2004 Mazda Rx-8 Base Coupe 4-door 1.3l on 2040-cars

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Mazda RX-7 could return in 2020

We like writing about the next Mazda RX-7 because it's like writing about the Chupacabra, Slenderman, or the Florida Skunkape, all of which are imaginary creatures seen by someone who knew someone who had an uncle whose dead great-grandfather's sister took a picture of it, invariably at night, while she was drunk, with her 1933 Kodak Brownie. Autocar is the latest with an RX-7 revival, saying it could come as soon as 2020 to celebrate Mazda's 100th anniversary. Before we get to that, let's take a brief look at RX-7 rumors. In 2009 there was speculation we'd get a concept RX-7 at the Tokyo Motor Show. That same year it was predicted the RX-8 would die to make room for a new RX-7 in 2012. In 2010 Mazda was developing a 300-horsepower rotary for the RX-7 that could run on gasoline or diesel and had better fuel economy and less oil consumption. Then Autocar said we could get the new RX-7 by 2013, a rumor that turned into a new RX-9 based on the Mazda MX-5 Miata platform. In 2012 the potential arrival date had become 2017. In 2013 the company CEO Masamichi Kogai said the equivalent of "Not gonna happen," and he said it again last year, just 90 days ago. It should be clear by now that this car is Mazda's version of the Lotus Esprit. Whew. Now that we're clear on all that, what does Autocar say? That a follow-up to the extinct RX-8 is coming that will sit on the new MX-5 Miata platform, and Mazda's vice president of European R&D said there are still 30 engineers working on rotary engines in partnership with universities. The successor will be front-engined and rear-wheel drive, have either two seats or 2+2 seating, and could be called RX-6, RX-7, or RX-9. That sounds like three distinct statements, only one of which is definitely true, that could possibly just maybe add up to a new RX-7, but could even more likely add up to a rotary-engined concept car that never sees production. We've only got five more years to wait, and since we've been begging at the RX-7 doors this long... Related Video: News Source: Autocar Rumormill Mazda Coupe Performance rotary rotary engine mazda rx-7

Next Mazdaspeed3 could go naturally aspirated?

The new Mazda3 is a stunner, both aesthetically and from a driving perspective. As with all good things, though, there's always room for improvement. That's where the wizards from Mazdaspeed come in. Mazda's in-house tuner has been tweaking and turbocharging the five-door Mazda3 since 2007, with impressive results.
We've shown you renderings of what the third-generation Mazdaspeed3 could look like, and for the most part your response was quite positive. Now, AutoExpress has come out with details of just what might be under that long hood. According to our friends across the pond, the new Mazda3 MPS (that's what the Speed3 is called in Her Majesty's auto industry) will be arriving with a new, high-revving, naturally aspirated engine. Wait, what?
Yes, if the rumors are to be believed, the next Mazdaspeed3 will ditch its turbocharger. According to an anonymous engineer, the new MS3 will arrive in December (this is for the UK market, mind you) with a 200-horsepower, naturally aspirated engine. The 2.0-liter mill is based on the Skyactiv engine in the new 3, and should be capable of a sub-seven-second run to 62 miles per hour.

2021 Mazda3 2.5 Turbo starts at over $30,000

Following its introduction a few weeks ago, we now have official pricing for the 2021 Mazda3 2.5 Turbo. The most affordable version is the sedan starting at $30,845. The hatchback adds $1,000 for a total of $31,845. The full list of standard features hasn't been announced, but either model comes standard with all-wheel-drive, an automatic transmission and the turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder that makes 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque on premium fuel. A higher Premium Plus trim is available for the turbo Mazda3, too. It starts at $33,395 for the sedan and $34,695 for the hatchback. One of the key features added to the Premium Plus is an "Aero Kit" that adds front and rear spoilers to the hatchback, and a rear spoiler to the sedan. An enhanced version with sideskirts and a rear diffuser is also available for an additional $1,075. The complete kit is available as an option on the base turbo hatchback for $1,900. The trim also adds leather upholstery, navigation, low-speed lane-keep assist called "Traffic Jam Assist," parking sensors and rear automatic emergency braking. Furthermore, you can add 18-inch BBS forged wheels to not just the turbo 3, but any model, and a full set will cost you $3,675.80. At the other end of the spectrum is the revived Mazda3 with a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter engine. It makes just 155 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque and is only available on the sedan with an automatic transmission and front-wheel-drive. It starts $21,445, bringing the base price for the small Mazda down by $1,000. The base price for the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter sedan still starts at $22,445. One final note, the Mazda3 2.5 S with Premium Package remains the only way to get a manual transmission in the Mazda3. It starts at $28,795. You can see the full breakdown of pricing below. Mazda3 2.0 Sedan FWD: $21,445 Mazda3 2.5 S Sedan FWD: $22,445 Hatchback FWD: $23,445 Mazda3 2.5 S Select Sedan FWD: $23,645 Hatchback FWD: $24,645 Sedan AWD: $25,045 Hatchback AWD: $26,045 Mazda3 2.5 S Preferred Sedan FWD: $25,295 Hatchback FWD: $26,295 Sedan AWD: $26,695 Hatchback AWD: $27,695 Mazda3 2.5 S Premium Sedan FWD: $27,795 Hatchback FWD: $28,795 Sedan AWD: $29,195 Hatchback AWD: $30,195 Mazda3 2.5 Turbo Sedan: $30,845 Hatchback: $31,845 Mazda3 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus Sedan: $33,395 Hatchback: $34,695 Related Video: