Mazda Rx8 Past Present and Future
Past: When the Mazda RX8 was first launched in 2003 it was made to be a more affordable alternative to the late RX7, while providing the same kick from a 1.3 liter dual rotor rotary engine that is smartly mounted behind the front axle and the gas tank ahead of the rear axle. This placement gives the car an almost equal 50:50 weight distribution that contributed to its reputation as being a powerful and smooth shifting road runner that also displays uncanny grip and extremely responsive handling that does not produce any oversteer or understeer whatsoever.
Present: The current model of the Mazda RX8 is available in Sport, Touring, Grand Touring, and 40th Anniversary trims that have added incentives and higher costs as you move from Sport up to 40th Anniversary edition ($27,070-$32,750). They all come with the same 1.3 liter RENESIS 6-port rotary engine that produces a staggering 232 horsepower from its manual 6 speed version that gets an EPA estimated 16 mpg city and 22 mpg highway. To tell you how truly amazing that rotary engine is, the RX8 has a 1.3 liter engine, that is smaller than a regular 2 liter bottle of Dr. Pepper, but producing an aggressive 232 horsepower. If you compare this engine to the 4.1 liter engine of a 2005-present Ford Mustang that can produce only 210 horsepower in its base trim and 300 hp in its GT trim. This is a huge difference because one, the Mustang produces that much horsepower from a large boisterous V6 (210hp) or V8 (300hp) 4.1 liter engine that is around 3 and a quarter times bigger than the RX8's 1.3 liter that make the shifting smoother and a bit quicker. Also the RX8, because of its engine placement has impeccable handing and grip on the road. The Mustang is a one way dragger that has turning of that of an ice cream truck. The RX8 also comes with any extremely roomy, stylish, and technologically advanced interior, which includes 4 large, leather bucket seats, high resolution digital tachometer, available 300 watt 9 speaker Bose speaker system with SIRIUS Satellite radio, "Freestyle Doors" which give the roominess of a sedan to the powerful and nimble coupe, and available hands free navigation system with optional voice directions. Cup holder, AC, and power windows and locks all come standard.
Future: The future 2009 model has been upgraded with a meaner and sharper looking body kit, same 232hp engine on its standard model and a slightly improved gear change differential that will increase the quickness and agility during shifts. The 2009 RX8 will also be available in the RX8 R3 trim which basically puts more gadgets in the cockpit, new spoiler, 19" alloy rims with high performance tires, sport-tuned suspension with Bilstein shock absorbers and front-suspension crossmembers filled with urethane foam for a smoother ride, and minimized NVH and greater suspension control.
Summary: The RX8 is a great car if you don't have the money for a Lotus Elise or just want to experience a quick, agile, smooth, and powerful car to reach out to your every sense. All in all this car provides sex appeal, an exhilarating drive, the interior room of a sedan with all the sportiness of a coupe, and pretty good gas mileage all at the cost of under $35,000.
