Mazda RX-8 Research
The Mazda RX-8 is a four-seat sports car, and the latest in a long line of rotary-engine sports cars from the Japanese automaker. In addition to its unusual engine design, the RX-8 goes after a unique quad-coupe assets style, with two puny rear-hinged half doors permitting better access to the rear seating positions than a standard two-door coupe would permit.
The RX-8 was introduced for the two thousand four model year, after its predecessor, the RX-7 had been absent from the U.S. market for most of a decade. While the RX-7 in its later years had become a heavier—more bloated, some might say—grand tourer, laden with tech features, the RX-8 took the light, nimble feel of the Miata and was, from the commence, more affordable. The RX-8 design was absolutely like no other, and blended form and function in better style than most other sports cars of its time; the two rear-hinged suicide-style doors permit improved access to the two back seats, tho’ they’re still fairly taut, and the trunk is just large enough for weekend trips.
In front—which is where you want to be—you sit low to the road, tho’ slightly more upright than other sports coupes, with a small-diameter steering wheel and close cockpit-style gauges. The 232-horsepower, 1.3-liter twin-rotary engine doesn’t make much torque, and to access the bulk of it you have to keep the engine revving. Thank goodness, it’s enormously rev-happy and satisfying to exercise to its upper ranges. Peak power is made at 9,000 rpm, and the engine gets a motorcycle-like wail when it’s up there. The six-speed manual gearbox is the only way to go, as automatic models get a diminished redline and lower power ratings. Steering has a quick ratio and manages a good feel of the road.
In 2009, the RX-8 received some structural improvements, as well as a reconfigured suspension geometry, which resulted in even more certain treating while reducing interior noise and stimulation. With these newer models especially, the RX-8 is actually a lot more civil than you’d expect. It rails reasonably well and provided you have the engine in one of its relaxed upper gears both engine and road noise are fairly muted. It’s also not twitchy in the way that you might think a light, low, rather brief sports car to be. Most notably, Mazda bolstered the rotary engine with some significant seal and gasket improvements that should extend engine life and reduce oil consumption—always a rotary weakness.
Also for 2009, Mazda spinned out a top-of-the-line R3 package, which includes a sport-tuned suspension, Bilstein shocks, and high-performance tires on 19-inch smoky forged-alloy wheels, plus foam-filled front-suspension crossmembers. Wheels were also upsized. Most RX-8 models include electronic stability control, but even for some latest model years, it was not included on the base Sport. Grand Touring models fit those who want all the interior comforts, such as automatic climate control, upgraded audio, Bluetooth, and keyless embark, plus HID headlamps and rain-sensing wipers.
One of the most significant drawbacks of the RX-8 is its thirst for premium. Its EPA city rating is just sixteen mpg, but if you drive the RX-8 in a spirited way you’re likely to see significantly lower.
The RX-8 was discontinued after the two thousand twelve model year, with no direct replacement in glance.