Sounds like the legendary RX-7 will return.  Sources close to Mazda have confirmed that a proper 2 door, Rotary engined sports car wearing the famous badge will be popping up in Mazda showrooms in 2011 as a 2012 model year vehicle.

Why the sudden announcement you ask?  There was a management shake up earlier in 2009 and when the dust settled on April 10, 2009, Mr. Ikuo Maeda was announced as the Chief Designer for Mazda.  Mr. Maeda, has been quoted in many interviews as saying that he wants to see a new RX-7 built.  Mr. Maeda has been with Mazda since 1982 and resume includes the RX-8 and Mazda2 .

The new RX-7 will be powered by the new Renesis 16x, twin rotor, rotary engine that features a new direct injection fuel system and a lightweight aluminum side housing.  The new design is said to improve thermal energy and torque levels at all engine speeds, and reduce fuel consumption.

The Renesis 16x has been used already in a recent Mazda concept car and is capable of 350 hp, but will be tuned down to 200 – 250 hp inorder to maintain better fuel mileage.

Prices are slated to start at a very aggressive $25,000 USD.  This will make it a direct competitor with the Hyundai Genesis Coupe, the upcoming cousin rwd coupes from Toyota / Subaru.

I’m thinking, “only 25k, rwd, rotary engine, 250 hp….whom do I leave my deposit with?”