2012 Mazda RX7 Revival Mule Spied for First Time

Mazda RX7 revival mule first spy photos 12.01.2010 / Copyright: SB-Medien

More power, sexier styling

By Michael Gauthier
January 13, 2010 5:08 am
Filed Under: Japanese, Mazda, Rumours, Spy Photos

Our spy photographers have caught the first pictures of Mazda's 2012 RX-7.

Spied wearing a Mazda6 body, the RX-7 chassis mule appears to feature adapted front and rear ends as seen in the protruding headlights and bumper at the front end. If previous reports are correct, the final product will resemble the stunning Furai concept of 2008.

Under the hood, power will be provided by a turbocharged 1.6-liter Renesis 16X Wankel engine with at least 300 hp. This should allow the RX-7 to easy outgun the RX-8 and its 232 hp 1.3-liter Renesis engine.

Despite being the successor to the RX-8, Mazda decided to use the RX-7 name (instead of RX-9) because it would evoke memories of the classic RX-7 produced between 1978 and 2002.

Look for a RX-7 market launch in the end of 2011 as a 2012 MY.

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Comments (page 1 of 2)

Herr.Bugno

January 13, 2010 10:29 am

As an owner of an RX-8, I am sorry to hear that Mazda reverts to the RX-7 name. Now the RX-8 will go down in history as a dead end. :-(((( Besides I doubt that the new RX-7 will be a top power car, Mazda is far too reasonable for that.

Renegade

January 13, 2010 11:20 am

Nope, it's not a downgrade, it's just going back to the roots, to the good times, to the glory years. I like the RX-8, it has a nice design, it drives well and it's practical, but Mazda needs the bad ass speeding machine that the RX-7 is. If I was the CEO of Mazda I would be keeping both cars, the RX-7 and the RX-9, but I'm not, but hey Ford still has some stock at Mazda, maybe they will borrow the platform for a non Mustang car sports car.

nederina

January 13, 2010 1:34 pm

Just like the MX-5 name, they're just progressing

PawL

January 13, 2010 1:39 pm

It's the same story like Volkswagen's. First it was Scirocco, then Corrado...and now, again Scirocco. It seems pretty catchy going back to the roots ;)

joshg_5

January 13, 2010 3:00 pm

The only problem is that I don't think they'll ever be able to use the RX-8 name again. They've basically abandoned it as a fail, and people will recognize that.

March 13, 2010 8:19 pm

Relax, this whole article is wrong, a FWD Front Wheel Drive Mazda 6 mule for a REAR wheel drive Rotary..WRONG... ALL this Mule was/is for the latest Mazda 6, see the smiley grille below the bumper and now check out the 2010 Mazda 6 on ANY Mazda Europe or Australasia website for the latest Mazda 6 with a face-lift. WRONG INFORMATION YET AGAIN FROM WFC. From what I have heard there has not even been ANY new rotary penned yet as Mazda are waiting to see if the US economy improves. The RX-8 as we know it will run to 2013 in Japan and will probably be dropped in the US and Europe like the FD RX-7 this year.

asifmax

January 13, 2010 10:36 am

tokyo motor show? since when did it become an annual event? unless you mean the tokyo auto salon...

blay

January 13, 2010 10:44 am

Sorry Herr but virtually everyone me included believes that the RX-8 IS a dead end. They tried to introduce too much with it. The double doors, the renesis technology, it's all too fancy. The RX-7 was a pure sports car. The RX-8 diluted that blood.

March 13, 2010 8:13 pm

The "double doors" is what SOLD the RX-8 to many people who needed the extra seats, the RX-8 has sold 175,000 units since it's introduction and has been one of their most successful rotaries ever! The RENESIS is the latest Rotary Technology with SIDE Exhaust Ports, without them or just peripheral ports like the RX-7 you would not have EVER seen the RX-8 or ANY Rotary because it will not and will NEVER comply because of emission requirements. The 16X is the same DESIGN as a RENESIS 13B with side exhaust ports..it will NEVER be a TURBO either because of emissions. This whole article on the "RX-7" is a fraud.

RX-7

January 13, 2010 10:48 am

wow can wait blay I agree totally with you, the rx-8 is good but the rx-7 is a true sports car!!!!,great news!!!

March 13, 2010 8:06 pm

True Sports Car...well So is the RX-8, I just love ALL these So-Called Experts who think they know, as an owner of the Latest RX-8 and having owned ALL previous 3 generations of the 7 from brand new the RX-8 is LEAPS ahead of any of them, Apart from the Turbo where I will concede the FD is Faster, BUT, the RX-8 is by far a better car to live with, it handles and brakes better. Has a true 50:0 weight distribution. A Wonderful Mazda.

dmanero

January 13, 2010 10:52 am

Glad to hear this is only and mule and not the concept. Also I do hope it not a 4 door, that would just be a mistake.

mpower333

January 13, 2010 11:07 am

I really liked the RX-8 and thought it was the most fun I've ever had in a Japanese car. I really hope they build upon all that was good about it rather than try again from scratch!

norther

January 13, 2010 11:13 am

ugly, fat and probably heavy. this is not an rx 7, it is somekind of mazda 6. i always wished that mazda would go back to the rx 7... but i was thinking about this comeback like the rx 7 was originaly; sporty, crazy.... not this. and herr bugno. dude, the rx 8 was and is a chick car. i think it doesent compare with the rx 7.

demstel

January 13, 2010 11:36 am

Spied wearing a Mazda6 body, the RX-7 chassis mule appears to feature.......

joshg_5

January 13, 2010 3:05 pm

Read carefully!

termigni

January 13, 2010 11:45 am

if it looks anywhere near the Furai Concept, OMG it will be MINE!

e36mmm

January 13, 2010 12:08 pm

as i remember it was going to be 380hp maximum wearing a 1350kg tag. It will belly dancing around the GTR in corners