block911
07-31-2002, 08:04 PM
http://www.nctd.com/sneakpreviews/03mazdarx8_sp.cfm
By Daniel F. Carney
On sale: 2002?
Expected pricing: less than $37,000
When Mazda withdrew the RX-7 from the American market enthusiasts feared that we might have seen the last of the rotary engine. Mazda realizes that the rotary engine is a calling card that helps it carve an identity among often-indistinguishable Asian car companies. Mazda is trying to bring rotary power back to the U.S. market, but it wanted to avoid some of the mistakes that killed the RX-7.
With the third-generation RX-7 (the last one sold), Mazda was tempted into developing the fastest, most technologically sophisticated, most capable, sports car it could build. Cost was virtually no object. Unfortunately, the U.S. market taste for high-priced sports cars and coupes collapsed just as the third-generation RX-7 debuted in the early 1990s. Despite rave reviews, the car staggered through turbulent market conditions, its sales falling far below expectations. Its high price and highly focused sports attributes may have killed it. The Miata carried Mazda's sports car banner well, but it is an entry-level sports car. And, critically, the Miata lacks the rotary engine.
With the 2003 RX-8, Mazda will reintroduce the rotary engine, but in a more affordable, practical package than the RX-7.
The RX-8 will use a new, normally aspirated version of the rotary engine rated at 250 horsepower; the proposed engine is 30 percent lighter and smaller than the engine used in the RX-7. Unlike the third-generation RX-7, the RX-8 will not be turbocharged, making its engine less costly. Mazda hasn't decided on a price for the RX-8, but the company pledges that is will be less than the $37,000 price tag on the RX-7 when it last sold in this country.
Poor fuel economy and high levels of exhaust pollution have been challenges for the rotary engine in the past, but the RX-8 rotary engine features a new design that Mazda says will boost economy and clean up emissions. The redesigned engine will also feature a sporty low-pitched exhaust rumble, instead of the rotary engine's more typical high-pitched drone, Mazda executives said.
As before, the compact engine is mounted in the front of the car, but behind the front axle, to provide perfect 50/50 front/rear weight distribution for ideal handling characteristics. A new oil pan, half as deep as the sump on the RX-7, allows the engine to sit lower in the car, contributing to a lower center of gravity for better handling. A six-speed gearbox transmits power to the rear wheels, adding to the RX-8's sports car credentials.
The car's final weight has not been determined, but the company has aggressively trimmed mass from the RX-8 concept using aluminum and plastic for body panels and even installing a carbon composite driveshaft. Double-wishbone suspension (also known as unequal length control arm suspension) and large-diameter disc brakes reside at all four corners, boosting expectations that the RX-8 will put smiles on the faces of drivers who value responsive handling.
To broaden the car's appeal, Mazda has packed sedan-like interior space into the RX-8, squeezing that space under a coupe-styled exterior. The company boasts that the 10-cubic-foot trunk area will accommodate a pair of size 67 Samsonite suitcases. Access to the relatively spacious rear seat is through a pair of rear-hinged suicide doors, similar to the third door on the Saturn coupe.
While this design makes the RX-8 unquestionably more flexible than the RX-7, the jury is out on whether the resulting styling will be popular with prospective customers. Sports car and coupe buyers are a fashion-conscious lot after all.
The styling is notably smoother and more attractive than the RX-EVOLV concept, which foreshadowed some of the RX-8's styling themes when it debuted at the Tokyo Motor Show in 1999. RX-8 is slightly reminiscent of the styling of Mazda's MX-3 2+2 coupe of the early '90s. The view from the rear looks a bit like a Miata with the optional hardtop in place.
The high roofline that gives the RX-8 its slightly hunchbacked profile provides headroom for adult rear-seat passengers. That space, combined with the ease of entry and exit through the rear doors will make the RX-8 a practical sports car. It remains to be seen whether sports car buyers care about rear seat room, or whether driving enthusiasts who need a back seat would rather choose a traditional sport sedan with even more space and comfort. We'll find out when the car arrives in 2002 as a 2003 model.
Manufacturer Info Sources
1-800-248-0459
www.mazdausa.com
======================================
This is the first year model that they put a lot of Research and Development and Mazda knows a lot of people are going to want the car expect the price to be around 29,000 base and skyrocket to 35,000 with all the options. Mazda is not dumb and they are going milk this for all it's worth before Toyota and Honda and Hyndai come out with cheap 150HP knockoffs.
By Daniel F. Carney
On sale: 2002?
Expected pricing: less than $37,000
When Mazda withdrew the RX-7 from the American market enthusiasts feared that we might have seen the last of the rotary engine. Mazda realizes that the rotary engine is a calling card that helps it carve an identity among often-indistinguishable Asian car companies. Mazda is trying to bring rotary power back to the U.S. market, but it wanted to avoid some of the mistakes that killed the RX-7.
With the third-generation RX-7 (the last one sold), Mazda was tempted into developing the fastest, most technologically sophisticated, most capable, sports car it could build. Cost was virtually no object. Unfortunately, the U.S. market taste for high-priced sports cars and coupes collapsed just as the third-generation RX-7 debuted in the early 1990s. Despite rave reviews, the car staggered through turbulent market conditions, its sales falling far below expectations. Its high price and highly focused sports attributes may have killed it. The Miata carried Mazda's sports car banner well, but it is an entry-level sports car. And, critically, the Miata lacks the rotary engine.
With the 2003 RX-8, Mazda will reintroduce the rotary engine, but in a more affordable, practical package than the RX-7.
The RX-8 will use a new, normally aspirated version of the rotary engine rated at 250 horsepower; the proposed engine is 30 percent lighter and smaller than the engine used in the RX-7. Unlike the third-generation RX-7, the RX-8 will not be turbocharged, making its engine less costly. Mazda hasn't decided on a price for the RX-8, but the company pledges that is will be less than the $37,000 price tag on the RX-7 when it last sold in this country.
Poor fuel economy and high levels of exhaust pollution have been challenges for the rotary engine in the past, but the RX-8 rotary engine features a new design that Mazda says will boost economy and clean up emissions. The redesigned engine will also feature a sporty low-pitched exhaust rumble, instead of the rotary engine's more typical high-pitched drone, Mazda executives said.
As before, the compact engine is mounted in the front of the car, but behind the front axle, to provide perfect 50/50 front/rear weight distribution for ideal handling characteristics. A new oil pan, half as deep as the sump on the RX-7, allows the engine to sit lower in the car, contributing to a lower center of gravity for better handling. A six-speed gearbox transmits power to the rear wheels, adding to the RX-8's sports car credentials.
The car's final weight has not been determined, but the company has aggressively trimmed mass from the RX-8 concept using aluminum and plastic for body panels and even installing a carbon composite driveshaft. Double-wishbone suspension (also known as unequal length control arm suspension) and large-diameter disc brakes reside at all four corners, boosting expectations that the RX-8 will put smiles on the faces of drivers who value responsive handling.
To broaden the car's appeal, Mazda has packed sedan-like interior space into the RX-8, squeezing that space under a coupe-styled exterior. The company boasts that the 10-cubic-foot trunk area will accommodate a pair of size 67 Samsonite suitcases. Access to the relatively spacious rear seat is through a pair of rear-hinged suicide doors, similar to the third door on the Saturn coupe.
While this design makes the RX-8 unquestionably more flexible than the RX-7, the jury is out on whether the resulting styling will be popular with prospective customers. Sports car and coupe buyers are a fashion-conscious lot after all.
The styling is notably smoother and more attractive than the RX-EVOLV concept, which foreshadowed some of the RX-8's styling themes when it debuted at the Tokyo Motor Show in 1999. RX-8 is slightly reminiscent of the styling of Mazda's MX-3 2+2 coupe of the early '90s. The view from the rear looks a bit like a Miata with the optional hardtop in place.
The high roofline that gives the RX-8 its slightly hunchbacked profile provides headroom for adult rear-seat passengers. That space, combined with the ease of entry and exit through the rear doors will make the RX-8 a practical sports car. It remains to be seen whether sports car buyers care about rear seat room, or whether driving enthusiasts who need a back seat would rather choose a traditional sport sedan with even more space and comfort. We'll find out when the car arrives in 2002 as a 2003 model.
Manufacturer Info Sources
1-800-248-0459
www.mazdausa.com
======================================
This is the first year model that they put a lot of Research and Development and Mazda knows a lot of people are going to want the car expect the price to be around 29,000 base and skyrocket to 35,000 with all the options. Mazda is not dumb and they are going milk this for all it's worth before Toyota and Honda and Hyndai come out with cheap 150HP knockoffs.