Does the Rx-8 use the traditional compressor/radiator/evaporator AC system? Or does it use an electrical AC system like the kind GM used on the electric car EV1.

A huge peltier device(thermoelectric heat pump) in the dash somewhere.

I only have seen 1 accessory belt on the engine (alternator)
How well will the defrost, on the windshield, work? I can clean off the side window myself.

 

*snicker snicker*

 

Damn I didnt know that was an option. "defrost on the windshield work?" :p

 

More seriously: how will the climate control affect the power available from the Renesis? If, as we know, it has lower than average torque then surely it will lose a higher percentage of available power when asked to drive the air-con?!

 

It depends on how it's implemented. Many cars on the road today now will deactivate the A/C compressor automatically if it detects a "high acceleration" situation, so it's possible the 8's electronics will be smart enough to cut off the A/C if it notices you're trying to accelerate...

 

That's what I hate about A/C. It ROBS the power out of you engine while it's on. I currently own a Chevy S-10 Xtreme and when I turn my A/C on it feels like a four-banger... hate that...

 

Yeah, even my Escort cuts the A/C compressor of at abour 3/4 throttle. Really awesome feature, ebcause it allows for a larger compressor on smaller engines, so the A/C starts pumping heat a whole lot quicker.