The RX-7

The Mazda RX-7 (seen here in concept form as the Kabura) could return for 2012 as a Japan-sourced two-door coupe based on the MX-5 platform. 

Consumer Guide's Impressions of the 2012 Mazda RX-7 

The "rotary rocket" sports car is coming back after more than 10 years away. It promises to be the fastest, most-agileRX-7 yet. It could also be a hybrid.

What We Know About the 2012 Mazda RX-7

After being rumored off and on for the past five years, a new Mazda RX-7 looks to be on the way at last. Not much is known about it right now, as development has reportedly just begun, but sources predict a calendar-2011 debut, perhaps as an early-2012 model. By that time, Mazda's RX-8 will be nine years old and ready for retirement, hence speculation that the next RX-7 will replace Mazda's "senior" sports car.

The original RX-7 debuted in 1977 and quickly built a large and loyal worldwide following as a fast, agile, and affordable two-seat coupe with a unique and fascinating rotary engine. A 1986 redesign added size and a convertible body style, but neither did much for sales. Accordingly, Mazda went back to basics for a third-generation 1993 RX-7 coupe but turbocharged the engine to over 250 horsepower. Enthusiasts loved it, but a weak dollar-to-yen exchange made it too expensive to draw sufficient U.S. sales, so Mazda pulled the plug after 1995--but only in America. The RX-7 continued into the new century for Japan, Europe, and other overseas markets, even as Mazda rolled out the four-door, four-passenger RX-8.

Sources say the 2012 Mazda RX-7 will be another Japan-sourced two-door coupe, but based on Mazda's latest MX-5 roadster platform. However, that rear-wheel-drive architecture will be scaled up to near RX-8 size, which could mean a tiny back seat instead of a strictly two-passenger cockpit. Styling is said to be drawn from the 2006 Kabura concept, so look for traditional long-hood/short-deck proportions, an arched roof, prominent cycle-style front fenders, an aggressive nose, and big wheels pushed right out to the corners.