I don't think this preview has been posted, but here is a link to EVO's site. When there click "Driven" then "Index" and then "RX8."


http://www.evo.co.uk/

Thanks rev, good read :)

One quote I noticed:
Mazda hints that a turbocharged version of the RX-8 is on the way and possibly a more sports-biased RX-7 replacement.

Hope it's naturally aspirated, but we'll see :)

To save everyone rummaging through the menus at Evo's site, here's a direct link to the article (http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/?domain=evo&page=http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/driven/driven_story.php?id=32221)

rotary engines had been plagued by thirst and unreliability ALL ALONG??? i don't know about that...

I wouldn't believe everything that article said they had a few bits of misinformation. But what disturbs me is this
the rotor tip seals now have a target life of almost 150,000 miles instead of 65,000
If they are talking about the apex seals than we need to get more than 150,000 miles out of them. The apex seals have been a big problem in the FD. Lets hope i just misunderstood what seals they are talking about.

Originally posted by cueball1029
I wouldn't believe everything that article said they had a few bits of misinformation. But what disturbs me is this

If they are talking about the apex seals than we need to get more than 150,000 miles out of them. The apex seals have been a big problem in the FD. Lets hope i just misunderstood what seals they are talking about.

I think it is another example of a reporter talking out of their ( * ). ;)

Many NA rotaries from 20 years ago had apex seals that lasted hundreds of thousands of miles. Some people (reporters) read a little bit about the reliability of the twin-turbo 3rd gen and think they can apply their "knowledge" to the renesis.

Thanks buger. I am glad it is just another inept reporter.:D

[/RANT]
All the talk about questionable rotary engine reliability makes my blood boil. As a proud owner of two 1st Generation RX-7's (a 82 and a 79), I know full well how reliable these motors are. Both were/are high milage vehicles. The '82 had 230,000kms on it when I sold it and my current '79 has ~160,000kms. Both were/are used in all weather, summer and winter, rain and shine. Neither has given me a whit of trouble or given any hint of engine failure. I autocrossed the '82 last year at 225k kms, and the car ran and accelerated quite well.

As for the later RX-7's, the reliablity issues arose from turbos and boost, which is not surprising. The rotary is a very hot engine, which combined with poor turbo cooling made for some unfortunate early motor deaths in the FD. Boost is detrimental to any engine, not just the rotary, and requires precise maintinence for the continued health of the engine.
[/RANT]