Report: Mazda working on next-generation RX-7

Those of you that are still depressed over the cancellation of the Honda S2000 and the Acura/Honda NSX, there is some good new coming out of Japan today. Mazda sources have told Inside Line that a new Mazda RX-7 is in the works along with a new Mazda RX-8 which is expected to be rebadged as the Mazda RX-9.

Rotary engines will continue being used in Mazda vehicles. Insiders say that the RX-7 will feature a front midship-mounted 16x rotary engine producing in the excess of 270-hp. Featuring a 800cc x 2 configuration, fuel-economy will be improved by 20 percent. The new engine will be mated to a twin-clutch 6-speed transmission.

Mazda engineers are working hard to reduce weight of the RX-7 to a curb-weight in the 2,640-pound range. It has been previously reported that the next-generation Mazda RX-7 will take inspiration from the Taiki concept seen at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show.

Source: Inside Line