I think that the next RX-7 could easily post 300hp numbers, esp. if talk of bumping the displacement (adding a third rotor or however the hell they do it on rotary engines).

Also, enthusiasts may not think of it this way, but when a company designs and produces a car (take Porsche for example) they don't think of the current economy, but how the economy will be over the next 7 years. I don't think we'll see another period like the late 90's, but we're not going to be in a recession forever. As it is now Japanese nameplates have significant marketshare in all areas of the marketplace, except for the high end 50k+ vehicles. Logically, I think the next best place to improve is up.