2004 Mazda RX-8 Concept

The quick-spooling turbocharger also helps to improve the RX-8's weak bottom end by altering the delivery of torque as well as

A body kit from the MazdaSpeed catalog adds an aggressive flair to the four-door coupe's unique styling. (Photo: Mazda Canada)

improving its peak performance. No longer will drivers have to wait until the motor reaches the upper-end of the rev range to feel any serious get up and go. Rather the new engine is much more accessible at lower revs, making for an easier, more tractable drive on the track and around town. The engine's pulling power has increased by almost 65 percent to 258 lb-ft of torque.

By using a small turbo running relatively low pressure levels, Mazda Motorsport has ensured that lag is hardly noticeable, allowing for immediate throttle response and retaining the high-revving characteristic of the RENESIS motor. Also, as no changes were made to

Larger 335 mm racing brakes are said to pull the RX-8 down from rapid speeds in breathtakingly short distances. (Photo: Mazda Canada)

the motor's compression ratio the engine can still wind up to its sonorous 9,000 rpm redline, one of powerplant's most intriguing features. The final touches to the powertrain include a freer-flowing exhaust system with a low-turbulence muffler that aides breathing while delivering a muscular, throaty sound.

Aside from promising extra power, the RX-8 Motorsport Concept makes its performance intentions known through a full body makeover. The Australian Motorsport division picked through a variety of exterior add-ons from the MazdaSpeed catalog before making any upgrade choices, and in the end included an aggressive new nose featuring oversized intakes, ideal for allowing the larger radiator core breathe more freely, plus a fully-adjustable rear spoiler crowning the tail end.