In this week’s Ask Nathan:
- Is there going to be a Mazda RX9?
- Audi Q7 diesel vs Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel?
- What effect will the Brexit have on the British export of cars?
This first question comes from a viewer who wants a new Mazda rotary sports car.
Q: I don’t know if you can answer this, but will there be a new RX8? Maybe a Mazda RX9?
I liked the Mazda RX8 but it was too slow. I think the Mazda RX9 should be turbocharged like the older Mazda RX7 don’t you? I wonder if Mazda will make it a 2+2 like the RX8?
The Wookie
A: Hello Mr. Wookie,
It’s not whether or not Mazda wants to build the Mazda RX9, I think it’s more of a question of cost and return on investment. Believe me, the desire to build the Mazda RX9 is strong. Building a car that will share few parts with other Mazdas is expensive enough; I imagine the cost to develop a rotary engine that’s cleaner, more powerful and more efficient than the old one will be bloody expensive.
Still, there are some encouraging signs. Mazda recently let it be known that they have had a team working on the rotary for eight years, trying to address its issues. Also, Ward’s Auto (very) recently interviewed the Vice President of marketing at Mazda North American Operations, Russell Wager, who said, “That concept car (the RX Vision which is pictured) shows RX in the title. Every time we’ve used that in the past, it means rotary engine. I hope that’s the case this time.” Wagner went on to say, “That car wouldn’t come to market unless it has a rotary engine. That’s what they are working on.”
There is hope Mr. Wookie.
I suspect we will hear about the possible future for the Mazda RX9 soon.
Stay tuned!
N
This next question is from a viewer who wants a diesel SUV.
Q: Nathan,
Hello from New York (Westchester county). I’m in the market for an used SUV with a diesel engine. I like the Jeep Grand Cherokee with the diesel, but I also like the Audi Q7.
I guess here are my details of what I need it for: gas mileage, since I’d have to travel 600-plus miles once a month; towing, I’d like at least to be able to tow 5,000 lbs; and room to seat five comfortably. Any thoughts?
Fabian M
A: Hi Fabian, thanks for the question!
The last Audi Q7 TDI I drove was a 2014 TDI V6. Still, I was blown away at its performance and refinement. It was very easy to drive daily and the luxury amenities were top notch. One thing to keep in mind: given the issues with dieselgate, I don’t know how easy it will be to get a used one.
While I loved the Audi Q7 TDI, I would get the Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel. I go off road more than the average driver and the overall competence of the Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel is impressive. I like the look and feel of the interior components and it can easily tow 5,000 lbs (maximum towing is 7,400 lbs [2WD] or 7,200 lbs [4WD]).
Either way, both vehicle are outstanding long distance machines.
Hope that helps!
N
The last question comes from a fan who wants to know what effect the Brexit (British exit from the European Union) will have on British automotive exports.
Q: Hi Nathan. Do you think the Brexit will have a negative effect on cars exported to the USA?
I think the consumers will have to swallow the markup each car will get with the expensive taxes that will be levied against the cars. Some people say the price of British cars will go up at least 15%. Pardon me but that would be the death of British export to this country. Right now, they are too expensive, adding 10, 15, 20% to a car would be suicide!
Jordan
A: Hi Jordan.
It’s hard to predict what Brexit will do to the industry. New trade agreements will have to be inked with taxes and security agreements revised. I honestly do not know what to expect.
One thing I know for sure, the last thing any British automaker wants to do is alarm their customers.
“For Jaguar Land Rover, today is just business as usual. We are a British business with a strong manufacturing base in this country, we call Britain home and we remain committed to all our manufacturing sites and investment decisions. We respect the views of the British people and in line with all other businesses, Jaguar Land Rover will manage the long-term impact and implications of this decision: nothing will change for us, or the automotive industry, overnight.” – Jaguar Land Rover Statement
Anyone out there have an opinion on the Brexit?
N
Here’s the next video episode of “Ask Nathan!”
Nathan and The Fast Lane Car team are here to answer your (reasonable) questions. Interesting and/or entertaining emails will be posted to this column. If it’s relevant in the automotive universe, there’s a chance we may know something about it. The author’s email address and name will be omitted – leaving your initials or nickname, your preference.
From day one, The Fast Lane Car has made it our policy to answer as many questions and comments as we can. We get thousands of emails and comments and feel that, as part of a tight-knit automotive community, having an open dialogue with you keeps things fresh and exciting.
Got a question for Nathan? Drop him a line at: asknathan@tflcar.com
