Saw this article and thought some of those FD owners entertaining an RX-8 should read (esp if you want an automatic!) http://www.rotarynews.com/


We at RotaryNews have been following the threads on the RX-8 forum about the fact that the RX-8 was not making advertised horsepower on the dyno. We have also been in contact with some of the folks in Mazda about the issue. They were fully aware of the issue, and researched it fully. They have released their findings today.

As of today, August 22nd, 2003, the revised US-Spec Horsepower Rating of the RX-8 is 238 HP for the Manual 6port RENESIS, and 197 HP for the 4port Automatic RENESIS. The performance numbers advertised ARE NOT CHANGING. They have done many tests, in house, with magazines, and outside third parties, and they are still observing RX-8's that will do 0-60 in 5.9-6.0 seconds and quarter mines in 14.5 (best observed 1/4 mile run at Pomona Raceway was 14.48 at 96.1 MPH)

Because of the descrepency in the HP numbers, Mazda is sending out letters to every new registered owner of the RX-8, any pre-sale customers that haven't received their RX-8 yet, telling them of the error in the advertised rating, and giving them two options:

1. Mazda will provide free scheduled servicing for the duration of the standard warranty plus a $500 debit card.

2. Mazda will make arrangements to buy back the car.

I'd like to actually thank Mazda for bringing this out so soon (in corporate time). The first dyno reports came in at the end of July, and mid way through August, we have an answer, and solution from Mazda. They didn't try to hide things. They went out to the track, dyno, and researched the issue, and found the problem, then conducted the risk analysis, financial analysis, PR analysis in very quick time for a corporate entity. It is also important to point out these things: 1. Mazda Japan has not revised their numbers down. 2. the engineers are hard at work, and have not stopped development on the RENESIS by any means.

 

You are little late with this info Brent. Check the rotary performance section.

 

I still like the 8 a whole lot. They are a great candidate for a supercharger setup since the motor sits so low and far back. That should help any horsepower ills.
The exhaust sounds even more restrictive than the FD and we all know what a 3" exhaust does for them.
This motor is so quiet that there may be a lot of ponies hiding behind the muffler.

 

I would agree. The car would make a great daily driver. But replace the FD. I think not.

 

You know what else the RX-8 is light on?

Weight!

That car is light for a four door four seater.

Good job Mazda!

James