http://www.insideline.com/mazda/2012-mazda...evelopment.html

The motor is still possibly being held up by mpg and weight problems, but Mazda has been pushing forward with the bigger rotary engine, and now rumors it would slot just above the MX-5 in price and power instead of being a big power, big budget sports car.

 

lightweight sportscars under 30k is what I like to see

 

At 250 hp and 2800 lbs, I'd be pretty interested. I'd like it a lot more with 275+ hp, though. I'm not sure that it's any more compelling than a base 370Z with 330 hp if you only have 250 hp, despite the lighter weight.

 

Plus it's a rotary and those seem to always have problems. My dad's RX-8 had to have it's engine replaced after only 35k miles and it was still under warranty. That's a pretty bad design flaw if you ask me.

 

Driving dynamics also count a lot. If it'll drive like the last RX7, it'd be a winner. Otherwise, why buy anything else besides the Mustang and Camaro?!!

 

I like the concept, although that seems awfully close to the Miata to make business sense for Mazda (unless they drop the Miata down to something even cheaper and smaller, which they might I suppose).

 

they SHOULD wait until they have this 16X fully developed, who wouldn't want a 350hp n/a rotory car that weighs under 3000lbs? hell even if its just 300 horsepower and somewhere around 2800 lbs that would be fantastic.

 

just a hypothetical question, if the fd looked like say a fox body mustang or supra instead of the gorgeous body it was in, would there be as many fd fans? Just a thought...
but I'll have to pass, I mean driving dynamics is one thing but I'd also like knowing that I can drive it anywhere without seeing a cel or something. Also, the mpg has to be more in line with the power you get. The added cost of all these factors outweigh whatever subjective benefits it posssses to me. The fd could malebgreat power, was relatively lightweight and looked great. Something will be missed on the new one. I don't see the reason to buy this over a 370z or ft8g, especially if they make a turbo.

 

LOL what's the point of this car?

The RX-8 is already between 200 and 250HP and weighs 3000 pounds while selling for around 25K brand new.

I really don't get the point of this car. It's the exact same thing as an RX-8.

Mazda is doing to the RX-8 what Honda did to the NSX and S2000.

They need to give it at least 280HP...

Hell their original 2004 RX-8 was said to have 250HP...

 

my thoughts exactly