of the biggest problems with the current 13B unit found in the RX-8.
Being the successor to the previous generation FD RX-7, the new test mule should also be sporting a rear-wheel drive layout.
Due for launch in late 2011, the new car is expected to eschew outright performance and prestige in favor of affordability and reliability. Mazda is reportedly looking to evoke the character of the first RX-7 by keeping output around the 200-250 horsepower mark and prices well below $30,000. This will make the new car an ideal competitor to the likes of the Hyundai Genesis Coupe and upcoming Toyota and Subaru joint sports cars.
Styling is expected to be influenced by 2007’s race-inspired Furai concept car as well the 2008 Takai concept.
As for its powerplant, Mazda will use a new generation rotary engine dubbed the Renesis 16X, which it has already previewed in concept form. While this engine is capable of developing power levels upwards of 350 horsepower, Mazda will choose a more modest power output while focusing on lowering the weight of the engine itself and improving reliability and fuel consumption--two of the biggest problems with the current 13B unit found in the RX-8.
01-18-2010 | 09:38 PM
#42
Momentum Keeps Me Going
Joined: Sep 2002
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From: Colorado
Very astute...I noticed that as well and it does bring us full circle to what most realize, if not accept, and that's that the NA rotary is already maxed in the Renesis...the only way to recoup any significant performance gains is less weight..plain and simple. If Mazda can diet the next rotary to ~2600lbs, they'll be in the ballpark to compete...but just barely. Think Lotus with a rotary....still no torque, but the top end response and acceleration will improve...and of course the handling...ah the handling....the thing Mazda prides itself on above all else, and certainly above brute force power.
If they'd only seriously consider FI ..... sigh...even as a option or top line model.
If they'd only seriously consider FI ..... sigh...even as a option or top line model.
01-19-2010 | 04:21 AM
#43
Amigo Del Wraith
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 18
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From: Sahuarita, AZ
X2.
Simple measuring will tell you the wheel bases are more or less the same length front and back. It is not wider in the rear. My guess is for the new MS6. This would not be a good chasis to test the RX7 to come out. Maybe testing the engine? Who knows. I still vote for the MS6.
Simple measuring will tell you the wheel bases are more or less the same length front and back. It is not wider in the rear. My guess is for the new MS6. This would not be a good chasis to test the RX7 to come out. Maybe testing the engine? Who knows. I still vote for the MS6.
Last edited by DarkAngel; 01-19-2010 at 04:24 AM.
01-19-2010 | 10:12 AM
#46
01-19-2010 | 03:26 PM
#47
Heh123
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 19
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From: canada
By using car overview on the mazda usa website to compare lengths, especially the engine. ( used as a general refernece) and images found on the internet (images below). The engine bay on the mazda 6, length-wise, is smaller than the miata and rx-8. In order to put a FR-set up, the engine bay's length needs to increase, headlights need to be replaced. (explains why the headlights pops out). Hardly can we find a spy photo with a entended headlights and look out of place on the car.
All we can assume is a rear wheel drive car. But the question (if you want to believe this is the engine tester mule), you can ask yourself why go though all the hassle to make mazda 6 to be become FR when it can easily be changed/already awd.
My judgement to these cars can be wrong and noob. This is what boredom do to people =[
All we can assume is a rear wheel drive car. But the question (if you want to believe this is the engine tester mule), you can ask yourself why go though all the hassle to make mazda 6 to be become FR when it can easily be changed/already awd.
My judgement to these cars can be wrong and noob. This is what boredom do to people =[
01-19-2010 | 09:28 PM
#49
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guys.
it has to be a mazda 6 testing. Probably the mazda speed 6 testing.
When the skyline was in test, nissan brought along a PORSCHE 911 Turbo.
When the Legacy from Suburu was being tested, they brought along a BMW 3 series.
When a Z4 Mcoupe was tested, they brought along a boxter.
There must be a reason why the AUDI A4 or S4 was there.
I mean if they were testing the new RX7, they would have at least brought along a coupe such as the Z4M or the 370Z
it has to be a mazda 6 testing. Probably the mazda speed 6 testing.
When the skyline was in test, nissan brought along a PORSCHE 911 Turbo.
When the Legacy from Suburu was being tested, they brought along a BMW 3 series.
When a Z4 Mcoupe was tested, they brought along a boxter.
There must be a reason why the AUDI A4 or S4 was there.
I mean if they were testing the new RX7, they would have at least brought along a coupe such as the Z4M or the 370Z
