Mazda RX-8 0-60 times

The Japanese automaker Mazda introduced rotary-engine sports cars in 1971. Following cases of lack of user-friendliness and high price tags, the vehicle manufacturer withdrew all models, leaving the RX-8 behind to compete with other sports cars within the market at the time. Its ability to build cars with lightweight rotary engines was what set it apart from others. And for the Mazda RX-8, it was the only one that featured four-door configuration.

At the heart of the RX-8 was the high performing 1.3-liter, twin-rotor Wankel engine. Due to its compact size, Mazda engineers were able to mount it at the rear, giving the car equal weight distribution. In addition, the car exhibited sharp steering and balanced suspension tuning, making it one of the best-handling cars at 3,000 pounds.

Models produced between 2004 and 2011 featured four seats and four doors which made it easy to access the spacious rear seats. The desired transmission determined the power output. The six-speed manual churned out 232 hp at 9,000 rpm. This enabled the RX-8 to hit 60mph in 7.0 seconds. Its six-speed automatic counterpart produced 212 hp with a redline of 7,500rpm. The rotary availed 152 lb-ft of torque, which meant that the driver had to stay focused to keep the car in power and moving.

The RX-8 model came in four trims: the R3, Grand Touring, Sport and Touring. All of these came with exemplary features, with the base equipped with 18-inch wheels, leather-wrapped steering wheel, auxiliary audio jack, cruise control and a 6-speaker audio system. The Grand Touring topped this with leather upholstery, automatic Xenon headlights, limited-slip rear differential, heated seats, keyless entry and ignition, a navigation system, Bose stereo, Bluetooth connectivity, driver seat with memory features and automatic climate control. The R3 was the better performing variant with ruthlessly tuned suspensions, 19-inch wheels, high-tech features, Recaro sports seats and modified exterior body features.

Despite its sports-car appearance, the RX-8 is quite submissive. Thanks to its solid grip and responsive demeanor, it’s less likely to stress you during the ordinary daily commute. To produce more power, the engine does require to be pushed to higher speeds. It is, however, vibration-free and produces little to no sound.

No other sports car can compete with the RX-8’s brilliant reverse-opening rear seats and two-person back seats. There’s ample room for the average-sized. Overall, the car is very lively and offers an excellent example of what fun driving is like. The engine does consume a lot though.

Some of the biggest exterior and interior changes were introduced in 2009. A wider exterior grille, auxiliary jack, and Bluetooth connectivity were some of the features that came with the much-improved RX-8. The R3 ultra-performing variant also came out the same year with the Touring model seeing production in 2010.

Unfortunately, the low torque on the RX-8 proved to be quite challenging to handle. The 2009s came with less rear-end ration meaning that there were less clutch slip and revving. However, the acceleration was somehow slowed by up to 0.2 seconds. This was due to modifications on the second-third shift. Fuel economy was also somewhat negatively impacted, consuming more or less a gallon per 15 miles. Another rotation may, however, come up soon as Mazda signs up for a new entertaining eccentric.