Now don’t expect to see the same Furai concept model used in the production of Mazda’s RX-7. According to sources at Edmunds Inside Line, a “more conventional” design will be implemented for RX-7. RX-8′s replacement was originally slated to appear in 2012, but Edmunds claims you’ll see it as early as 2011.

Mazda Cosmo Sport – This 1967 model looks very pleased with itself.

The First Gen Mazda RX-7 has more of a sleepy, cheerful look – kinda reminds us of an anime character.

When the Protege came to America it was time to get serious.

Mazda’s Millenia also decided to toughen up for the customers.

By the last run of the Mazda Protege 5 their vehicles were already starting to smile a bit more.

2008′s Mazda MX-5 loves to grin for the crowd – it may be tiny, but it be fierce!

2010 will be an even happier year, as the cheerful Mazdaspeed 3 takes on all roads with glee.

And what does the future hold for the Japanese auto maker? Happy faces and happy customers.

Mazda RX-7 Concept

According to World Car Fans, the RX-7 has a next-generation RX-7 well into its development phase and is also working on a next-gen RX-8 which will carry the name one digit further and be called the RX-9. Both models will feature an update of their rotary engine, a The new 16X twin-rotor engine will come with an 800cc x 2 configuration (the current is a 654 cc x 2) and will better fuel consumption by about 20 percent all while generating 270 hp.

2010 Mazda3 MPS

2010 Mazda3

Also following in the path of Mazda face lifts is the 2010 Mazda3 MPS, ready for its debut at the Geneva Auto Show. A new four-cylinder MZR 2.3-liter turbocharged engine produces 0-100 km/h acceleration of 6.1 seconds, with a top speed of 155 mph. Check out full details in the 2010 Mazda3 Press Release.

2010 Mazda3 MPS

Sharing the spotlight in Geneva is the next-generation Mazda 3 MPS, one of the world’s most powerful front-wheel drive compact cars. It takes the all-new Mazda 3 hatchback as its base and raises it to new levels of driving excitement with an updated MZR 2.3-litre DISI turbo petrol engine, increased body shell rigidity and an evolved suspension. To this it adds exclusive design cues and materials to deliver a next-generation compact flagship that is even more fun to own and drive than the current model.

On top of its high performance level – one of the best in the category – the all-new Mazda 3 MPS was developed according to Mazda’s long-term vision for technology development. Advanced Mazda engine and catalytic converter technologies mean the new model has an optimized power delivery, uses less fuel, and has cleaner emissions than the previous Mazda 3 MPS model.

Design – A More Expressive and Dynamic Design

The design theme for the all-new Mazda 3 called on the development team to evolve the model’s visual identity to create a sportier, more aggressive appearance. The end result is a more emotionally appealing design that takes the sporty, agile compact nature of the all-new Mazda 3 hatchback to a new level of sporty refinement.

Exterior Design

Front end

A new air intake for the intercooler is introduced to the centre of the all-new Mazda 3 MPS bonnet, hinting at the power underneath. The front fender and front bumper designs are exclusive to the MPS, while subtle intonation added to the surface and character lines give the exterior an expressive and dynamic flair. The front grille and lower bumper sections share the same black metallic paint finish. These are framed by cylindrical bi-xenon headlamps and round fog lamps, to underscore the car’s premium character (standard or option, depending on market).

Wheels and tyres

Mazda introduces all-new 18-inch (18 x 7.5J) aluminium alloy wheels designed exclusively for the Mazda 3 MPS using the same design theme as the Mazda RX-8 wheels. These have a strong, three-dimensional form that helps the car look nimble and aggressive when seen from the side.

Powertrain – Exhilarating Driving and Euro Stage V Compliance

The power and easy-to-control torque characteristics of the new Mazda 3 MPS turbo petrol engine are combined with an optimised gear ratio that ensures smooth shift operation for sporty driving. This is matched to a stiffer body, a suspension system with greater damping strength, Mazda’s electro-hydraulic power assisted steering (EHPAS), as well as specially tuned brakes. Together, they deliver a high-performance package with precise, controllable handling, and powerful braking that is fun to drive on a daily basis.

Engine – high-performance DISI technology

The all-new Mazda 3 MPS is powered by Mazda’s MZR 2.3L DISI Turbo, a high-power inline 4-cylinder petrol engine. This acclaimed engine has been further refined and now delivers a maximum output of 191 kW/260 PS at 5,500 rpm and the same generous maximum torque of 380 Nm at 3,000 rpm than the current model. This represents one the world’s highest level of performance in a front-engine front-wheel drive sports compact.

High-performance compact

Pairing direct-injection with a turbocharger allows the engine to achieve performance that is on par with a larger displacement engine. Realising the right balance between lightweight and high rigidity through the effective use of high-tensile steel sheeting – including 1,480 MPa ultra-high tensile steel – means the new MPS body shell easily supports the top speed of 250 km/h and acceleration of 0-100 km/h in just 6.1 seconds.

6-speed manual transmission

The transmission of the new Mazda 3 MPS uses a compact, three-shaft design that keeps the overall length the same as a 5-speed manual transmission. It uses a wide gear ratio setting that can fully exploit the wide torque band of the DISI Turbo engine, with a sixth gear that contributes to a quieter ride and improved fuel economy when driving at high speed. Each gear is set to a higher speed total gear ratio than on the previous model. Of particular note is the natural feel of shifting between first and second gear as the car picks up speed, as well as the smooth feel of successive shifts while accelerating.

Triple-cone synchronizers for first, second and third gears and a double-cone synchronizer for fourth gear optimize the amount of strength required to make shifts and establish the right balance between a short, responsive stroke and pleasing feel to gearshift operation. In addition, the transmission uses low-viscosity fluid, which greatly reduces the effort required for shifting when the engine is cold.

Mazda 3 MPS dimensions and specifications for EU

* Dimensions
o Overall length: 4,505 mm
o Overall height: 1,460 mm
o Overall width: 1,770 mm
o Wheelbase: 2,640 mm
o Treads (front/rear): 1,535 mm/1,520 mm
o Luggage capacity: 300 l with Bose® System
* Drive train: FWD
* Engine: MZR 2.3-litre DISI Turbo
* Displacement: 2,261 cm3
* Bore x stroke: 87.5 mm x 94.0 mm
* Fuel tank capacity : 60 l
* Max. output : 260 PS (191 kW) at 5,500 rpm
* Max. torque: 380 Nm at 3,000 rpm
* Fuel consumption
o Combined: 9.2 l / 100 km
o Urban: 13.5 l / 100 km
o Extra urban: 7.5 l / 100 km
o Emissions ranking: Euro Stage V
* Exhaust system: single-nanotechnology
* Transmission: 6-speed manual transmission
* Differential: Torque-sensing Limited Slip Differential
* Performance
o Max. speed: 250 km/h
o 0-100km/h (EU): 6.1 s
* Steering: Electro-hydraulic power assisted system
* Turn lock-to-lock: 2.7
* Min. turning circle: 11 m
* Suspension, front: MacPherson strut
* Suspension, rear: Multi-link
* Coil spring rate, front: D26.8 N/mm
* Coil spring rate, rear: D29.9 N/mm
* Dampers, front: Twintube
* Dampers, rear: Monotube
* Stabilizer diameter, front: 26 mm
* Stabilizer diameter, rear: 25 mm
* Front brake type, diameter: Ventilated discs, 320 mm
* Rear brake type, diameter: Solid discs, 280 mm
* Coefficient of drag: 0.32 Cd
* Brake booster: 8″ + 9″ tandem booster & large 1″ diameter master cylinder
* Tyres, wheels: Dunlop 225/40 R18, 18×7.5J

Japan’s RE Amemiya Genki 7 made its debut at Tokyo’s Auto Salon 2009. RE Amemiya has yet to supply any speed or horse power numbers, though one employee was quoted saying this race car will “leave everyone behind.” Guess we’ll have to wait and see.

For a little back story, rotary engines for cars are based off the design of propeller airplane engines. These motors do not use pistons, but a cylinder encased in a housing which is constantly heated on one side and cooled on the other, creating an unequal thermal expansion. These engines are also simpler to construct and maintain than the power plants located in typical vehicles.

Mazda1 – an official (or not?) sketch released this week

Mazda2 – The popular mini-Mazda inspired the future Mazda1

Mazda1, beginning its production run in 2010, will be the first car utilizing Mazda’s Nagare designs – which will be how future vehicles from the Japanese auto maker will look, including the 2010 Mazda3. Expect the Mazda1 to have great gas mileage as well. Mazda1 will most likely take over the European market, mostly due to its size (can’t wait to see the specs) but cross your fingers these tiny Mazdas will come to North America.

A Mazda RX-7 concept? Only time will tell

Mazda’s 2006 Kabura concept is slated to be the most likely design for a 2010 RX-7, according to Consumer Guide’s Automotive section on HowStuffWorks.com. More rumors surrounding the 7 is that it will be a replacement for the RX-8, and will have a hybrid engine ready to pump high-speed, low emission rpms to the Japan streets (and eventually, the world).

Kabura concept – might be the future RX-7

1960 – The Mazda R360

1961 – Mazda P360 Carol

1967 – The Mazda Cosmo Sport

1970 – Mazda RX-2

1978 – Mazda’s RX-7