2004 Mazda RX-8 Concept

One of the top-ranking vehicles of this latter class is Mazda's truly unique RX-8. It is the only vehicle in its segment to

Without changes to the compression ratio, the RX-8 Motorsport still revs at 9,000 rpm. (Photo: Mazda Canada)

successfully accommodate four doors, four seats and therefore four adult occupants without compromising its low-profile style or sports car-like performance. Critics from around the world have raved about its ability to balance ride comfort with neutral handling. The only seemingly unanimous negative expressed is the vehicle's lack of serious power.

Since the days of the third-generation RX-7, the rotary engine and its turbocharger have literally been inseparable. No one doubts that in its naturally aspirated form, as it currently is fitted to the RX-8, the RENESIS motor can produce reasonably high power at sky-high revs. The claimed 238 horsepower in its Hi-Power trim level is nothing to scoff at, nor its 160 lb-ft of torque, but there's always room for improvement in this game that sees rivals approaching and surpassing the 300 horsepower mark

Will Mazda put the RX-8 Motorsport into production? Something similar is likely due to the success of the brand's various MazdaSpeed models. (Photo: Mazda Canada)

for similar money. Enter Mazda of Australia, the down-under division of the Japanese brand which is rarely heard from on this side of the globe.

Due to some Aussie bravado the division is getting worldwide press, having solved the RX-8 conundrum by added the missing piece of the puzzle - a turbocharger of course. Conceived by Alan Horsley and his team at Mazda Motorsport of Australia, the Mazda RX-8 Motorsport Concept answers the prayers of RX-8 enthusiasts across the planet. The concept gains a single water-cooled Garrett turbocharger that runs 7.5 psi of boost pressure, as well as an air-to-air intercooler to help enhance the turbocharger's potential. In addition a reprogrammed engine computer, aptly named "Power Control Module", allows for a truly whopping 52 percent jump in output to 362 horsepower! Now that's more like it.