The
lack of a center pillar helps keep the wheelbase relatively short.
According to Mazda's engineers and stylists, a center pillar would have
added almost six inches to the car's length. At a comparatively short
174.6 inches, the RX-8 is exactly the same length as a Honda Civic
four-door. Despite its enlarged passenger cabin, the RX-8 is claimed
to be twice as stiff in torsion and 1.7 times more resistant to bending
than was the last-generation RX-7. After looking at the sturdy bridge
that connects the gearbox and differential unit and the robust
shock-tower braces front and rear, not to mention two underfloor tunnel
braces, we can believe it.
Besides, the unibody itself has beefy front frame rails that divide
to join a backbone frame in the center and longitudinal rails on the
sides. This system was designed to transfer crash loads while
collapsing in a programmed fashion. To further protect occupants, a
roof gusset and floor crossmembers form a cage around the passenger
compartment. All these features helped the RX-8 ace federal and
Japanese new-car assessment program tests with maximum scores.
The RX-8 also has a framework of high-tensile longitudinal rails and
crossmembers in its tail to anticipate a pending 50-mph offset rear
crash-impact test. Despite all this reinforcement and buttressing, the
RX-8 is expected to weigh just over 3000 pounds. Along with the
high-powered six-speed model we will see here as a flagship in the
spring of '03, there will be a lower-powered (about 207 horsepower)
version with a five-speed automatic transmission. A sport suspension
will be offered as an option on either model, with 18-inch wheels and
225/45R-18 Bridgestone Potenza RE040 tires replacing the standard
16-inch wheels and 225/55R-16 tires.
Thirteen-inch front brake rotors are also to be an option over the
stock 12-inch units. The car will come with Tokico monotube shocks and
Bosch-supplied ABS and stability control as standard equipment.
Steering assist is by electric motor, and the interior is clad in three
contrasting molded textures with optional color leather inserts on the
seats and steering wheel. The audio panel mimics a high-end CD player,
and triangular rotor motifs abound. And the price? At an expected base
of $27,000, the RX-8's value harks back to the early days of the RX-7. Finally,
for those utility addicts, there are cup holders fore and aft, and the
trunk will hold two golf bags or two medium Samsonite suitcases. All of
which begs the question: Is a four-seat sports car an oxymoron? Wait and see. MAZDA RX-8
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