The next gen Z!

SS_Firehawk

I wouldn't call it a shoe string budget, it was worked in secret before upper management got wind of what was cooking.For a company the size of Mazda, I would consider it a hefty sum. It's true components of the chassis and it's design are shared with the Miata, but I wouldn't go so far as to call it the same platform, hence why the chassis designations aren't the same.. The FM platform is used on the Z, G, M, and FX vehicles. Vastly different in size to a 2500lbs Miata. Nissan is only on it's 2nd generation with the platform, it really isn't that old and would most likely prefer to have it play host to another generation of vehicles. Every vehicle using the FM platform has received very positive feedback with regards to the bones.

The VQ designation is a bit long in the tooth, but the engines now only share very basic design elements with the original VQ engines. They have evolved at least once every model generation. Nissan is going to tap that thing out until it's just not competitive. It is the highest performing NA V6 on the market. Even amongst all these brand new engines, it stands above the rest in terms of performance. NVH, different matter

Back the RX-8 (I really like the 09-11 redesign and came close to purchasing one). Torque is the real determining factor to when things break. Torque is the amount of force that is applied, not the actual speed of the movement (that's hp). I admit not knowing the full picture with the RX-8 drivetrain, but it really was designed around the characteristics of the Renesis engine. Take a look at how light and small components for Formula cars are! They don't make a lot of torque, but they make a lot of hp. Mazda will only overbuild it to a point, just like every other manufacturer. I don't think anyone would prefer a structurally weaker drivetrain as a cost for weight savings. That really handicaps the aftermarket community.

And BTW, thank you for keeping it clean. Even if we disagree on things, I think it's irritating when someone gets butt hurt when someone else challenges their view.

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cavemancan

They did indeed do some of the work in secret but that hardly goes on the books. As far as platform...the relationship of the Miata and Rx8 platforms are in relation as the Z, G, M...etc. They are stretched versions on the original dude. If you've ever seen the under carrage of an Rx8 and MX-5 Miata you will see an identical chasis. Everything is the same with the exception of the drive shaft length. It has been frequently cited in being a stretched Miata chasis hence the similar chasis characteristics on the road. I will not deny that it is a stretch to hope Nissan redesigns the Z platform into a new chasis designation to be shared with the Infinity G as well but can you deny this would be ideal for us as consumers regardless what risks to Nissan. I'm dreaming here I know.

I like the VQ...I do...I'm impressed with it. Makes tones of efficient power with a near perfect torque line (not curve cause the thing is flat as hell). With that said the speculation here is that they are changing the engine. If that is the case then what would make sense? Hence my answer.

I know what torque is LMAO! Check this out...you think torque kills drive train? What do you think a transmission spinning 3 times the speed your engine is rated at will do? The rotary has 3 combustion cycles (you know that...dang dorritoes) so a rotary's tranny, drive shaft, and rear end will effectively spin 3 times that of a normal piston varient. Those forces will tear apart a normal transmission and rear end. Hell the Rx8 comes stock with a carbon fiber driveshaft. Now envission it handling a 3 rotor with much more power at those rpms. Put that drive train in a non modified piston engine and it will take the torque just fine (depending how much of course). The reason for the components to be light on a Formula car is two fold. 1) Hi revs need light components to aid in vibration resistance and 2) well cause...less weight is faster. As far as structually weaker it's not. For instance the carbon fiber drive shaft is in fact stronger then most stock shafts. I know what your saying man but the argument does not hold merrit in this case/compareson.

Your lucky I'm lazy...I have a Butthurt meme that is AWESOME!!!

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Mazda Rx8 MT Titanium - SOLD!
2009 370Z T-Sport MT Black - Takeda Intake, Swift springs, Rear Camber kit, SS B Lines, FI Exhaust, Z Speed CMAK Flywheel/Clutch Kit, Stillen Brake Cooling.

edub370

I will disagree. I think the rx8's rotary has been one of the worst engines in the last 20 years. How can u make an engine that makes no torque, no real power, burns oil, AND gets crap gas mileage? HOW?? Just when u start getting a hint of power, u are out of revs. Couple that with the fact that it needs to be slightly revved when shutting down to prevent flooding (engine tear down) and the rebuild intervals are at least 2 times more frequent than a normal engine, just makes it an AWFUL engine.

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cavemancan

Listen...I've had to live with the thing and I can tell you this: it is a very good CONCEPT with some major flaws. There are little to no engines out there that put out the HP per liter this does in NA format. 1.3L 234HP is nothing to be ashamed about. They simply put that engine in the wrong car or it should have been turbo'd. Also, there are plenty of engines that burn oil on the market today and flooding issues were all elimiated in 2006 and above versions of the engine.

Now consider this Piston engines have more then 40 years advantage compared to rotary technology. It is very easy to complain about a dirty engine when there is more advanced technology. Now roll back piston engine tech 40 years and the rotary suddenly becomes impressive.

Keep in mind this is coming from someone who wishes he had an LSx powered Corvette. It's easy to dis technology based on bad press regardless if it was well deserved or not the technology is getting much better. The newest version if the engine is supposed to eliminate many of the issues mentioned but we shall see how much of that is true.

The new 1.6L 300HP NA is a rediculous achievement and in my opinion should be put in a Miata sized car with a hardtop. It's supposed to be cleaner with better gas mileage and more torque.

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Mazda Rx8 MT Titanium - SOLD!
2009 370Z T-Sport MT Black - Takeda Intake, Swift springs, Rear Camber kit, SS B Lines, FI Exhaust, Z Speed CMAK Flywheel/Clutch Kit, Stillen Brake Cooling.