Latest news with #RX-7
Miami Herald
22-04-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Mazda's Iconic SP is One Step Closer to Reality
Mazda's Iconic SP, the supposed successor to the legendary RX-7, is reportedly even closer to production. The concept was first revealed at the 2023 Tokyo Motor Show, with Mazda's design chief Masashi Nakayama clarifying that the model was "crafted with real production intent" back in November 2024. According to another, more recent, interview with Nakayama, the Iconic SP is now even closer to production. In a Road & Track article published on April 15, 2025, Mazda's design chief spoke carefully but frankly: the Iconic SP is almost ready. "I have to be very careful what I say here, but we made sure that it will be feasible for production. We know that rotary is not good at complying with emissions, which was the reason we decided to discontinue it in 2012," he said. "That is a very high hurdle they have to overcome, but in the last year, the progress has been very encouraging". When the concept was first revealed, it was rumored to use a range-extending twin-rotor setup, making 365 hp. Since then, Mazda has been dabbling in new rotary developments with the single-rotor 830-cc range-extending motor used in the MX-30 R-EV. While the automaker has yet to confirm what kind of rotary engine the Iconic SP will use, making it compliant with emissions regulations like LEV IV in the U.S. and Euro 7 required reviving Mazda's rotary development team. "I decided to reopen the rotary engine development group, and I gave a mission to them," Mazda CEO Masahiro Moro told Road & Track, "that was to comply with stringent emissions regulations like LEV IV in the U.S., and Euro 7. We know that rotary is not good at complying with emissions, that was the reason we decided to discontinue it in 2012. That is a very high hurdle they have to overcome, but in the last year, the progress has been very encouraging." Mazda's chief technical officer, Ryuichi Umeshita, also clarified that if the Iconic SP were to have a high-output setup, a manual transmission wouldn't cut it. We expect to see some kind of fast-shifting automatic with steering wheel paddles used, unless the model uses a fully electric drivetrain. Oh, and remember those pop-up headlights? "We can do it in terms of technology," design chief Nakayama said. "For example, in the current MX-5, there is a deployable bonnet, the hood pops up [in the event of a crash]…but the question is regulation. Of course, if you could support us, we'd love to do it." That last part is what it ultimately boils down to. Mazda needs to know that people will buy the Iconic SP if it ends up hitting the market. "The next challenge is... now you can support us in making a good business case. But technically, we are almost ready-if we see a good business case, we're ready to go," Umeshita said. Is the market ready for another rotary Mazda with the evolution of pop-up headlights? We sure hope so. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Yahoo
07-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Battery Fire Claims A Classic Mazda RX-7
Read the full story on The Auto Wire Usually, when we cover a battery fire in a car, it's a modern EV, not a classic Mazda RX-7. But just such a thing happened recently in Lancaster, Pennsylvania for a reason you probably wouldn't guess. And no, the vehicle hadn't been converted to an all-electric powertrain, otherwise it burning would've been a blessing in the owner of the 1982 Mazda RX-7 had that lithium-ion battery in the cargo area hooked up to a trickle charger. The rotary-powered car was sitting in the attached garage one evening when the wife smelled smoke in the kitchen. Once she opened the garage door, smoke flooded into the house and she called 911. Once the husband knew about the danger, he disconnected the trickle charger to the battery and with his wife's help pushed the vehicle out of the garage. That's the smart move if you have a car fire in a structure. Before firefighters arrived, husband expended two dry fire extinguishes on the cargo area of the RX-7 where he installed what looks like a kicking sound system. The battery was to help power all that equipment. While the guy was able to knock down the flames himself, firefighters kept pouring water on the Mazda because the trunk continued to smolder. They finally started pulling the sound system apart, realizing the battery was still burning. Since the classic isn't an EV, firefighters could just remove the battery and cool it off away from the car, which they did. However, a hazmat team still had to respond, showing that even little battery fires are a big deal. According to Lancaster Township Fire Department, the owner of the Mazda was understandably upset. The guy had been restoring the RX-7 for over 17 years and this was the second fire. We've known other people who had classic RX-7s like this catch fire, so that really makes us wonder. Also, we hope this guy is able to salvage the vehicle he obviously loves and get it show-ready again. Images via Lancaster Township Fire Department/Facebook Join our Newsletter, subscribe to our YouTube page, and follow us on Facebook.
Yahoo
17-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
A Turbo Single-Rotor Miata Looks Like The Most Fun An NA Can Get
The Mazda Miata is beloved for being tiny and light, a combination of qualities most modern automakers seem to avoid like the plague. It's never been the fastest car, but who really needs that? It's more of a slow-car-fast deal, and every method of upping the power always seems to add weight in equal measure. Unless, apparently, you're rotary wizard Rob Dahm: then you can slap a turbocharged single-rotor Wankel in there, and add power while actually cutting weight. Dahm's latest project is to swap an NA Miata's four-cylinder out for a compact rotary engine. But unlike other rotary swaps, that usually use a 13b dual-rotor out of an RX-7, Dahm is using just a single rotor for his Miata. This comes with its own challenges around simply putting the engine together, but it also ends up with an engine block that weighs just 64 pounds, or less than half the shortblock weight of the engine it's replacing. Yet Dahm claims, with a properly-sized turbocharger, this build could double the Miata's factory horsepower. Read more: Subaru Had It Right All Along This video is just the first in the build series, but it's already more progress than many ambitious swaps ever make. The Miata's transmission has been cut up and welded to a rotary bellhousing, and the single rotor mill is physically inside the car's body. Surely not for the final time, as it's missing little niceties like "engine mounts," but it's in there all the same. The rest is just wiring and pipes, and that's easy, right? If Dahm is correct about the eventual power and weight of this engine, he could have a truly incredible Miata on his hands by the end of the build. It would be more powerful than any Miata built by Mazda, but still light enough to sit with the stock cars, and not so overwhelmingly powerful to entirely change the beloved driving dynamics of the NA. We'll have to keep our eyes peeled on the build to see how it pans out. Want more like this? Join the Jalopnik newsletter to get the latest auto news sent straight to your inbox... Read the original article on Jalopnik.
Yahoo
02-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
10 Coolest Cars That Rocked Pop-Up Headlights
Read the full story on The Auto Wire Pop-up headlights are among the most distinctive and nostalgic features in automotive history. Once a hallmark of performance cars, they combined style with aerodynamic advantages—until safety regulations and modern lighting advancements led to their demise. Despite their disappearance, pop-up headlights remain a beloved design trait of some of the most legendary cars ever built. Here are 10 of the coolest cars that proudly sported them. Few cars scream exotic supercar like the Lamborghini Countach. Its aggressive wedge-shaped design, scissor doors, and hidden headlights made it look like a futuristic concept car brought to life. A true icon of the 1980s, its pop-up headlights only added to its unmistakable presence. The RX-7, particularly in its third-generation FD form, remains one of the most admired Japanese sports cars. With a lightweight chassis, rotary engine, and near-perfect balance, it delivered a thrilling driving experience. Its pop-up headlights gave it a sleek and instantly recognizable appearance. The fourth-generation Corvette embraced a more aerodynamic look than its predecessors, with pop-up headlights accentuating its futuristic design. They remained a Corvette staple until the C5 arrived in 1997, marking the end of retractable headlights for America's sports car. Considered one of the greatest supercars ever built, the Ferrari F40 was a pure, no-nonsense driving machine. Its pop-up headlights enhanced its aggressive yet minimalist look, complementing its lightweight, twin-turbocharged V8 performance. Designed as an affordable mid-engine sports car, the Toyota MR2 took inspiration from exotic European models. Both the first and second generations featured pop-up headlights, giving the car a high-end appearance while remaining accessible to enthusiasts. A departure from the traditional 911 formula, the Porsche 944 was a front-engine coupe with a well-balanced chassis. Its pop-up headlights set it apart from other Porsche models, giving it a sleek, aerodynamic profile that remains iconic today. The Honda NSX redefined the supercar world by proving that high-performance machines could also be reliable. With a lightweight aluminum chassis, VTEC-powered V6, and pop-up headlights, it looked as futuristic as its engineering innovations. The Lotus Esprit was one of Britain's finest exotics, blending lightweight engineering with sharp handling. Its wedge-shaped design and pop-up headlights cemented its status as a '70s and '80s dream car, famously appearing as a submarine in the James Bond film The Spy Who Loved Me. One of the most recognizable American muscle cars, the Pontiac Firebird Trans Am became a cultural icon, especially as KITT in Knight Rider. Its pop-up headlights added to its aggressive styling, making it one of the most memorable cars of its era. The original BMW 8 Series combined grand touring luxury with serious performance. Featuring a V12 engine and sleek design, its pop-up headlights gave it a futuristic, high-tech aesthetic that made it stand out among BMW's lineup. By the early 2000s, pop-up headlights disappeared due to changing regulations and advancements in lighting technology. While no longer found on modern cars, their legacy lives on through some of the most iconic vehicles in history. For collectors and enthusiasts, owning a car with pop-up headlights is a tribute to a time when design pushed boundaries. Which of these classics is your favorite? Join our Newsletter, subscribe to our YouTube page, and follow us on Facebook.
Yahoo
25-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
10 Coolest Cars with Pop-Up Headlights
Read the full story on Modern Car Collector Pop-up headlights are one of the coolest and most nostalgic design features ever to grace the automotive world. Once a staple of sports cars and futuristic concepts, these hidden headlamps were not just stylish—they also served as an aerodynamic advantage before modern lighting technology rendered them obsolete. While safety regulations ultimately led to their demise, pop-up headlights remain a beloved feature among car enthusiasts. Here's a look at 10 of the coolest cars ever made with pop-up headlights, each leaving its mark on automotive history. Few cars define exotic supercars better than the . Its angular wedge-shaped design, scissor doors, and pop-up headlights made it look like it was straight out of a sci-fi movie. It was one of the most dramatic and outrageous supercars of its time, and its pop-up headlights added to its mystique, making it an icon of the 1980s. The , especially in its third-generation FD form, is one of the most beloved Japanese sports cars ever built. With its lightweight chassis, near-perfect weight distribution, and high-revving rotary engine, the RX-7 delivered a thrilling driving experience. The pop-up headlights gave the car an unmistakable look, especially when cruising at night. The fourth-generation took a bold step forward in design, departing from the more rounded shape of the C3 for a sharper, more aerodynamic look. The pop-up headlights added a futuristic appeal that made the C4 stand out among American sports cars. The feature stayed until the C5 arrived in 1997, marking the end of an era for the Corvette's retractable headlights. Arguably one of the greatest supercars of all time, the was a true race car for the road. With a twin-turbo V8, lightweight body, and minimalistic interior, it was a raw and exhilarating machine. The pop-up headlights gave it a sleek yet aggressive stance, reinforcing its legendary status. The Toyota MR2, particularly the first and second generations, was Japan's answer to the mid-engine sports car. Inspired by exotic European cars, it offered lightweight fun with a surprising amount of agility. Pop-up headlights added to its charm, giving the car an exotic appearance at an affordable price. While Porsche is best known for the rear-engine 911, the 944 was a front-engine sports coupe that still delivered an exceptional driving experience. The pop-up headlights were a defining feature of the car, giving it a unique look compared to its 911 sibling. The combination of sharp handling, a well-balanced chassis, and hidden headlights made the 944 an instant classic. When Honda (under its Acura brand in North America) released the NSX, it redefined the exotic sports car segment. With Formula 1 engineering, lightweight aluminum construction, and a VTEC-powered mid-engine V6, the NSX proved that supercars could be reliable. The pop-up headlights enhanced its sleek, futuristic styling, making it one of the most timeless Japanese performance cars ever made. The Lotus Esprit, with its wedge-shaped design and pop-up headlights, was a true British exotic. It gained worldwide fame when it transformed into a submarine in the James Bond film "The Spy Who Loved Me". Whether in its turbocharged form or the later V8 models, the Esprit remained a fan favorite among enthusiasts. The Pontiac Firebird Trans Am, especially in its third and fourth generations, became one of the most recognizable American muscle cars thanks to its aggressive styling and pop-up headlights. It gained even more fame as the star car in Knight Rider, where it played the role of KITT, a high-tech AI-controlled vehicle. With a roaring V8 engine, a sleek aerodynamic body, and unmistakable hidden headlights, the Firebird was an instant classic. The original BMW 8 Series (E31) was a grand touring coupe that combined luxury with serious performance. It featured a V12 engine, advanced technology, and a futuristic design highlighted by pop-up headlights. The E31 remains one of the most beautiful and unique BMW models ever made, standing out in an era of more traditional luxury coupes. By the early 2000s, pop-up headlights disappeared due to modern safety regulations and advancements in lighting technology. While they might be gone from new production models, their legacy lives on in some of the most iconic cars ever built. Whether it's a classic Ferrari, a Japanese sports car, or an American muscle icon, pop-up headlights represent an era when design and function worked together to create some of the most striking cars in history. For collectors and enthusiasts, owning a car with pop-up headlights is a nostalgic nod to a time when automotive design dared to be different. Which of these cars is your favorite? Let us know in the comments! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
