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Daily driver by week, track car by weekend
Other than Lexus and their RX SUVs, these two letters are essentially synonymous with performance within the halls of Mazda. North America first gazed upon an RX in 1974 under the denomination of a Mazda RX-4. What was particular about this car, other than its exterior design, was the advent of the Wankel Rotary engine called 13B. Instead of a conventional piston-run motor, this powerplant uses two rotors that simply replace the pistons, connecting rods and valves. These rotors rotate and go through the same four strokes as a regular internal combustion engine. Between 1975 and 1977, the rotary was put aside from our market.
1978 introduced the first RX-7 as a 1979 model in Mazda showrooms. This car would quickly become the flagship of the company. Sales improved in the early 1980's and in 1986 the second generation was introduced with an optional turbocharged engine. The third production began in 1993 and it became one of the most desirable import sports cars of its time. The model was discontinued for North America in 1996 but continued until 2002 for the Japanese market. In 2003, Mazda reintrod
uced us to the rotary engine in the form of the all-new RX-8.
Pricing ranges from $36,995 up to $44,000 before accessories. As tested, $40,995 in Shinka trim.
Styling
The RX-8's exterior styling reminds me of the 1993-96 MX-6. It is not that they look-alike, it has more to do with the fact that the front portion of the car differs greatly from the rear. The RX-8's hood is very long and wide and is flanked by the large flared fenders that bulge up slightly higher than the bonnet itself. The rear is truncated but also sided by fender flares. This combination along with very short overhangs works very well. Obviously, the most striking visual aspect of the RX-8 is its 4-doors and that the rear ones are suicide-style. Throughout the car, a keen eye will notice rotor-like shapes and cues such as the indents on the hood and in the lower center part of the rear bumper.
I have always found the RX-8 to be very striking. Our Shinka version tester looked astounding in its unique black-cherry mica dress, its clear polished head
and taillights and high-gloss 18" alloy wheels. Neither words nor pictures do the paint application any justice. Suffice it to say that the finish is smooth and rich and the body panels are perfectly gapped.
The cabin of the RX-8 is very cosy. Front passengers have plenty of legroom however headroom is a little tight because of the steeply raked "A" pillar. Rear occupants each get their own spot as the RX is only a 4-seater. The seats themselves are comfortable if not mildly tight for larger people. Leg and headroom are in short supply but will do fine generally speaking. The biggest issue in the rear is the large "C" pillars that block nearly all visibility. This is also a problem for the driver when looking towards the rear ¾ view. The front buckets are extremely supportive and relaxing.
The HVAC and audio controls are jumbled together and may take a few moments to be figured out. The meaty steering-wheel and shifter are within a few inches of each other and allow for quick movements.
The Shinka package also adds a few interior touches including a very tasteful semi-gloss piano black trim, parchment coloured leather seating and special black leather for the shifter, steering wheel and handbrake
lever.
Daily driver by week, track car by weekend
 |
1978 introduced the first RX-7 as a 1979 model in Mazda showrooms. This car would quickly become the flagship of the company. Sales improved in the early 1980's and in 1986 the second generation was introduced with an optional turbocharged engine. The third production began in 1993 and it became one of the most desirable import sports cars of its time. The model was discontinued for North America in 1996 but continued until 2002 for the Japanese market. In 2003, Mazda reintrod
uced us to the rotary engine in the form of the all-new RX-8. Pricing ranges from $36,995 up to $44,000 before accessories. As tested, $40,995 in Shinka trim.
Styling
The RX-8's exterior styling reminds me of the 1993-96 MX-6. It is not that they look-alike, it has more to do with the fact that the front portion of the car differs greatly from the rear. The RX-8's hood is very long and wide and is flanked by the large flared fenders that bulge up slightly higher than the bonnet itself. The rear is truncated but also sided by fender flares. This combination along with very short overhangs works very well. Obviously, the most striking visual aspect of the RX-8 is its 4-doors and that the rear ones are suicide-style. Throughout the car, a keen eye will notice rotor-like shapes and cues such as the indents on the hood and in the lower center part of the rear bumper.
I have always found the RX-8 to be very striking. Our Shinka version tester looked astounding in its unique black-cherry mica dress, its clear polished head
and taillights and high-gloss 18" alloy wheels. Neither words nor pictures do the paint application any justice. Suffice it to say that the finish is smooth and rich and the body panels are perfectly gapped.The cabin of the RX-8 is very cosy. Front passengers have plenty of legroom however headroom is a little tight because of the steeply raked "A" pillar. Rear occupants each get their own spot as the RX is only a 4-seater. The seats themselves are comfortable if not mildly tight for larger people. Leg and headroom are in short supply but will do fine generally speaking. The biggest issue in the rear is the large "C" pillars that block nearly all visibility. This is also a problem for the driver when looking towards the rear ¾ view. The front buckets are extremely supportive and relaxing.
The HVAC and audio controls are jumbled together and may take a few moments to be figured out. The meaty steering-wheel and shifter are within a few inches of each other and allow for quick movements.
The Shinka package also adds a few interior touches including a very tasteful semi-gloss piano black trim, parchment coloured leather seating and special black leather for the shifter, steering wheel and handbrake