Our Wish List for Mazda’s Next Rotary

Mazda hinted that they’re going to reveal more about their latest rotary at the Geneva auto show, so now is the perfect time to come up with my wish list for the next Rx7.

Mazda is already on the right path with their SkyActiv technology to keep systems light and efficient. If they use the same strategy with a new rotary engine, we could see some exciting things.

Mazda has been talking about laser ignitions for a while now. As a current Rx7 owner, and to the rest of the rotary heads out there, you know the spark plug bills for the Rx7/Rx8 can pile up. Not having to deal with spark plugs or coil packs again would be a blessing in lower cost of ownership.

Direct injection is something I’m really looking forward to, for several reasons.

1. Lower chance of flooding out your engine in the case you go brain dead and move your Rx7 in the driveway without letting it warm up or you hold the throttle up to clear out the engine.

2. Better emissions control. This is a big one in my book when it comes to the success of a car. With DI systems, you can make sure the fuel is in the optimum location on the rotor face for the best burn and the most power from the fuel.

North America doesn’t get i-Stop technology from Mazda due to fuel-economy testing and regulations. I’m crossing my fingers Mazda brings it, or something like it, along with the rotary.

Mazda can use i-Eloop to help out the rotary’s naturally low torque by giving you a boost from a standstill and give you back some fuel economy.

Now, the million-dollar question: will it be a hybrid?

My guess is no. With the i-Eloop and i-Stop technology Mazda already has available for fuel economy and ignition improvements, adding a hybrid system doesn’t make sense. A hybrid system goes against the idea of lightweight technology and cross-platform technology sharing that Mazda has been focused on.

As if I even need to mention this, my money is on a turbo setup in the Rx7, much like the units used on the turbodiesels. The small turbo on the Sky-D engine is spooling just off idle which gives you the instant hit of torque while transitioning to the larger main turbo. It’s pretty seamless on the Sky-D. Imagine it on a rotary with the exhaust energy. It will be even better.

Any other predictions out there? Feel free to post up! I love to hear other people’s thoughts on what Mazda is hinting at for the future.

November 19, 2015June 20, 2017

2017 Mazdaspeed 3 Engine Rumors

At the LA Auto Show, Mazda unveiled the next CX-9 with one notable power aspect: a turbocharged 2.5 SkyActiv motor. Naturally, we couldn’t help but speculate about what this means for the new 2017 Mazdaspeed 3. What makes this motor special is that Mazda has officially tipped its hat at a factory turbo motor, which could be the basis for the next Mazdaspeed 3 motor.

It doesn’t look like much on the front side, but there are some promising aspects. With a center mounted throttle body, getting even airflow to all of the cylinders is an easier task compared to the last turbocharged motor Mazda offered in the Mazdaspeed 3/6 and CX-7.

The official power numbers are 250 HP on premium fuel and 310 torque. Mazda said you could run the engine on lower grade fuel resulting in only a decrease in HP (not torque) due to the design of the dynamic pressure turbocharger, which is used on this new motor.

Looking back at the CX-7, Mazda offered it with a smaller turbocharger to generate more torque at the expense of top end power. I expect to see a larger turbocharger fitted to the 2017 Mazdaspeed 3, which will get the stock power levels over 300 to start with.

October 21, 2015

2017 Mazdaspeed Engine

I noticed something interesting today while checking out the “Spy Shot” Cx9, which has been driving around for road testing here in the U.S. Check out the intercooler parked in the front end of the vehicle.

What will the new Mazdaspeed engine look like and what can we expect from Mazda? — Photo Credit: caradvice.com.au

This can mean one of two things. The first, which is massively unlikely courtesy of VW, is a 2.2 SkyActiv diesel engine. The second, is that we’re looking at a 2.5 turbo engine out in the wild, which means all those rumors of the future Mazdaspeed 3 are looking better and better for next year.

January 6, 2015January 6, 2015

New Mazdaspeeds? You Heard it Here First!

Motortrend recently published this Article in their magazine. If you can see it, the article states that Mazda is planning a Mazdaspeed 3 in 2016, they list the details that have been floating around for months, 2.5L Skyactiv, Turbo, 300hp, AWD….. tell us something new!

We just want to point out that this is old news. In fact we even quoted Motortrend quoting their “source” back at the start of November saying the exact same thing!

Check out the post that is almost word for word the same article:

https://www.corksport.com/blog/lets-do-this-mazda-mazda-6-coupe-cx-3-mazdaspeed-2016/

As if that wasn’t enough, we also pointed out in August an article found a few places on the internet about a MS3 in 2017.

https://www.corksport.com/blog/mazdaspeed-3-coming-in-2017-with-awd/

In the article we say: “According to Ryan Beene at Autonews.com the next Mazdaspeed is planned for 2017.”

We also discuss the likelihood of AWD which we had previously pointed out in November of 2013! That’s over a year ago!

See that one here: https://www.corksport.com/blog/will-there-be-a-new-mazdaspeed-3-with-all-wheel-drive/

Now before you get upset that we are just pointing fingers and saying “we said it first” I hope you realize that this is actually a good thing! The more that we share a rumor, and so does other reputable sources like Jalopnik, Motortrend, AutoNews and more, the more credibility it gets! I doubt that the rumors of AWD, 300hp and it being a MS3 are that unlikely when it seems everyone is reporting on them.

So, more props to you MotorTrend! We are right there with you and look forward to 2016, 2017 and all the new cars Mazda brings us!

Zoom-Zoom

December 12, 2013December 12, 2013

Getting the Balance Correct

Getting the Balance Correct

We all have seen the rumors, and the renderings, but finally we have some spy shots. Don’t be deceived by the NC style look, Mazda has gone to great lengths to hide the next generation MX5. Yet under that deceptive exterior we have noticed and heard some exciting things.

Photo credit to Motor Authority for the spy shot

One of the most exciting reports we have heard is that the next MX5 should be weighing in around 2200lbs and possibly less. That is about 200-300 pounds of saving over the current NC model. Of course the original NA model in 1989 was 200lbs less than that, but we doubt the next Miata will be lacking power steering, ABS, AC, Power locks, power windows and other modern conveniences. We also noticed that upon close inspection of the spy shots, it appears Mazda is going back to the 4 bolt hubs/wheels to lose weight.

All this with the Skyactiv power-plant for weight loss and improved gas mileage should make the next MX5 a winner.

I predict that with the next generation MX5 we should see a variant of the Mazda 2 SkyActiv engine, but with forced induction. Who wouldn’t want a direct injected SkyActiv with a turbo that dishes out 200 wheel horsepower, or more?

The sum of all this can be shown in the following equation.

+

=

Clearly the next Mx5 has some big changes, but ultimately I believe Mazda is going back to the basics. Make the most fun, and best, 2 seat sport car in the market. I personally cannot wait to be first in line to order the next Mazda Mx5 as my daily driver. Come on Mazda, I’m waiting.

-Derrick