Mazda RX-7 Concept?

[eting_pro5]

From Global Auto Index, a really bad ass new site. Check it out at: www.autoindex.org (http://www.autoindex.org)


http://www.globalautoindex.com/images/news/1289/norm_2_orig.jpg

Mazda KABURA
Mazda KABURA, a compact sports coupe, is a concept car designed at Mazda’s design center in California. KABURA is the third design concept vehicle from Mazda following Mazda SASSOU (designed at Mazda’s European Design Center) and Mazda SENKU (designed at Mazda’s Yokohama R&D Center near Tokyo), each reflecting the global influences that Mazda chief designers can draw from.

With a compact body, the Mazda KABURA sports coupe is a vehicle that combines the pleasures of sports car driving with functionality. With a rear-drive powertrain that elicits dynamic styling and a wide range of utilities on board, it was designed for first new car buyers who love to drive. KABURA is a concept car that embodies the highest elements of Mazda’s Zoom-Zoom ethos.

“KABURA” is a Japanese term taken from “Kabura-ya”, an arrow that makes a sound when fired and was used to signal the start of a battle. The “first arrow into battle” depicts Mazda’s spirit of pursuing unique and exciting ventures.

[mikeyb]

Actually that site has been around for sometime. I'm praying thats the concept for either the RX-7 or the redesigned RX-8.

[Phoenix5]

BRING BACK TURBO ROTARY!!!!(burnout)

[tunersteve]

BRING BACK TURBO ROTARY!!!!(burnout)

Word. Even better if they could pull it off with AWD.

[eting_pro5]

Midday Update: From Inside Line.

Not so much an RX-7 concept. Miata-based coupe around $20,000. Possibly like what's posted somewhere else on the forum.


HIROSHIMA — Detroit's Cobo Center in January will be the launch venue for this racy new Mazda sport-coupe concept called the Kabura.

Conceived by Mazda's U.S. design studio in Irvine, California, the Kabura is a tiny, MX-5 Miata-based concept that Mazda may well build if reception is good.

Those who've seen the Kabura in the metal say the car has knockout styling: a mixture of RX-8 with a strong hint of Aston DB9 thrown in for good measure.

As it's Miata based, the Kabura is rear-wheel drive. Mazda isn't giving details, but sources say it comes with a 2.0-liter engine and could be on the market within three years for under $20,000.

Both at the Los Angeles and Detroit shows, Mazda will also be showcasing the CX-7, the production version of the acclaimed MX-Crossport SUV that has toured the show circuit over the past year.

The CX-7 is a stylish five-person crossover, riding on 18-inch wheels, that is not typical SUV fare. With power coming from the same 2.3-liter turbo as the Mazdaspeed 6 sedan, the 244-hp CX-7 will also get 6-speed auto transmission and be unusually driver oriented for the class.

What this means to you: More hot stuff from the zoom-zoom company. While the CX-7 is a late entry into an already crowded market, the Kabura could hit big with the Gen Y crowd.

[altspace]

Enjoy.

http://home.comcast.net/~jhanley22/kabura_sketch.jpg

[Antoine]

Beat me to it guys...Good thread...Keep it updated! (thumb)

[ZoomZoomH]

instead of going upmarket with a halo rotary sports car, mazda decided to go downmarket with a inexpensive rwd I4 2 seater coupe, to get those enthusiast drivers hooked to the zoom-zoom while they're young, brilliant move Mazda :D

[Amemiya]

(bow)

[romecandleboy]

The 'Kabura' and 'Sassou' concepts are definitely hinting at this mystery Mx-5/RX-8 hybrid possibly seeing daylight. It has the MX-5 hood too. I expect a FWD sports coupe with the current 3 engine styled like a mini miata....

[ZoomZoomH]

^screw FWD, Mazda is going to do it the right way and bring it out in RWD format... it's actually cheaper for them to do that, since it'll use the same drivetrain/chassis as the new MX-5...

[Pretzellogic]

Word. Even better if they could pull it off with AWD.
I don't think rotaries and AWD go together too well. They're like chocolate and chicken wings: they're both great, but I wouldn't combine 'em.

[romecandleboy]

Whether it's AWD, FWD, RWD will all depend on what price point they want to list it as. Rumors have mentioned Mazda wants a sub 20k car in this catagory. I'd prefer RWD as well, but they're not going to make a vehicle that takes away MX-5 sales or is too similar to it. As mentioned above, don't expect a Rotory/ AWD combo either. Again, it all depends on whether they're going to price it between the RX8 /MX5 or below the MX5....

[dmitrik4]

bring it in under 2300 lbs, and we're talking.


Word. Even better if they could pull it off with AWD.

i hope you're kidding.(nervous)

chocolate and chicken wings...hahaha. although i don't think that concept has a rotary. :( i'd love to see a miata-size coupe w/ the RX-8 rotary. if it was light enough, no need for a turbo.

[capnsavem]

hell, i'll take it. i'll take a hollowed out log if it has a rotary in it. better than the less-than-satisfactory protege power.

[03MzdSpdSTP]

funny thing is this new car will be faster, more reliable, better looking and better gas milage then the rotory failure known as teh rx series.

[spacemonkey]

Word. Even better if they could pull it off with AWD.


never...the weight. and no turbo because of renisis side port and emissions standard. most likely a 3 rotor NA (rumor). Mazda always wants a ligh,t RWD, relatively short wheel base for ultimate handling and feel. plus the rotaray is a prefect engien for a light car...it sucks in a car if its gonna weight the same as a Z.

although it was confirmed by the project manager in BMI's Rotary reborn that they are working on a new engine. The RX8 was a intro car to reintroduce the rotary engine in the market. And to make it sell they added utility. They wanted to test out the revied chasis and suspention...making it more linear thent he old RX7. project manager said he was happy with the outcome and now they will focus on power and what the market wants...this is his exact words,

"The car that outperforms the RX8 will have to be the new RX7"