MONTEREY, Calif. -- Mazda Motor Corp. executives are considering variants of the high-performance RX-8 that goes on sale in June.

Executives at the vehicle's press introduction here said the company wants to build two-seat coupe and convertible versions.

The four-door, four-seat RX-8 is an expensive vehicle for Mazda to build. It is based on the only platform that the automaker does not share with parent Ford Motor Co. And the rotary engine is used only in the RX-8.

So the steeper development costs have prompted the company to consider model proliferation, said Joseph Bakaj, Mazda's head of global product development.

"If we get more volume, we amortize quicker. This is an all-new sports car platform with a unique collection of parts. I want to reuse that collection of parts with at least one more derivative," Bakaj (pronouced bah-KYE) said.

One reason the new sports car is called the RX-8 is because it is not a true successor to the RX-7, he said. Such a car would have to be a two-door, two-seat vehicle.

But before Mazda rushes to build another RX-7, Bakaj wants to see how the RX-8 does. Mazda hopes to sell about 18,000 units in the United States in 2003, and 30,000 units annually thereafter. That's a big jump; the previous generation RX-7 never broke 7,000 units.

Bakaj said the RX-8 has higher volume potential than a two-seater because of its easier access and ability to carry more people.

But, he said, Mazda will not proliferate the rotary engine outside any pure sports car applications. That means the Miata won't get it.

"Miata is a brand icon." Bakaj said. "It's simple, light and accessible. If you put the rotary into the Miata, you have to uprate the suspension and brakes, and the price creeps up and out of the sweet spot." He said the rotary engine alone costs about $2,000 more than the Miata's four-cylinder piston engine.



now that is definately a plus over the 350z.. conv't!!!, s2k still ownz imo

 

Sounds good. However, I suppose if we get a 2 door RX-8, we won't be seeing an RX-7 for a long time

 

A 2-door RX-8...wouldn't that just be an RX-7?!?

Although I believe that if the RX-8 is a sales success Mazda will definately rush out an RX-7. I've read some rumours floating around that an RX-7 is already under development, but is awaiting the green light from management. And of course I think the RX-7 will boast performance improvements over the RX-8 to make it a worthy successor to the name.

 

that is what the article says... they are gonna see how it goes then if it looks good they will have a 2dr version and call it an rx7 basically..

 

what is the miata then?...its a prime roadster

if mazda really wants to put a rotary in a roadster then add it to the miata...it's already designed w/ that squarely in mind...where they'd have to re-engineer the rx8 chassis to create a convertible

only reason i could see mazda really wanting to go the extra route and cost is for a 2+2 conv which the miata can't do

 

a conv't rx8 would be 2+2 wouldnt it?

 

There's no way they can sell 30,000 units here in the states. I doubt they'll sell 20,000 here annually. This car is too small for most people. We're an SUV/Truck crazed society.

 

25k base for a 2+2 icon based sport coupe? i think its possible

 

30,000 units is a lot...especially in a bad economy. But I'm crossing my fingers. I can't wait to see an RX-7 over here again.

 

I agree.