RX-8 ‘race ready’ off showroom floor

This week, we test drive Mazda’s 2005 RX-8, a sports car that combines a stunning aerodynamic exterior, powerful and efficient rotary engine and that special “Zoom-Zoom” driving experience.

The RX-8 is fitted with a 1.3-liter Renesis rotary engine that accelerates like a V-8. The little engine produces an unbelievable 238 horsepower from just 79.33 cubic inches. Mazda’s rotary is significantly smaller than traditional internal combustion engines, yet remarkably smooth and very high revving. The redline is 9,000 rpm, an unheard of number for normal, production-based engines and capable of more than 10,000 rpm with no breakage in race mode.

Thanks to the Bertil Roos Driving School at Pocono Raceway, we were allowed to take the RX-8 and several passengers on the track’s new 2.5-mile road course and fast lap with the race driving instructors.

The Mazda RX-8 is as “race ready” right off the showroom floor as any car we’ve driven. It handled very well, even with the extra passenger weight, and accelerated with authority. On the fast part of the track, the Mazda accelerated to more than 110 mph with ease. In the turns it was “neutral,” meaning no push and no loose conditions. It was great! The rear-drive RX-8 accelerates from zero to 60 mph in about 6.5 seconds and will do 146 mph wide open.

In 2004, Mazda changed the engine-mount points for the new Renesis rotary because of the extra space available under the hood. Engineers mounted the engine lower and further rearward, totally behind the front axle, resulting in an advanced “front-midship” layout. The fuel tank is placed ahead of the rear axle, and all seating is within the wheelbase and track of the car. Combined, these changes contribute to a 50/50 vehicle weight distribution, low yaw-inertia moment and the superb handling we experienced at Pocono.

This midship design also allows for a very low hood design and utilization of a new double-wishbone front suspension and a rear multi-link arrangement. Four mono-tube gas-filled shocks give excellent road feedback to the driver.

The cabin features Mazda’s advanced ergonomic research for comfort and reduced driver fatigue. Front seats are similar to racing styles, with excellent side-to-side “hold.” Add some soft blue lighting from the instrument cluster (chosen to minimize eye fatigue) and you’ve got yourself a perfect sports car cruiser.

All the expected safety items are included, from large ABS disc brakes on all wheels to Dynamic Stability Control, the latter standard on our six-speed. Additionally, a dual-stage inflation system is used on the frontal airbags, and seat-mounted side-impact airbags and side-curtain airbags complement the system. The front seats are designed to minimize whiplash injuries, the brake pedal is designed to break away in the event of a collision of sufficient force and all four seating positions are fitted with three-point seatbelts.

Standard RX-8 features include all the powers, cruise, AM/FM/CD audio system, air, 18-inch high-speed tires and alloy wheels, and much more. Our tester came with a $4,250 Grand Touring Package, which added upgraded Bose audio, leather trim seats, eight-way power driver seat, heated seats, fog lamps, Homelink, stability control, heated outside mirrors, Xenon headlamps and a moon roof.

Important numbers include a wheelbase of 106.4 inches, curb weight of 3,810-pounds, 7.6 cubic-feet of cargo space, and 18 mpg city/24 mpg highway EPA numbers.

In summary, we give RX-8 a 9 on a scale of one to 10.

Likes: Unbelievable performance, great handler, sporty looks.

Dislikes: Never came close to EPA mileage numbers in normal driving.