2008 Mazda RX-8
40th
Anniversary Rotary Engine
 |
SPECS
|
Having recently driven
the 2007 version of the Mazda RX-8, we were pleasantly surprised at what a
nice vehicle this is. Not having seen any stats on how it sells of late, our
guess is that it might be underrated. Its styling may take a little getting
used to for some. Now that we are, we appreciate its difference. There isn't
any mistaking the RX-8 for another sports car. It has a look all its own.
Launched in 2003, the
RX-8 sports car was a unique entry into the sports-car market. There wasn't
any confusing it with other sports cars out there, due to its curvy, athletic
stance. New for 2008 is the 40th Anniversary edition to celebrate
Mazda's rotary engine history. The RX-8 is the only mass produced rotary-powered
car in the world, and to date, Mazda has produced almost two million vehicles
powered by this engine. I can remember the early days of the rotary-engine
RX-7.
After a week in the 2007 RX-8 we were ready to sign the dotted line. The 2008 evokes the same reaction. The smooth shifting and 6-speed transmission is a dream and the gears go from one to the other without any effort for the driver. Manual shifters aren't what they were, of course, in days past. Mazda's shifts without much work required of the driver.
This 2008 version commemorates
the 40th Anniversary edition of the rotary engine with a special
Metropolitan Gray Mica exterior and Cosmo Red interior. On the front right
panel is a 40th anniversary edition rotary engine emblem, as well
as special 40th anniversary floor mats to mark the date. Eighteen-inch
alloy wheels are unique to the 40th Anniversary edition, as are
suspension enhancements, fog lamps and silver engine cover.
This special edition
of the 2008 RX-8 comes with plenty of standard equipment, including a power
moonroof and sun shade, leather trimmed seats, Xenon HID headlamps, dual power
heated mirrors, rear window glass radio antenna, power windows/doors/locks,
leather wrapped shift knob, Mazda's advanced keyless entry system, black with
aluminum accent scuff plates, steering wheel audio and cruise, blue tinted
fog lamps, and dual chrome tailpipe garnish, among other amenties.
There weren't any additional
options on our 40th anniversary edition RX-8. Anti-lock brakes and DSC with traction
control helped us navigate a fair amount of snow this week. For those who
are assured this sports car is safe, the RX-8 gets five stars for front crash/passenger
and four stars for front crash/driver. Side crash ratings are four star and
rollover, five star. Side airbags and side curtains are standard, as is a
tire pressure monitoring system.
The RX-8's instrumental
panel is attractive, yet understated. The cabin is roomier than the Miata
MX-5 and does offer rear seating with four separate doors for easier access.
The 8-way power driver's seat helps when needing a boost up. As with
all sports cars, you sit low. Driver and passenger seats are heated and the
300-watt Bose stereo with nine speakers is well heard inside this small space.
Due to Mazda's independent
front double-wishbone rear multi-link suspension, the RX-8's ride is very
smooth and even. Although sport-tuned, the suspension provides a solid, comfortable
ride. Never did we feel as though we were riding on the ground. Bumps are
taken rather well in the RX-8, without any jarring.
Available for 2008
is a 212-horsepower Rotary engine, coupled with Mazda's six-speed automatic
transmission and steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters. Both cars are equipped
with power windows/doors/locks, cruise and an AM/FM/CD audio system with six
speakers.
Reviewed
by Susan Frissell. Womenwithwheels.com