2008 Mazda RX-8 Grand Touring

A Smooth Operator

SPECS

MSRP: $31,070; total vehicle price $34,254, destination $595
Engine: 1.3liter Rotary engine, 232 hp., 159 lb. ft. torque
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Body type: unibody with front/rear suspension subframe
Wheelbase: 106.4 in.
Height: 52.8 in.
Weight: 3,045 lbs.
Width: 69.7 in.
Length: 174.3 in.
Tires: 225/45R18 high performance
Wheels: 18-inch aluminum alloy
Fuel tank capacity: 15.9 gal.
EPA Fuel Economy: 16/22 mpg.
Warranty: 36 mth/36,000-mile covers every part except those subject to normal wear; 60,000-mile/5 yr. powertrain; 24/365/7 roadside assistance; 5 yr./unlimited mileage corrosion.

A replacement for the long-ago but remembered Mazda RX-7, the RX-8 never held much appeal for this writer. This time around is different as we found it to be a very desirable sports car. A high-powered, light weight contender, RX-8 handles well offering the driver a feeling of control.

In 2007 the RX-8 added a Grand Touring model available in Sand leather-trimmed seats, and the Touring and Grand Touring models added a standard 6-disc CD changer. Available in either the six-speed manual with 212 horsepower or the six-speed automatic with 232 horse and steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters, the RX-8 is built for the racer-wanna-be as well as the family.

The rebirth of the Rotary engine has been important for Mazda and is exclusive to the RX-8. The RX-8 is in fact, the only mass-produced rotary powered passenger car in the world. The Rotary engine works by turning a triangular rotor in a cocoon-shaped combustion chamber to efficiently perform the processes of intake, compression, combustion and exhaust. Smooth and high-revving the Rotary engine gives one a feeling of turbo-like driving.

The packaging of the RX-8 would not have been possible without the use of the Rotary engine due to its smaller and lighter size. Forty-percent smaller and lighter than a 4-cylinder engine, the Rotary engine has been improved upon year after year.

Driving the Rx-8 one does not get the sense of riding on the ground as in sports cars of the past. Due to the RX-8's aluminum double-wishbone suspension, mounting of the upper and lower arms on a rigid sub-frame, bounce is eliminated. Mono-tube gas-filled shock absorbers are on all wheels offering a smooth ride. Rather than a power-steering pump, the RX-8 employs an electric motor for steering assistance at low speeds to make it easier to park.

The RX-8's styling is unique and although there is a back seat, someone of much height or weight would have a hard time fitting in. Which is one reason Mazda designed unique ≥freestyle≤ doors. A four-door design, the rear doors are hinged and provide a large door opening. Exterior sports-car cues lend themselves well to interior comfort and roominess unexpected in a vehicle this size.

With the RX8's unique looks, the dependability of Mazda and the interior roominess and comfort unusual for a sports car make the RX8 a great choice.