Ignore the doors
10/27/2003
Greg A. Godsell
Some cars these days have attracted too much attention during their final development. By the time they reach the streets, they're almost old news. The RX-8 is one of those cars. We gawked at the concept, the prototype, the next prototype, and eagerly awaited the US production version. All the while, we focused on what seemed to be the premise of the car: a sports sedan for a market that had softened on coupes.
It doesn't take long behind the wheel to get it straight. This car is all about the engine and driving performance. Don't be distracted by the trick doors. Pay attention to how this one drives and sounds and you will be rewarded.
The rotary engine is one of a kind. Mazda has effectively been the sole champion of rotary power and their commitment to that engine technology is the heart of the RX cars. RENESIS stands for Rotary Engine geNISES and represents over 40 years of development by Mazda. Rotary engines are known for being compact, light, high revving and prone to burning oil. The RENESIS is all this and more. RX-8 comes in two flavors: a 197hp automatic and the 238hp manual. While those numbers seem on the high side based on seat time, you will be hard pressed to find similar engine response out of anything else with a 1.3-liter displacement. After all, the rotary engine is not known for torque.
The styling on this car is striking. It is a complete design concept from front to back, that is to say that all the little details add up. The lines in the hood mirror the engine shroud. Details under the rear fascia mimic the shapes of the rotary engine. The instrument panel has rounded themes. There is enough detail on this car that it will take you many loving car washes to discover all the hidden treasures. Step back to stare and you really wonder what it would look like about 4 in shorter as a pure coupe.
The doors -- they are cool. It adds a little bit of distinction to this car -- but in the end, they don't add a lot of value. The back seat is small. The center console is huge. Child safety seats will not fit. While getting in and out of the back seat would have been impossible in 2-door form, the extra doors make it livable. The 4 doors do not however make this a sports sedan.
Our test model was the S model that has the extra horses. Behind the wheel, the car does not feel overly fast. Nimble and precise are better words. The power builds and feels responsive, but never gives you that "oh my..." feeling. The appeal lies elsewhere. The luscious rotary engine noises make you sound like you are _in_ the rotary engine -- like you are strapped right on the back of the engine block. The steering and handling is razor sharp. The car feels really, really good on curvy roads, and corners.
In short, the RX8 is a well executed masterpiece. It's distinct, and it's fun. At just under $30k, it's a pretty good value as well. It could use a bit more power, but definitely represents a unique driving experience emphasizing finesse rather than brute strength. When it's all said and done, you have to wonder what this would have been like without those doors...
