SEPTEMBER 04, 2003 
Mazda RX-8
(continued)
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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

Vehicle type: front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 2+2-passenger, 2+2-door coupe
Estimated base price: $27,000-$28,000
Engine type: two-rotor Wankel, aluminum rotor housings with iron liners and end plates, Mazda engine-control system with port fuel injection
Displacement 80 cu in, 1308cc
Power (SAE net) 207-247 bhp
Torque (SAE net) 159-164 lb-ft
Transmissions 6-speed manual, 5-speed auto
Wheelbase 106.3 in
Length 174.6 in
Width 69.7 in
Height 52.8 in
Curb weight 3000-3050 lb
C/D-estimated performance (247-hp 6-speed):
Zero to 60 mph 6.3 sec
Zero to 100 mph 16.5 sec
Standing 1/4-mile 14.9 sec @ 95 mph
Top speed (drag limited) 150 mph
Estimated fuel economy:
EPA city driving 19-20 mpg
EPA highway driving 28-30 mpg

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Lamborghini Gallardo (September 2003)
The Blow Dryers (August 2003)
Bentley Speed 8 (July 2003)
2004 Chrysler Crossfire (July 2003)


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