Tag Archives: Mazda

Bored With The Wrangler

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So, I bought a Jeep Wrangler Sport S back in October 2018. I love Wranglers. I still love this vehicle, but I’m not sure it’s Covid-19 (I no longer drive to/from work – in fact, I rarely drive now) or the fact that there’s not a lot of trails around here to drive on, but I’m beginning to be bored with the Wrangler.

It has some mods but nothing traditional. For example, the first thing folks do is throw on big wheels and a lift. I don’t really want bigger wheels or even a lift. Why? Because Jeep will not remedy (under warranty) suspension issues if I start adding my own parts. I like the way the Jeep currently rides. Also, I can’t stand tire hum and big all-terrain tires will do that. Yes, I can have two sets of wheels/tires in case I want to play on the trails, but there are no trails close by. I’m not going to spend the money on a lift and tires/wheels if I’m not going to use those tires/wheels.

Currently, I’ve side steps, LED headlights (mandatory, IMO), and Mopar mats in both the front and back.

What I really miss is my STI. Will I be getting another? Not unless they release a new revamped version.

I have been looking at several other sports cars:

Late model (2008) Porsche 997.1 Carrera 2 Manual

Porsche (2009) 997.2 Carrera 4S w/ PDK & Chrono package.

Early Porsche 718 w/ PDK and Chrono package (I’d prefer the 718S, but most are out of my budget)

Toyota Supra MkV (either the 2020 or the 2021 model)

VW Golf R (2017 or so; DC-equipped)

VW R32

I wouldn’t even mind a hard-top Miata at this point (I’d even consider supercharging it).

I’m leaning heavily toward a Porsche but I’ve to pay off the damned Wrangler first (plus, I’m putting a kid through college with another heading to college in 3 years; another is almost done with college). Plus, the two I really want is either the 997.2 or a 718S. The 991 is too expensive and any 997.2 2010 or above will cost dearly (997.2s have been creeping up in price, too). If I want a 997.2, I should be looking at them now…they might be unattainable if I wait too much longer.

I can also step down in Carrera models (996s, which I do not really care for, especially when those could have IMS issues), but that’s considered settling for less, IMO.

I think I’m just missing a sports car. I suppose I could find an older R32 or Miata and keep the Wrangler too (I’ll definitely consider this option), that way I can have my cake and eat it too. I don’t need a lot of power or an exotic to have some fun.

2017 Mazdaspeed 3 Possibility

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2018-mazdaspeed-3-artists-rendering-photo-586350-s-1280x782-626x382

http://blog.caranddriver.com/footloose-and-fancy-three-mazda-3-refresh-mazdaspeed-3-coming-for-2017/

Excerpt:

Officially, Mazda will comment on none of this, but the new car will almost certainly be turbocharged, offering output somewhere in the neighborhood of 300 horsepower. All-wheel drive is a possibility. The starting price should be somewhere around $30,000, suggesting Volkswagen Golf R levels of performance for loaded–GTI money.

Wow, this is good news.  It means there’s another WRX/STI competitor and the list of competitors is broadening.  Additionally, on the horizon is the Ford Focus RS and the Golf R, with both having AWD.  This will probably spur Subaru to be more competitive…it’s either that, or they’ll begin to lose market share.  I’ve no problem buying a non-WRX if Subaru doesn’t want to compete (the only thing I’ll probably miss is the great resale value). I’ll also link Car & Driver’s FB posting on this topic:

Post by Car and Driver.

Mazda RX-7 Returns for 2017 with 450-hp Turbo Rotary?

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Motoring is reporting that a new Mazda sports car will arrive in 2017 with a turbocharged rotary engine making around 450 hp.

This isn’t the first time we’ve heard about a return of the rotary. Way back in 2011, when the rotary-powered Mazda RX-8 was going out of production, we reported that a next-generation rotary engine could appear by 2017. This corroborates Motoring’s story, who say that this new, small-displacement turbocharged rotary would make its way into a new Mazda sports car that will likely be called the Mazda RX-7. In 2013, we reported that a new RX-8 replacement could arrive by 2017 with direct fuel injection — so long as Mazda had already bolstered its profits by selling more mainstream cars.

Read more @ http://www.automobilemag.com/features/news/1407-report-mazda-rx-7-returns-for-2017-with-450-hp-turbo-rotary/?sm_id=social_20140711_27635776

Note:  I’m iffy on if some of these manufactures should delve in the past.  After seeing hints of what the NSX could be, I keep thinking that when these older cars were first designed and sold, they had certain goals in mind:  high performance, affordable, lightweight, great handling dynamics.  When we see these cars being brought back to life in today’s world, they’re usually unattainable by the masses, ultra-complicated, heavy, and while having great handling dynamics, it usually isn’t because of the suspension alone (it’s usually tied to a computer).  IMO, that’s not good.  This is why I’ve always loved the simplicity of the Subaru BRZ.  You have all that in a tiny car that was designed to give the driver/owner enjoyment…there’s no need for 300HP, or sophisticated systems to assist the driver in having fun.  I’m pretty sure the next RX-7 won’t be such a car.