Consumer Guide's Impressions of the 2012 Mazda RX-7
The "rotary rocket" sports car is coming back after more than 10 years away. It promises to be the fastest, most-agile RX-7 yet. It could also be a hybrid.
What We Know About the 2012 Mazda RX-7
After being rumored off and on for the past five years, a new Mazda RX-7 looks to be on the way at last. Not much is known about it right now, as development has reportedly just begun, but sources predict a calendar-2011 debut, perhaps as an early-2012 model. By that time, Mazda's RX-8 will be nine years old and ready for retirement, hence speculation that the next RX-7 will replace Mazda's "senior" sports car.
Sources say the 2012 Mazda RX-7 will be another Japan-sourced two-door coupe, but based on Mazda's latest MX-5 roadster platform. However, that rear-wheel-drive architecture will be scaled up to near RX-8 size, which could mean a tiny back seat instead of a strictly two-passenger cockpit. Styling is said to be drawn from the 2006 Kabura concept, so look for traditional long-hood/short-deck proportions, an arched roof, prominent cycle-style front fenders, an aggressive nose, and big wheels pushed right out to the corners
