2017 Mazda RX-7/ RX-8 Successor In the Works With 450-HP?

A new report claims that Mazda is working on a successor to the RX-7/ RX-8, which is slated to arrive in 2017 with a 450 horsepower rotary engine.

Mazda_RX-7

A new report claims that Mazda is working on a successor to the RX-7/ RX-8, which is slated to arrive in 2017 with a 450 horsepower rotary engine.
According to Motoring, Mazda’s engineers were reportedly working on a successor with a naturally-aspirated rotary engine with around 300 horsepower. Unfortunately 300 horsepower isn’t that impressive anymore and Mazda’s execs rejected the engine since it’s not powerful enough. Now the new report claims that Mazda is adding a twin-scroll turbocharger to the engine, which gives it an output around 450 horsepower.

Related: Mazda RX-7 to Return in 2017

The successor to the RX-7/ RX-8 was supposed to use a modified version of the next MX-5 Miata’s chassis, but with the extra power, Mazda needs a stronger platform. If the reports are true, Mazda is going to use a modified version of the RX-8’s platform. The final design is expected to be a two-door sports car, instead of a four-door design like the RX-8.

What will it be called? Mazda has reportedly registered the RX-7 and RX-9 nameplates in Japan. If it does arrive in 2017, it will mark the 50th anniversary of Mazda’s first rotary powered car, the 1967 Cosmo Sport.

Source: Motoring