As the sun sets on 2010, lets look at the year ahead. 2011 The 20th Anniversary Year.
Since the FD3s was release in 1991 It may be fitting that this becomes the last year of RE-Xtreme.
It seems the longevity has proven that Japan's best pure sports car has some real staying power. Certainly last years 7's day showed the community is still very strong in Japan and around the world. 9 years after the final production run of FD3s, the tuners are now looking to other things in search of direction. SE3P Rx8 are becomming more mainstream as the "quality" FD3s in japan are dissapearing. However the Rx8 is also in it's last year of production.
2011 brings a little uncertainty.
Super GT will have no FD3s Rx7 on the grid.
Super Taikyu? Teams still to confirm but highly unlikely.
Time Attack? There still seems to be activity here and it's a good source of development.
D1? Will it continue? What will it change to?
For privateers in motorsport. (most of us) Drift or Circuit
The FD3s is now becomming a cheaper option for entry. Although running costs remain high.
Drag.
Theres still a lot of tube frame rx7s out there with 1000+ hp. We may see more in 2011.
Show Scene.
Has the FD3s been done to death? Could it be a show stealer once more? As always, 2011 starts with Tokyo Auto Salon and I'll be there taking a slab of images for you all.
RE-Amemiya will be there with 5 FD3s, Revolution, RE-Wing, R-Magic, Etc etc
Auto-Labo are building a new 「air force +」 FD3s body kit with Super GT inspiration.
So there is still new life in the old dog yet.
Hope you all enjoyed 2010!
Russ.
Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteI wonder what the future holds for the rotary engine, once the FD3S and SE3P are phased out.
Mazda seems to be struggling to bring their new 16x rotary engine up to emission standards and the environmentalists kooks doesn't make it any easier.
I hope this isn't the last year of this website. It's seriously my favorite. The rotary wont die even if the RX8 and 16X never exit the R&D department. There is a large and dedicated group of American enthusiasts including me who will keep it alive.
ReplyDelete