Mazda’s design boss Ikuo Maeda claims that the next generation RX-8 coupe will be more of an evolution of the current model than a radically different proposition to the current car.
Speaking to Autocar at the Toyko motor show, Maeda admitted that the next RX-8, thought to arrive in 2011, would showcase Mazda’s new design language and technology, but not be as radical as the current model.
What’s almost certain is that the RX8 will maintain its current format of a rear-drive, four-seat coupe powered by a rotary engine.
Even though the rotary engine is coming under pressure for high fuel consumption and emissions, Mazda insiders claim that the next generation engine will have a larger capacity, more torque and employ the company’s newly revealed Sky technology to improve fuel consumption and CO2 output.
Mazda's Sky technology revealed
Engineers are also keen to keep rotary engines as they are easily adaptable to being fuelled by hydrogen.
One question mark over the next RX-8 is whether it will keep its unique suicide door arrangement. But as senior management are keen to stick to the current formula it’s likely that they will make it through to the next-gen car.
Chas Hallett
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