2010 Mazda RX-8 - The Rotary Engine Continues


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The 2010 RX-8 is a rotary-powered sportscar from Mazda.  Mazda says the new RX-8 will have "a freshened design, improved handling, acceleration, quality and features." The RX-8 first went on sale in North America as a 2004 model and is the successor to the RX-7.  The RX-8 is designated as a  "2+2 coupe" the RX-8, yet this Mazda is overwhelmingly about performance, and the rear seating is a squeeze.  There are, however "free style" rear doors to ease entry.  The RX-8 has a starting MSRP of 27,070 with destination. Fully loaded an RX-8 can reach into the mid-30's price range. The RX-8 competes with Audi's TT, the Shelby GT, and Nissan's 350Z, and this model proves that Mazda's "zoom-zoom" clearly has what it takes to be a leader in the sports coupe segment. The 2010 RX-8 has a starting MSRP $26,495 - $31,990 and an EPA Fuel Economy of 16/23 mpg (city/highway).

RX-8 Power

This model is equipped with the rotary engine that made Mazda famous.  The 1.3 liter RENESIS rotary power plant is good for 212 horsepower with an automatic transmission and 232 with a manual gearbox. True to its sports car roots the RX-8 is most commonly equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox. In a nod to convenience Mazda is also offering a six-speed automatic transmission equipped with steering wheel paddle shifters on all trim levels.

Mazda RX-8 Design

The rear doors of the RX-8 closely resemble 'suicide' doors made famous by the Lincoln Continental circa 1961.  This model has larger exhaust pipes, new LED taillights, new front and rear bumpers, and a restyled front end compared to the previous generation. The RX-8's new look is more aggressive and with a little extra curb-appeal. A new option group is also be available, dubbed the "R3" option package. The R3 will boast a rear spoiler, 19" alloys, and Mazda-styled Recaro racing seats. Mazda RX-8 has always had the aspect of a classic sports car with a powerful-looking and dynamic exterior project that makes it seem to incite horizontal when parked. The innovative version enhances this with an innovative front bumper project that has a larger five-point grille and oil cooling openings, that is almost twice as massive as on the original model for a horizontal stronger look and improved oil cooling. The RX-8 still has a longish hood, pronounced fender flares, and a cabin that has small, rear-hinged back doors to make it easier to get in the backseat.

Driving the RX-8

The high powered engine coupled with the RX-8's nearly perfect 50-50 weight distribution make for an impressively powerful sports car. For better handling and acceleration, this Mazda model gets suspension and manual transmission tweaks. Also contributing to the evolved handling of the Mazda RX-8, the exterior design has been improved aerodynamically and reduced raise for an overall improvement in performance feel and high-speed stability. Underbody airflow is optimised as by a redesigned and extended floor covering. All these measures diminish raise for horizontal better driving stability.

RX-8 Cabin

Inside, the front  seats offer plenty of space, while the rear is cramped, but there is officially room for four people. Updates to this cabin include a redesigned steering wheel and a fresh set of front and rear seats. Also of note, Mazda has added a "variable red-zone" to the tachometer. Due to the nature and mechanics of the rotary engine, drivers will be shown a different "red line" based on engine temperatures. The interior of the RX-8 facelift adds materials for a farther improvement in quality look and feel. The cockpit is sportier with a tachometer that now has a variable red-zone that rises as the engine comes to operating temperature, an implement cluster with a newly developed color to aid minimize eye strain, and an innovative steering wheel.  There are bucket seats in front and back, and a full-length center console runs the length of the cabin between both rows of seats. With the R3 sport package, the RX-8 gains a Bose audio system, Bluetooth cell phone connectivity, Recaro front bucket seats and keyless start.

2010 Lineup

The base trim level, known as Sport, has two option groups available. Xenon headlamps, fog lights, and traction control can be added to manual RX-8s. Automatic models can have all these features added as well as 18" wheels, a limited slip differential, larger brakes, and a sport tuned suspension. With the mid level trim, called the Touring model, all of the Sports options are standard, along with a power moonroof and 300-watt Bose stereo. The Grand Touring, the RX-8's first class model, comes with leather appointed seats, an 8-way powered driver's seat, a remote start system, and heated mirrors.

Summary

The launch of the RX-8 gave a big boost to the rotary engine.  Since its launch, it has won 45 global awards.  The 2010 RX-8 gets superior safety features including ABS,  traction control, seat belts with pretensioners and load-limiters ,  six airbags and child safety seat mounts in the rear.  Also, the new RX-8 inherits the original model's shock cone aluminum bonnet constitution that disperses impact potency when struck, which improves pedestrian safety. For further research, read another Mazda RX-8 review.