Mazdaspeed MX-5 to arrive in 2008, Kabura concept could make production
08/22/2007, 10:59 AM
By Drew Johnson
It has been released that Mazda is working on a Mazdaspeed version of its MX-5 for 2008. Sources say the engine will be the same 2.3 liter turbo four found in the new Mazdaspeed3, although it will be slightly detuned under the hood of the MX-5. The power loss can be chalked up to packaging issues as the MX-5 will require a smalled radiator and intercooler to make sure everything fits.
The Kabura concept, which is based on the MX-5, was also reported as being a possible candidate for production. If Mazda can include Europe and/or Japan in its production plans, the Kabura could be given the green light. Some other revisions would also need to be done but the possibility of a fixed-rough MX-5 is exciting none the less. The report also said that a new RX-8 would bow in 2009 or 2010, along with a new CX-5. Despite several rumors, there was no mention of a new RX-7 in the works.
08/22, 11:36 AM
posted by:
CTS DRIVER
damn that front end looks so good, the rear not so much.
08/22, 11:37 AM
posted by:
jackjimturkey
Mazda needs to do this, because several miata knockoffs are punking it, and the upcoming Dodge Demon will just make its relative sissyness more pronounced. My 13-year-old wants a miata, even though i pointed out that the RX-8 isn’t much more expensive.
08/22, 11:56 AM
posted by:
55amg
i want an RX-7
08/22, 12:02 PM
posted by:
RicardoHead
I’ll take a Solstice Coupe GXP over these, thank you.
(although the Kabura nose is nice)
08/22, 12:09 PM
posted by:
Mclaren19p
That’s if they build a Solstice coupe. As for anyone else, performance isn’t everything, and the Miata is still a favorite over the Solstice, Sky and any other in its segment because it’s beautifully balanced and chuckable. However, I do want the Kabura, with the Mazdaspeed engine to boot. And yes, i do want an RX-7
08/22, 12:20 PM
posted by:
///m
Heh, I was talking to my friends about how sweet a Miata would be with the same powerplant from the MS3. Its good to see that coming to life.. I want the RX-7 back but I can deal with the RX-8, its a nice car just needs a turbocharger.
08/22, 12:23 PM
posted by:
Tim_s
RX-7! RX-7! RX-7!
I’ve owned 2 of them in the past, and I would love the chance to own a third. Why don’t they give us a new monster to play with? A Renisis with a couple of turbos would be music to my ears.
On another note, what’s a “fixed-rough”? Is that anything like a fixed roof? Seriously, how old are the writers at Leftlanenews?
08/22, 12:41 PM
posted by:
55amg
Tim_s, mistakes happen man
08/22, 1:39 PM
posted by:
Commodore
Smart – so many new roadsters are attacking it from everyone..solstice, sky, even the dodge demon maybe
08/22, 3:06 PM
posted by:
Brendino
wouldn’t the next RX-8 be an RX-9? or does it it not work like that?
08/22, 3:12 PM
posted by:
jJayC08
The Kabura would be an awesome car, although I don’t totally see the niche it would fill in Mazda. I like the current direction of Mazda styling- sort of like the Kinetic design that Ford of Europe has going right now.
08/22, 4:48 PM
posted by:
kansei
Brendino — The only reason the RX-8 got a new number was because it was conceptually different than the RX-7.. it had two more seats, wasn’t as powerful (as the twin turbo RX-7), was a lot more comfortable, could hold 4 adults comfortably, etc. If they keep the new model as a 4 seater (with suicide doors) with a rotary engine and an amazingly balanced chassis, it’ll still be an RX-8.
There were three generations of the RX-7 after all. Each an evolution of the next, while still the same conceptually.
08/22, 6:56 PM
posted by:
jackjimturkey
kansei: remember the RX-4?
08/22, 10:25 PM
posted by:
Blakkarr
Moot points Mazda has gotten the green light to develop the next RX-7. That’s been floating around for months now.
The MX-5 sounds cool to me. I wonder it they will offer AWD?
08/23, 6:42 AM
posted by:
sunshine1810
The Kabura is a nice concept although I do not like the front. I like the new design direction Mazda is using at least on their concept cars. Their current line up is slightly ugly. I also want a twin turbo RX-7. Hopefully Mazda will listen and build these cars.
08/23, 3:51 PM
posted by:
jackjimturkey
sunshine: i want a RHD RX-7 Infini IV
08/24, 1:32 AM
posted by:
autonutt
I have wanted a Kabura ever since I saw the concept. I don’t know how well they’d actually sell.. small sporty coupes tend to have great sales for a few years, then taper off dramatically.. but if it’s based on an already developed platform (MX-5), the incremental sales should more than make up the relatively low investment. And I’d be a very happy camper!