Mazda Planning Rotary-Powered RX-7 for 2020?

Mazda Motor Corp. is continuing development of a rotary engine-powered successor to its RX-8 sport coupe, according to Autocar. The magazine says the new model could debut in time for the carmaker's 100th anniversary in 2020.

Mazda won't confirm the project. But it has told Autocar the company has a group of 30 engineers working on rotary engine projects. The British enthusiast magazine opines the rear-drive coupe is likely to weigh less than 2,000 lbs and will ride on the company's new MX-5 platform.

Mazda verifies that a separate project continues with Fiat to develop a roadster to be sold under the Italian brand name. Fiat's car won't use a Mazda engine, but it will share the MX-5 platform.