? here about the 3

[3.5titanuimSD]

Is the Mazda 3 supposed to be the new MX-3?

[Vulcanon]

it's the next protege

[jlanger]

There's rumors going around that Mazda is debating about a really small rotary (Rx3) According to the rumor, this and the Rx7 will depend on the success of the Rx8. But remember it's only a rumor that we can only hope to come true.

[eting_pro5]

will the rx3 be a compact (protege) or a roadster (miata) if it is made?

[3forme]

I get the RX3 will be a coupe version built on the Miata platform, which in turn is built on a shortened RX8 platform IIRC.

[B.L. Zebop]

The NC model Miata is not based on the RX-8 / FE RX-7 chassis... Although initially rumoured to be utilized for the 3rd gen Miata, the RX-8 chassis is only being utilized for the 4th gen RX-7.

The rumoured RX-3 will not be based on the Miata either...

[cortez]

Originally posted by B.L. Zebop
The NC model Miata is not based on the RX-8 / FE RX-7 chassis... Although initially rumoured to be utilized for the 3rd gen Miata, the RX-8 chassis is only being utilized for the 4th gen RX-7.

The rumoured RX-3 will not be based on the Miata either...

So, if it is only a rumor, how can you be so sure as to state that it WILL NOT be based on the Miata?

[wongpres]

Originally posted by cortez
So, if it is only a rumor, how can you be so sure as to state that it WILL NOT be based on the Miata?

B.L. Zebop is right. Here's Bob Hall (father of the Miata) on why the next-gen Miata will not share a platform with the RX-8 and also why it won't have a rotary:

"Weight and cost.

In reverse order, a complete rejig of the engine box and center tunnel would be in order for the Miata, and when you start changing those things on a vehicle platform you stop using the 'same' platform. This increases CapEx by an uncomfortable amount. Remember, like-it-or-not, the RX-8 is supplying a glass ceiling for the Miata.

The RX-8 is also wider than the target width for the NC, and width increases weigh more than a similar stretch in length does, so the mass factor 'weighs' heavily here. Kijima-san is very serious about the NC being kept below the target weight of one metric ton.

The use of a rotary in a Miata is mitigated by the fact the rotary (in old 13b or Renesis form) is a very expensive engine to manufacture. The mechanized aspect of its construction (primarily milling and machining processes) is not such a big deal, but the fact that final assembly is almost done entirely by hand is a real problem. At 1970s wage levels and 360 Yen to a US Dollar that wasn't a problem, but today's wages in Japan and a much stronger Yen make use of the rotary in a car cheaper than a base RX-8 a dodgy proposition. Well, unless you'd like something with a rigid rear axle hung on leaf springs, drum brakes and struts up front."

[B.L. Zebop]

As I said, it was the initial rumour. Bob Hall, the father of the Miata, now working for Wheels magazine in Australia has given the Miata community the answer, as has Tom Matano, head of styling in Japan until last summer when he left to teach.