Vans, Cars and Leasing

The Mazda RX-8 is the latest sporty coupe with which Mazda has built its reputation. Its four-door configuration marks a new design style for all of Mazda’s fans.

At the core of this new Mazda is the Renesis 1.3-litre rotary engine. This unique engine stands out not only because of its name but because of its side-located exhaust ports on each of the combustion chambers. This simple change makes this engine more powerful, higher in fuel economy and lower in emissions. The small size of the engine enabled engineers to mount it further back on the chassis which distributes the weight 50/50 from front to rear.

The RX-8 was introduced for 2004, marking the return of the rotary powered engine. Before its reintroduction the U.S. sports car industry had not seen a rotary powered engine in nearly 10 years.

Other features that make this car a jewel to handle are the sharp steering, 3,000 pound curb weight, and balanced suspension tuning. The RX comes in either automatic or manual, but the six-speed manual is the only way to go in this car. The manual shift makes the 1.3-litre engine more powerful and the short-throw shifter makes you feel more connected to the car.

In the manual RX-8 the horsepower peaks at 238 while at 8,500rpm. Below 4,000 rpm the engine does not really feel all that powerful because of the nature of rotary engines not really having low-end torque to speak of. You can rev all you want with the rotary though, and it comes across smoothly.

Mazda’s RX-8 goes from 0-60 in 6.6 seconds, which is respectable as far as straight-line acceleration goes, but the sport coupe wins the prize when it comes to the winding road.

The automatic transmission version will red-line at a much lower 7,500 rpm, with the newer models coming with the more advanced 6-speed auto tranny. Paddle shifters are mounted on the steering column. They have 212hp at 7,500rpm versus earlier 2004 and 2005 versions which were 4-speed automatic transmissions.

While being sporty and comfortable enough for regular commuting, the RX-8 can be used for everyday driving, with seats in the rear which will accommodate adults or awkward car seats, and the rear doors are hinged, allowing for easier access.
The manual RX has standard firmer suspension and 18-inch wheels. These do not come standard with the auto transmission, they are optional. Upgrades include the firmer suspension, navigational systems, and leather upholstery.

The predecessor of the RX-8, the RX-7 had difficulty surviving in the U.S. market, having a rough time meeting emissions requirements, and thus having lacklustre sales. The car continued on in Japan through 2002. The final incarnation of the U.S. RX-7 was more expensive then, in comparison to the RX-8 of today.

The old model being sold between ‘93-95 had the ability to hit 255hp at 6,500rpm. It went from 0-60 in an amazing 5.5 seconds. It handled well too, sometimes being compared to race cars. It wasn’t a nice ride though, so you had to appreciate its turbocharged engine and excellent handling abilities more than the comfort of a smooth ride.

Written on behalf of Total Fleet Services Contract Hire UK
Mazda Contract Hire - Mazda RX8 Leasing