Hello RX-8 loving Canucks!

Just need an update as to where is the hp/tq and performance rating now with the rx-8? Last I checked in the fall it was 250hp...then went to somthing like 238hp... then 208hp at the dynos?! Feels Nortel all over again! :D
Anyways I need an update. Also what's new for 2005 models?

thanks!

 

You're confusing flywheel hp (the rated hp advertised by the manufacturers) with rear wheel hp (the number generated by the dynos). Mazda still rates the high-power engine at 238 hp (flywheel). Because of drivetrain losses (and interfering overprotective electronics), that seems to generate somewhere around 180 - 190 hp on the dynos.

Regards,
Gordon

 

The # at the wheels is really all that's important. More important is the power to weight ratio. Obviously it's going to be even better if it were 238 at the wheels, but the numbers for the 0-60 and 1/4 are decent enough that even down on power it's still enough engine to run with the chassis.

 

how about when loaded up with people? Will it still pull away from a minivan?

kidding aside, anything new for 2005 rx8?

 

The only thing that's going to save you from a minivan with the vehicle loaded up is torque, and without forced induction the Renesis isn't going to have it. Buyers should be aware that the performance is based on the car with only a driver in it. Even a single passenger makes my FC notable slower, under a 1/4 of a tank of gas even contributes to making the car much more responsive. That's the trade off with the rotary, smooth as glass but very weight sensitive. I still love it for what it's worth.

 

so rx-8 should be w/t rear seats following your reasoning. hmmm... bet by doing so and knocking those silly Saturn like doors, it may shave even more weight! Now wouldn't that be somethin'!

 

It sure would.. Mazda could call it an RX-7.. :p