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

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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Herr.Bugno

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.

January 13, 2010 12:29 pm

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5 replies

Renegade

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.

January 13, 2010 1:20 pm

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nederina

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

January 13, 2010 3:34 pm

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PawL

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 ;)

January 13, 2010 3:39 pm

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joshg_5

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.

January 13, 2010 5:00 pm

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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.

March 13, 2010 10:19 pm

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asifmax

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

January 13, 2010 12:36 pm

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blay

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.

January 13, 2010 12:44 pm

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1 reply

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.

March 13, 2010 10:13 pm

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RX-7

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!!!

January 13, 2010 12:48 pm

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1 reply

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.

March 13, 2010 10:06 pm

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dmanero

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.

January 13, 2010 12:52 pm

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mpower333

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!

January 13, 2010 1:07 pm

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norther

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.

January 13, 2010 1:13 pm

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2 replies

demstel

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

January 13, 2010 1:36 pm

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joshg_5

Read carefully!

January 13, 2010 5:05 pm

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termigni

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

January 13, 2010 1:45 pm

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e36mmm

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

January 13, 2010 2:08 pm

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mazdarx8

The only way that car is a RX7 mule is if they are making it front wheel drive lmao It looks like a rerun of tiananmen square of the bloke in front of the tank

January 13, 2010 2:13 pm

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1 reply

nederina

I agree, what's with the Atenza platform?

January 13, 2010 3:36 pm

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tootall

This is great news. 300hp from a 1.6, that's not bad. although they might be referring to crank hp and not whp. One of the few things that I ask of Mazda to take into consideration of this car at it's final stages of it's production, is it's price. Cause the last thing we need is a car, that is overpriced, that almost every car enthusiast respected and loved. You get that Mazda?!?! Price it well please.

January 13, 2010 2:40 pm

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1 reply

EDavis

Automobile manufacturers only publicize the power numbers as measured from the crank.

January 13, 2010 5:45 pm

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eas722

"Resembles the Furai concept" Wow can't wait!!

January 13, 2010 3:15 pm

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alnielsen

There is no way that FWD sedan can be used to test anything that will be used for the next RX7/8/9. That car may be a mule mule, but it would be for a Mazda 3/6 update.

January 13, 2010 5:17 pm

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1 reply

Correct it is the new face-lift Mazda 6

March 13, 2010 10:22 pm

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fernan_wrx

why would they use a mazda 6 mule if they can use a mazda rx8 mule??? does'nt make sence! I dont think thas a rx-7, but it would be nice to see this story is true!

January 13, 2010 5:31 pm

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Mazda have NEVER Reused a Model name for Export, so I don't see them doing it now.. WCF is just trying to make and push the news, there would have been NO decision on the name,,,it still could be called the RX-8, particularly if it has 4 doors..

January 13, 2010 7:33 pm

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vilivo

The article said, it will be a new RX8, but will use RX7 name, so could feasibly be a 4-door. OR, it could be using just a mazda6 shell, and under that- WHO KNOWS!I mean, remember ferrai with the dino rumours, and the california mules? Had most of us fooled (read the posts on those articles- you will see its true. Can't wait to find out- guessing wrong is half the fun in a up-and-comming model.

January 13, 2010 7:47 pm

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mazdaguy42

To speculate this is being a RX7 test mule is almost beyond rediculous...... That chassis would in no way accept or benefit any type of real life testing purposes for a supposed RX7 sports car. I am incredibly curious to see what Mazda will do for such an iconic car as the RX7, but please....at least come up with a photo that is somewhat relevant!!! If anything, thats a test mule for the Mazdaspeed6...

January 13, 2010 9:44 pm

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1 reply

Agree Mazdaguy42....the Front Wheel Drive engine bay of the Mazda 6 would not accommodate ANY rotary engine without Huge Modifications, and even if it did it would be like a PIG rather than a Mule...

January 14, 2010 2:20 am

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dasoviet

I would agree with the opinion which says that they would be two versions bearing the new 16X rotary engine. One "civilised [detuned]" four door coupe Rx8 and a sporty edition two door coupe for the Rx7. Rx8 won't die.

January 14, 2010 6:11 am

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fernan_wrx

ok, but why would they use a mazda 6 mule??? it's FWD.

January 14, 2010 4:29 pm

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mazdarx8

The Mule must have been going to the award Ceremony http://www.pistonspy.com/models/mazda/what-car-awards-mazda6-the-%e2%80%98family-car%e2%80%99-and-%e2%80%98estate-car-of-the-year-2010

January 14, 2010 9:35 pm

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January 13, 2010 7:08 am By Michael Gauthier

Filed Under: Japanese, Mazda, Rumours, Spy Photos

Tags: 2012 Mazda RX-7 , Mazda RX-8 , Mazda rotary engine , Mazda rotary , rotary engine , Mazda Furai concept , Wankel engine , Wankel , Mazda Renesis 16X , Renesis 16X ,
... more Renesis , turbo , rotary engine , Mazda RX-7 , Mazda RX-9 , Mazda RX7 , Mazda RX9 , RX-7 , RX-9 , RX7 , RX9
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