I sat in an RX-8 yesterday. I know, it's no big deal to everyone else on here, but I'm still about 2 years away from owning one . . . so to me this was like being one step closer to the dream, you know?

Anyway, I went to the Detroit auto show. Not only did I sit in an 8, but they had that hydrogen-powered RX-8 up on display, too!


The 8:

http://www2.freepichosting.com/Images/147634/0.jpg

Me IN the 8 (no extra charge for my friend's thumb):

http://www2.freepichosting.com/Images/147634/4.jpg

The RX-8 Hydrogen RE:

http://www2.freepichosting.com/Images/147634/1.jpg


The crazy thing about the gas/hydrogen 8 is that it was turbocharged . . . and the sign pointing it out called it an "electric motor assisted turbo". I've been looking for more info on this, but I'd guess there's an electric motor that keeps the turbo spooled all the time. Sweet.

Peace
policy

I read somewhere about this "electric motor assisted turbo". The electric motor spools the turbo from 1000rpm up until the exhaust gases flow strong enough to take over, it's like an electric supercharger. With this system there's no turbo lag and you get a boost curve similar to a belt driven supercharger! I want one!

I posted the pictures here:

http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=18408&highlight=mazdas+turbocharged

neat idea, but will it work?

Here's a little secret too. That hydrogen powered 8 will run on good 'ol petrol when hydrogen is not available. ;)