ggreen29
09-13-2003, 10:40 AM
AutoWeek's Drivers Log includes reports on the RX8. See this webby:here (http://autoweek.com/cat_content.mv?port_code=autoweek&cat_code=carboard&loc_code=index&content_code=09072222)
or read here:
2004 Mazda RX-8
DATE IN FLEET: Aug. 12-21
AS-TESTED PRICE: $30,300
POWERTRAIN: 1.3-liter twin-rotary; rwd, six-speed manual HP: 238 @ 8500 rpm TORQUE: 159 @ 5500 rpm
CURB WEIGHT: 3029 pounds
FLOYD: You can debate all you want whether four doors equals true sports car—I ain’t hearin’ it. This is sports car cool, period. Just ask the guy who made eye contact with me on the freeway just so he could give me the thumbs-up. And I had perma-grin on my face every time I wound the rotary to 8000. What a sweet sound. Behind the wheel, this is one of the neatest cockpits I’ve seen in a while. I like how the digital speedo meshes with the tach. And the center console is super trick; I love how the nav system folds into the dash, how the radio/climate controls are neatly integrated. Interior build quality looks pretty darn impressive as well, and I can’t get over how good the rear doors work. From the outside, you barely notice they’re there.
MORRISON:The RX-8 must be built on the Switzerland platform, because it’s possibly the most neutral road car I’ve ever driven. The chassis amazes you by how stable and predictable it is. The harder you drive, the more you learn that this is indeed a sports car. If you still don’t think so after a hard-driving blast, well, you’re wrong. The perfect weight distribution pays big dividends when you let rip around corners. There’s not a lot of understeer, and you’ve really got to work to get the tail out. As for the engine, it’s simply awesome. The Renesis’ buzz alone, especially past seven grand on the tach, is worth double-bonus joy points.
Livin' La Vida Ocho.
or read here:
2004 Mazda RX-8
DATE IN FLEET: Aug. 12-21
AS-TESTED PRICE: $30,300
POWERTRAIN: 1.3-liter twin-rotary; rwd, six-speed manual HP: 238 @ 8500 rpm TORQUE: 159 @ 5500 rpm
CURB WEIGHT: 3029 pounds
FLOYD: You can debate all you want whether four doors equals true sports car—I ain’t hearin’ it. This is sports car cool, period. Just ask the guy who made eye contact with me on the freeway just so he could give me the thumbs-up. And I had perma-grin on my face every time I wound the rotary to 8000. What a sweet sound. Behind the wheel, this is one of the neatest cockpits I’ve seen in a while. I like how the digital speedo meshes with the tach. And the center console is super trick; I love how the nav system folds into the dash, how the radio/climate controls are neatly integrated. Interior build quality looks pretty darn impressive as well, and I can’t get over how good the rear doors work. From the outside, you barely notice they’re there.
MORRISON:The RX-8 must be built on the Switzerland platform, because it’s possibly the most neutral road car I’ve ever driven. The chassis amazes you by how stable and predictable it is. The harder you drive, the more you learn that this is indeed a sports car. If you still don’t think so after a hard-driving blast, well, you’re wrong. The perfect weight distribution pays big dividends when you let rip around corners. There’s not a lot of understeer, and you’ve really got to work to get the tail out. As for the engine, it’s simply awesome. The Renesis’ buzz alone, especially past seven grand on the tach, is worth double-bonus joy points.
Livin' La Vida Ocho.