2010 Mazda RX-7 Details

The 2010 Mazda RX-7 might appear with a Honda-style gas-electric hybrid system.

It's believed the 2010 Mazda RX-7 will inherit the RX-8's "Renesis" rotary engine, modified for more horsepower than today's 212/232. One source says engineers are wo­rking to install a turbocharger that could itself be assisted by an electric motor at low rpm. This makes sense for a type of engine tha­t's inherently strong on high-end power but weak on low-end torque. Besides broadening the power band, the "electric turbo" promises to reduce low-rpm emissions, a traditional bugbear with the rotary.

­The 2010 Mazda RX-7 won't be luxurious, but furnishings should be appropriate for a mid-priced sports car. So, too, standard equipment, which will likely include 17- or 18-inch wheels housing big four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, plus stability/traction control and perhaps steering with fuel-saving electric assist instead of hydraulic. Transmissions should comprise a six-speed manual and optional six-speed automatic, though a sequential manual with automatic shift mode might be in the cards. Like RX-8, options should include leather upholstery, heated/power seats, navigation system, keyless entry with pushbutton starting, rear spoiler, lower-body flares, and--for weekend racers--a firm "competition" suspension package.

A Notable Feature of the 2010 Mazda RX-7

Mazda's Wankel-type rotary engine not only presents more emissions-cleanup challenges, it's inherently thirstier than comparably sized piston engines. With that and the prospect of higher fuel-economy standards, some believe the 2010 Mazda RX-7 could appear with a Honda-style gas-electric hybrid system. Instead of a turbocharger, the battery-driven motor would boost engine acceleration at or near full throttle, but would not be set up to drive the vehicle by itself. Presumably, the system would also include regenerative braking to charge the batteries when coasting and decelerating, plus an engine stop/start feature to reduce idling time and thus save fuel. If the 2010 Mazda RX-7 turns out to be a hybrid, it would be the first such vehicle with a rotary powerplant.