Mazda RX8 - total fresh design

[Golich]

I sat in new Mazda RX8 last week. It's a luvely looking mota. I rate it as one of the freshest designed cars caurrently on the market lots of very unique features, non more so than that little 1.4cc 220hp rotary engine.

The piller less door system really works well with access to what appears to be a two door car.

Of course I'm absolutely spoilt now for any other car As I've just taken delivery of my dream car my new RS4. (Have I mentioned this elsewhere? [img]images/graemlins/biggrin3.gif[/img])

[Golich]

Oops didn't realise this had already been started. For some starnge reason quite a number of posts are not shaded suggesting I've viewed them?

[peterb]

... little 1.4cc 220hp rotary engine.

Now, that is small! [img]images/graemlins/shocked.gif[/img] And how they can get 220hp out of something the size of a model aircraft engine is truly astounding! [img]images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

[Riz_RS4]

Now, that is small! And how they can get 220hp out of something the size of a model aircraft engine is truly astounding!

thats the low powered version... the high model has over 230bhp [img]images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

Riz [img]images/graemlins/s3addict.gif[/img]

[Jon]

190 & 220 riz......they we're a little optimistice in the early press releases...iirc

[Riz_RS4]

190 & 220 riz......they we're a little optimistice in the early press releases...iirc

mmmmm yes maybe too optimistic [img]images/graemlins/roflmao.gif[/img]

Riz [img]images/graemlins/s3addict.gif[/img]

[Mo_S3]

Whats the point of having 220bhp when the torque IIRC is only about 130 !! seems pretty crap if u ask me [img]images/graemlins/033102bad_1_prv.gif[/img]

[Riz_RS4]

cars abit like you then.... all talk and no go [img]images/graemlins/<beep>_you.gif[/img]

Riz [img]images/graemlins/s3addict.gif[/img]

[JohnW]

wait for Top Gear on Sunday guys. They have tested the RX8 in this weeks programme (and also put the 350Z around the track to compare times).

It looks like a nice car but not my cup of tea.

[Golich]

The engine spec as follows:

Mazda RX8 (190)
Max output ps @ rpm (KW) 192 @ 7000 (141)
Max torque Nm/rpm 220/5000
Compression ratio 10:1
Redline rpm 7500
0-60mph 7.2
Top speed 139mph

Mazda RX 8 (230)
Max output ps @ rpm (KW) 231 @ 8200!!! (170)
Max torque Nm/rpm 211/5500
Compression ratio 10:1
Redline rpm 9000!!!
0-60mph 6.4
Top speed 146mph

Wow thats a lot of revs for a car engine and the torque is 8Nm less on the 230 version.

Bloody good going for a displacement of 2x654cc eh? 34mpg and 31mpg respectively and for £20-22K.

I've got to try it - out of curiosity

[18ME]

34mpg and 31mpg respectively and for £20-22K.

I've got to try it - out of curiosity

That's a bit, sorry a lot optimistic. Try 27mpg and 24mpg respectively. [img]images/graemlins/shocked.gif[/img]

[TarmacTerrorist]

Saw my first one on the road today, would look at lot better if it were about 6" lower. Nice front wheel arches.

Vinny

[18ME]

The first day home and the dog's got to sniff and give it his approval

[Riz_RS4]

Wicked whats it like? any good?
full review please [img]images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

Riz [img]images/graemlins/s3addict.gif[/img]

[18ME]

I've only done 200 miles so I'll wait until its done the 1000 mile run in until I can give any review. But from the off I think it has one or two quality issues, especially coming from a raft of german cars.
You do notice the lack of torque but not dramaticlly so. Its more akin to a normal 4 cyl car until you really rev it, but not like an S2000 where you get an extra kick after so many revs, its very, very linear. It doesn't feel that quick but it is.
Price wise, it is a very good package. Cost was £22,000 High power version plus £1200 for leather seats inc electric drivers seat and front heated seats, daft not to have that one but the leather quality isn't that good and the bolstering is absolutely terrible....its too thin and pushes your side into the hard plastic through the bolster. £300 for pearl or metallic paint.
So full cost of mine was £23,500 which includes as std:

• 18" Alloys
• Zenons
• Bose
• 6 CD in dash
• DCS plus the usual ABS, Etc
• Cat 1 Alarm, Immobiliser, Airbags
• Plus all the usual the electric gubins that any mdern car should have

Its also about 35% cheaper than the R32 to insure. Fuel costs maybe quite a bit more though, maybe the reason that they didn'y fit a fuel computer [img]images/graemlins/smirk.gif[/img]