Mazda thinks about the future of the RX-8

According to Japanese specialist magazines “Best Car” and “Mejor Coche“, Mazda has planned its future by tackling three different levels within its strategy. The first involves something as important for the company’s future as the development of the new Sky engines. The second is to unveil its new hybrid, while the third focuses on something just as important for users: the development of the new RX-8.

The main level, as I have tried to summarise, is to develop the new Sky engines in both petrol and diesel versions. These engines will appear in the CX-7, which will be presented at the end of 2011 in Frankfurt, before being introduced in the new Mazda 6.

As you know, the new Sky engines will be developed to confidently meet the arrival of the Euro 6 emissions standard, for which Mazda will try to reduce current emissions by at least 30%, supposedly thanks to the combined implementation of new systems, among which the Stop&Start system, direct injection, regenerative braking and a disconnectable water pump stand out.

On the other hand, it is worth highlighting the combined use of all the aforementioned systems with the new Sky-Drive automatic gearbox, which is capable of reducing final consumption thanks to a new torque converter and a clutch recently developed by the brand, which will ensure the comfort and responsiveness of the gear changes. For example, according to Mazda, this new gearbox alone has managed to reduce consumption by 10% for the CX-7 and 15% for the Mazda 6

Secondly, something very important for the brand’s expectations is the development of its new hybrid model, a unit that should be presented in 2013 and for which Mazda is estimated to invest around 100 million yen per year in its Research and Development centre.

Finally, perhaps the most interesting thing in this entry is the possibility of an RX-8, a very important model for Mazda but which it will set aside without hesitation if it cannot confidently carry out its previous plans. About this sports car, it has been learned that it will be developed on the attractive Shinari Concept, a model you can see in the header image or in the gallery below these lines.

The engine developed for this model, as has been rumoured, will be a new Wankel whose displacement and power would rise to 1.4 litres and 300 horsepower, more than enough power to make the new RX-8 capable of reaching 0 – 100 km/h in under 5 seconds.

Via | autoblog