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Thread: New REPU - Campaign?
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rotarynews
Moderator
Too Many Rotary Websites
Posts: 206
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posted January 11, 2002 01:45 PM |
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New REPU - Campaign?
Well, as some of you might know, I asked around a little bit in Detroit, about the possibility of getting a new REPU. Basically they said this:
1. There are many other cars/crossovers/trucks in the market today that have the same kind of capacity as the old REPU/Courier trucks did in the 70s. The Market is dead.
2. If we did design and sell a truck of the same size as the old REPU, with a rotary engine, who would buy it? What would the target market be?
3. The design or concept would need to come from Ford, as trucks is really their area.
So, what do you think we can come up with, in terms of solid arguments, maybe with factual numbers, to convince Mazda or Ford to begin design on a small size pickup?
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The best way to predict the future is to invent it!
-- Tom Matano
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repuguru
Redlining
Posts: 319
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posted January 11, 2002 04:16 PM |
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New REPU
I think that the Ford/Mazda guys should go for a special project REPU type of thing. Like GMC did with the S10/Cyclone. Maybe a thousand a year. I guess that is wishful thinking.
I don't even need to ramble on how bad ass a creation like this would be. All Wheel Drive 13B Turbo would be nice. They could use the B series chassis. I'd like the new RX8 motor in it if it would be cheaper.
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Jeff20B
Moderator
Posts: 661
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posted January 21, 2002 12:46 AM |
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I've spent many an hour contemplating a new REPU. I've read Mazda's repsonses before so those above aren't new to me.
What we need to do is find a hook. That way we can reel them in. Something that goes along within the narrow field of Mazda's new rotary campaign. Something like:
Use the existing chassis, with some improvements in brakes, steering, interior, towing capacity, payload. For the most part, the parts that only the best Ford Ranger has access to. The current B series pickups ARE dead. The interiors are boring, the exterior is ok. Nothing about the B series says it's special. Have I missed something? I don't think so. The Cyclone was a cool truck. Mazda needs to figure out a strategy for a new REPU, if it's going to have any kind of chance at success in the market at all. It needs to use off the shelf parts, as well as maybe a few new parts, to help it stand out in a crowd. That is exactly what the original REPU did.
I would like Mazda to design and produce a 3 rotor renesis engine. Why? For more torque without the need of forced induction. That would be perfect for a pickup, minitruck or midsize, or whatever. The 3 rotor renesis could also be made available for some of Mazda's other cars. Hmm, piossible 3 rotor RX-7? I'm not sure. That car has always had 2 rotors. Have you seen the new concept Cosmo21? It looks like the original Cosmo Sport and has a renensis in it.
Mazda WAS known for special cars in the past. I wonder if they're trying to reclaim that for themselves with the RX-8 and all the rotor parafenalia (sp?) all over it. I for one like all those triangles everywhere, hehe. Mazda needs to continue to create a demand for the rotary engine. I wonder if they'll tone down the amount of rotor shapes on their other cars, should they chose to continue with the rotary. They seem to have found the right ingredients to allow rotary power in the USA with their NA renensis. I'd like to see them exploit it fully with brand new rotary powered vehicles, including a new REPU.
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'74 REPU
'76 Cosmo
'77 MG Midget 13B
'81 RX-7
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