Miata Mailing List: May 1998, Message #416

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Well, if I jump in, why don't I copy both lists.

>> From: "John D. Emerson" <jemerson@panther.middlebury.edu>
>> Subject: Re: Rotary & RX-7 successor
> 
>> [...]  The M Coupe on the show circuit two years ago was
>> quite a hit.  it was lighter than the roadster and would
>> be a natural for a non-aspirated rotary engine.  
>>     At any rate, my remark originated in Automobile Magazine's
>> indication that the rotary, which will remain in production, might
>> make it to the Miata.  Their article was discussing 1999 successors
>> to the RX-7.

>Speaking as a former RX7 owner and still a big rotary fan,
>I still tend to discount these rumors.

>The big advantages of the rotary are its small size and weight,
>its durability and longevity, and its relatively high power output.
>The disadvantages include: relatively dirty (in current form,

Hum! I believe my 13B's are cleaner than the DOHC at the same age.

>requires 3 catelytic converters), lousy gas mileage, and 

Well, for the performance, it is not lousy at all - actually better
than those 3.0 V6 rivals.

>an unappealing exhaust note (unless you like motorboats :-)

Actually, I like the rotary better - the noise it makes come with much
more power. OTOH, miata's note is loud and pleasing; however, it
reminds me of "Paper Tiger".

>The main reason for Mazda to consider putting a rotary in the Miata
>would probably be power, but in general, I think Mazda has stuck

More power, yes!

>to a philosophy of a moderately-powered, relatively affordable car.
 
>As previously mentioned, more power implies added costs and complexity

Don't think replacing the miata using 1st gen or 2nd gen Rx-7
suspension is going to cost much. And the miata actually get those
upgrade almost for free.

>(brakes, suspension, insurance, final price).  While some people

Yes! Insurance will be a killer.

>obviously want this, Mazda presumably sees a bigger market with the
>current form of car.  (And those who want more power have already
>found ways... :-)

>Other than power and uniqueness, the rotary doesn't add much to the
>current Miata, since you'd have to add some more cats, you'd lose
>around 5-10 MPG, you'd sacrifice the sweet exhaust note, and probably
>would end up paying more to buy the car.  The small size doesn't matter

I don't really believe it will be more expensive; however, they do
have the option to charge more because the new roadster is going to be
a real fast car.

>since the Miata engine bay is already plenty big.  If you were
designing 
>a new car from scratch, that'd be different - then you could take
>advantage of the size and maybe create some interesting body work.

>Now: if Mazda chooses to offer a high-end Miata, or another
>RX7 (or similar sports car variant), the rotary might find another
>home, where its (relatively minor) drawbacks and its unique
>advantages can be exploited.  After all, if you like revving your
>Miata 4-banger to 6500, just think about things like that
>smooooth 8000 RPM redline!

>Just my $.02.

>--                                             
>Ken Buck                                          /|
>Internet: kbuck@peritus.com                   \'o.O'    >ACK!
>Mail:     Peritus Software Services           =(___)= >THPTPHH!
          2 Federal St., Billerica, MA 01821     U

Paul

Now that the GSL-SE's are gone, I do miss them again in mYata





==
On the Cyber Space, we might have a peek to the future.
For the better or the worse, it's all in our hands.

mYata


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