2012 Mazda RX-9 ???
 

There's a chance that the new generation RX is going to be shown at the TMS in 2 days. Could this be competition for the 86, and would you consider buying it over the 86 if it had a good spec sheet?

Really.... this is the first I've heard of it possibly being shown at TMS. Any rumors at all about specs or other details?

The RX rumors are almost as on again off again as the FT86 was before it finally broke cover, but no, I'd much rather have my 86 than an RX, never really been a fan of Mazdas.

Competitor for the Z is more likely. No way a new RX comes in at the toyobaru's price point.

To be quite honest I am looking for a car that has excellent handling, adequate speed, and a low price (around 25k). Something I can thrash and when I crash it I won't think the world has ended. I am loving the FT86 because it appears it will be exactly what I'm looking for although it is too early to tell now if it will still be appealing on release.

If something comes out that will be a better performer at the same price point I wouldn't hesitate to get it. But I doubt very much there will be anything that can compete with the new 86, at least initially.

I would still stick with the FT86 in it's naturally aspirated form. It would be quick enough on the straight line (nothing special but you can have all the fun you want @ legal speeds), would be great around the corners, and great on gas.

If you take it to the track, the slower acceleration and great handling characteristics (I would argue) would teach you more than a faster car due to the fact that keeping your momentum in to and out of corners would be paramount to driving the FT86 quickly around a track.

I guess White Comet is probably right; if they decide to go back to the same formula as the FD, a twin-turbo or single-turbo rotary will probably not be in the same bracket.
Jokem, while I agree you can learn a lot from a car like that (i.e. Miata), I always would rather have a little everyday passing power. This is where the different engine options should come in. Lower 150-220 hp for you, and 280-320 for blowing eurotuners into the grass.

Totally agree. Will still be interesting to see how they resurrect the RX-7. No doubt it'll end up being bigger and heavier than the original :thumbdown::mad0259:

Does this mean the end of the RX-8?

Actually Mazda is pretty good at keep cars on a diet. The current mazda2 is lighter than the previous generation and if the RX-9 is more of a GT than the 7 could be around 2800 lbs (FD curb weight).

http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/20/r...g-on-new-rx-7/

Some new info on RX-7

"higher interior quality" = Fat
It's nice to see a confirmation. I'd like to see some FI on that 1.6.
Sequential twin set-up :bow:

I don't have high hopes for the styling of it. Recent mazdas have really taken a bad turn in terms of styling. They've gone overboard with those fenders and "movement while standing" styling in all their car's lines.

Niice...looking forward to it!