The Mazda RX-8 is the latest in Mazda’s line of sporty cars featuring the rotary engines that make the product line nearly unique in the car market. It is a four door coupe, with a front mounted engine and rear wheel drive.
The heart of the car is of course the engine, a hi-revving 1.3 liter beauty that Mazda has named the Renesis. A simple change from the design of its ancestors, locating the exhaust ports on the side of the combustion chambers rather than on the outer edge of the rotary housing, allows for more power, better fuel economy, and lower emissions than was previously the case with Mazda rotaries. The more compact size of the redesigned engine allows it to be mounted farther back, giving a 50/50 weight distribution over the front and a rear axle that contributes to the RX8’s excellent handling.
The RX8 comes standard with a six speed manual red-lined at 9000 RPM and capable of producing 232 horsepower. This and the cars light 3,000 pound weight, results in 0 to 60 times of approximately 6 seconds. You pay a heavy price in performance if you opt for the manual transmission in this car, the six speed automatic generating only 212 horsepower at 7500 RPM.
Three trim levels are available for the RX8, Sport, Grand Touring, and R3. The base car comes equipped with 18 inch wheels, six-speaker CD stereo, performance tires, leather steering wheel and cruise control. Moving up to the Grand Touring edition gets you automatic xenon headlights, automatic climate control, Bose Stereo, Bluetooth, keyless entry and ignition, powered driver’s seat, heated seats, leather upholstery, and a limited-slip rear differential. The R3 adds 19 inch wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, and Recaro sports seats.
In handling, the RX8 handles the corners with ease, yet its ride won’t beat you up on daily runs to work or the grocery stores. The engine is smooth and vibration free, adding to the comfort on a long drive. EPA rated mileage is approximately 19 cities and 23 highways.
