Dale Smith wrote:

On another list I monitor (RX-7fb) the following was posted
by a guy who recently attended the Auto Show ...

"Well, I just returned from the Press Preview of the North
American International Auto Show in Detroit.  Mazda's
display was a complete rotary-fest.  They had on display
every rotary engine you can imagine, from the original 385cc
one rotor prototype to the 4 rotor monster of their LeMans
car from the early 90s.  Naturally, the RX-8 was the star of
the display, though they also had the MP3 and some sporty
Protege wagon that looked pretty cool.  They also had had
several old Mazdas hanging on their sides at the edges of
the display, including an FB.  They are making no bones
about the fact that the rotary is coming back."

I don't know about the rest of you, but this is VERY
encouraging to me.  Previous speculation was that Mazda had
a "concept car" and a new rotary, or that they "might"
produce it ...etc.  This sounds as if they are jumping back
into rotaries with both feet!  Now the tough part is waiting
till someone rich gets their new toy rear ended :-)

I don't know Dale. You will need a 4:1 gear box to get all that
power at 9000 RPM :-) Of course the incremental durability will be welcome
as will the lighter rotors and counter weights.

Paul Lamar
 
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