#rx-8

Two new recalls from Mazda combine to affect over 100,000 units of the RX-8. 

The latest edition of Mazda’s internal magazine, Zoom-Zoom, may hint at the arrival of a Hydrogen-powered rotary engine sportscar from the Japanese automaker.

Mazda has expanded its Takata airbag recall to now cover 472,056 vehicles.

Rumor has it that Mazda is preparing to resurrect its RX-7 nameplate and it will be powered by a next-generation rotary engine.

Despite numerous reports this year that Mazda was developing a next-generation rotary engine, its new CEO has confirmed it’s not in the plans for now.

The history of the automobile has been dominated by vehicles equipped with piston-firing engines.

We are back with this week’s installment of AutoGuide’s newest, interactive weekly feature ‘Commute, Toy or Destroy’.

Big news out of Hiroshima, Japan. Mazda will reportedly resurrect its legendary RX-7 sports car.

Starting in the 1970’s, Mazda brought its first rotary engine to market, and last friday, the company assembled its last one, marking the end of an era for the Japanese automaker. 

Present-day fans of Mazda‘s rotary engine probably have two cars come immediately to mind: the Mazda RX-7 and RX-8. Both feature the Wankel found in the brand’s cars since the lat 60’s.

At the end of last year,  Mazda decided to pull the RX-8 off its North American showroom floors and announced that a limited  edition model will be produced for 2012, but just for the local Japanese market.

The highlight on Mazda’s stand will be the MX-5 NR-A ‘Jimba-Ittai’ (translates to: rider and horse as one) track special. Apart from the funky paint schemes, the MX-5 NR-A will feature 16-inch Enkei alloy rims with Bridgestone tires, 20-mm lower height, Endless brake pads and Takata four-point racing harness, among some other changes.

Rotaries may seem like a thing of the past these days, especially with Mazda preparing to retire the RX-8. But the Wankel-powered sports car won’t be the last Mazda to get the odd powerplant, thanks in part to a recent breakthrough.

Bad news for Mazda rotary engine enthusiasts – the company has no plans to build the RX-9 hybrid sports car, contrary to recent rumors. Even worse, minimal sales of the RX8 may jeopardize the Mazda rotary engine all together.