2004 Mazda RX-8
04/05/2004
Shahed Hussain
The rotary engine has been identified with Mazda since the early 1970's. The RX-7 was Mazda's flagship sports car until the mid-90's. When the RX-7 disappeared from the US market, so did the rotary engine from Mazda's US lineup until the introduction of the long anticipated RX-8.
The RX-8 is unusual because it is a 4-door sports car (even if the doors are small, and reverse-opening). The eye-catching red mica paint of the test vehicle instantly telegraphs that this is no pretender sports car. Aggressive 18-inch, 5-spoke alloy wheels are shod with grippy Bridgestone RE040 performance tires. Dual exhaust tips peek out of the dark gray rear valance panel below the bumper. A sculpted front fascia evokes the last generation RX-7. The front fenders are visually separated from the body by the raised hood.
Deeply contoured red and dark grey leather seats are stylish and racy-looking. The front seats have a metallic gray frame that contrasts with the dark gray upholstery. Shiny aluminum colored spars run along the length of the center console. A centrally mounted tachometer redlines at 8500 RPM. The digital speedometer is integrated into the tachometer face. Smaller coolant temperature, fuel level, and oil temperature gauges flank the tachometer. The steering wheel is wrapped in red and dark grey leather. Audio and cruise control switches are steering wheel mounted for easy access. Aluminum pedals and a short, triangular-shaped shift lever round out the essential controls. An optional 300-watt Bose stereo system cranks out surprisingly clear audio.
The reverse opening rear doors significantly improve access to the snug back seats. Surprisingly, it is possible for a 5'-10" adult to sit behind a similar height driver. Anyone taller will not be too happy with the rear accommodations. Despite the relatively comfortable seats, the wide center console doesn't allow baby seats to be mounted in the rear.
The rotary engine has a truly unique sound best described as a frenetic buzzing that rises in pitch with engine RPM. Power delivery is very linear, with no discernible peaks or valley all the way to redline. A 6-speed transmission is standard (although a 4-speed automatic is optional). The 6-speed is slightly notchy, but shifts smoothly via the short throw lever. The clutch engages somewhat abruptly in the last 1/3 of pedal travel. To make up for the relatively low 159 lb.-ft. torque, Mazda has geared the RX-8 transmission with a short 4.444:1 final drive ratio. It is easy to be in 6th gear at 50 mph, due to the gearing. The short gear ratios ensure that throttle response is nearly instantaneous at any speed.
The first corner reveals that the RX-8 is a serious sports car. Turn-in response is razor sharp. Just steering in the direction of travel, and RX-8 obeys with minimal roll or understeer. The result of such tight suspension and steering is that one must pay attention to what the car is doing at all times. On chilly days, one has to be careful to warm up the tires first, or experience power-on oversteer in 1st & 2nd gears at full throttle. The DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) is tuned not to be overly intrusive and ruin the fishtailing fun. Needless to say, the RX-8 would not be an ideal winter car in the Snow Belt region of the US.
Suspension damping is firm without being harsh. Acceleration squat and braking dive are minimal. Noise from the Bridgestone RE040 tires is quite noticeable on concrete highways. This is a common characteristic of high performance tires. Rear seat occupants will have difficulty carrying on a conversation with the driver or front passenger at highway speeds, due to road and tire noise.
So.. just what is the RX-8? One drive will convincingly prove that this Mazda is a no compromises sports car that just happens to have 2 extra doors. Mazda has created a unique vehicle that makes no apologies about its intent: pure driving enjoyment. One can hope that enough drivers will appreciate the appeal of the RX-8 to keep it in Mazda's lineup.
