Mazda engineers urging execs for more RWD models

According to Edmunds, Mazda engineers are pressuring the company to create more rear-wheel-drive models, in an effort to better differentiate itself from its rivals. This push is reportedly coming from middle and senior engineers within the company, and these folks at Mazda believe this rear-drive strategy would allow the automaker to produce more distinctive, fun to drive cars. Mazda discontinued the rear-drive (and rotary-engined) RX-8 a few years ago, leaving the MX-5 Miata as the company's only RWD offering.

As enthusiasts, we're fully on board with Mazda offering more rear-drive cars, but unsurprisingly, the company's top management isn't exactly keen on the idea – and with good reason. First and foremost, the cost associated with redesigning fresh architecture for new models would be very high, and considering the fact that Mazda hasn't exactly been raking in the dough lately, an expensive new venture like this doesn't make a whole lot of sense. What's more, Mazda's latest front-drive models – the Mazda3, Mazda6 and CX-5 – have been very well-received, and are helping the company gain sales momentum.

But that doesn't mean there aren't other options. Edmunds reminds us that Mazda is already partnering with Alfa Romeo on the next-generation Miata, and if this collaboration is successful, perhaps the relationship could bear additional fruit. After all, Alfa Romeo is said to be working on returning to its rear-wheel-drive roots, so Mazda's engineers might be able to make a case for more RWD goodness after all.

http://www.autoblog.com/2013/10/02/m...re-rwd-models/

 

They need to make sure to keep the reliability on the cars first. I currently own a 2009 mazda 6 and honestly i wouldnt ever buy any of the other offerings from the company unless its yhe miata .

 

Redesigned Miata and a new RX-7/8/9 is a good start. Perhaps implement more AWD options on their vehicles to help those really urging for RWD Mazda's. Other than the two sports cars mentioned above, I have no idea what direction or body style they'd consider for a RWD platform, but their core sedan and SUV line-up is very doubtful. More AWD Turbo Mazdaspeed's are needed please!

 

Good remembrance to not blame the engineers for poor products. It's the high level executives that make the boring choices.

 

Never, it's those damn bean counters..

 

The RX-8 had a good run, but looking at it now, it looks so dated. A new RX-7/8/9 needs to be brought asap

 

This is actually a very very good strategy if they go this route and will clearly separate them from the usual FWD cars in this class. I really hope they do it....

Though they had an AWD MS6 that did 13s in the quarter from a boosted 4 and the car community mostly didn't care. Sad..

 

coworker of mine has a MS6 AWD 6M. Tuned by Cobb. Man talk about a fun car

They need to restart Mazdaspeed models, and consider turbo 4 if they won't offer a more powerful V6 on the Mazda6