| Revision as of 12:18, 21 May 2006 edit143.238.56.169 (talk) →Online Forums← Previous edit | Revision as of 15:10, 23 May 2006 edit undoZunaid (talk | contribs)Extended confirmed users, Pending changes reviewers3,513 edits rewrote and restructured for better flow. rm some unreferenced content. rm linkspam per WP:ELNext edit → | ||
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| |weight=3053 lb MT<br>3029 lb AT | |weight=3053 lb MT<br>3029 lb AT | ||
| }} | }} | ||
| The '''Mazda RX-8''' is a ] manufactured by ] |
The '''Mazda RX-8''' is a ] manufactured by ]. It first appeared in 2001 at the ]. It is the successor to the ] and like its predecessors in the RX range it is powered by a ]. | ||
| The RX-8 |
The RX-8 has won numerous awards including '']'''s Car of the Year for 2003. In 2004 it was nominated for the '']'' award. It was also named on '']'' magazine's ] for 2004, 2005, and 2006. | ||
| ⚫ | The car is used in the ] racing series which started in 2004. A slightly modified RX-8 was also featured in the 2003 film '']''. | ||
| ⚫ | |||
| ==Design== | |||
| Weight distribution in the RX-8 is a balanced 50/50 in the front and rear. Mazda achieved this by pushing the engine back past the front axle, achieving a ]. | |||
| ⚫ | {{commons|Mazda RX-8}} | ||
| The RX-8 was designed as a ], ] 2+2 ]. The car has a 50/50 ], achieved by mounting the engine behind the front axle. Weight is trimmed through the use of materials such as aluminium and plastic for the body panels and a carbon composite for the driveshaft. | |||
| ⚫ | The car features a pair of rear-hinged ]s in order to provide easier access to the rear seats. The RX-8 has no ] between the front and rear doors, with the leading edge of the rear door acting as a 'virtual pillar' to maintain structural rigidity. Because of the overlapped design, the rear doors can only be opened when the front doors are open. | ||
| Mazda’s new ] rotary engine is smaller and lighter than prior rotaries, primarily due to the lack of a turbocharger and associated parts. New to its design are a side-intake and side-exhaust. The engine produces 197 PS (155 kW) in the automatic transmission form, and 232 PS (184 kW) in the manual transmission form. Mazda does, however, plan on eventually releasing a ] variant of the RX-8 with a different front ], upgraded handling, and perhaps a supercharger. | |||
| ==Powertrain== | |||
| Mazda aggressively trimmed mass from the RX-8 concept by using aluminium and plastic for body panels and installing a carbon composite driveshaft. The dimensions of the RX-8 are virtually identical to those of the ]. | |||
| The RX-8 is powered by a 1.3 L ] '']'' rotary engine, which features newly designed side intake and exhaust ports. The engine is smaller and lighter than previous rotaries, primarily due to the lack of a turbocharger and associated parts. | |||
| The engine is designed in various configurations for different models, but in its most powerful setup develops 250 PS (184 kW) at 8,500 ] with a ] at 9,000 rpm and fuel cut-off at 9,500 rpm. It won the ] and Best New Engine awards in 2003 and holds the "2.5 to 3 liter" size award for 2003 and 2004. | |||
| ⚫ | |||
| The power is delivered to the rear wheels via a 5- or 6-speed manual gearbox or a 4-speed automatic through a ]. | |||
| ⚫ | The car is used in the ] racing series which started in 2004. |
||
| ==Models== | |||
| ==US version power output== | |||
| The RX-8 is available in various models in different markets around the world. Standard models include: | |||
| * 6-speed manual "High Power" with an output of between 170 kW and 177 kW and a 9,000 rpm redline (Japanese models produce 184 kW due to the availability of higher ] fuel) | |||
| * 5-speed manual "Standard Power" tuned to 141 kW with the redline reduced to 7,500 rpm | |||
| * 4-speed automatic tuned to 141 kW in some markets, while the U.S. automatic is claimed at 212 SAE net hp (158 kW) | |||
| ⚫ | === Shinka/Evolve === | ||
| Mazda had originally claimed 247 hp (184 kW, 250 PS), but had to restate the car's power as 238 hp (177 kW) after its introduction in the United States market. During the initial sales period, independent testing on chassis ] measured between 165 and 180 wheel horsepower (123 and 134 kW, respectively). Although the automotive standard is to measure power at the flywheel and most vehicles are thought to lose at least 15% to 20% of power when measured at the wheel, this was considered quite low for the initial 247 hp claim. The current specs are 212 horsepower (158 kW) in the automatic transmission form, and 232 horsepower (173 kW) in manual transmission form. | |||
| ⚫ | Mazda introduced a special ''Shinka'' edition to the U.S. market in 2005, and to the UK market in 2006 where it was branded as the ''Evolve''. New features included Shinka badges on the B-pillar, new paint colours (Black Cherry Mica, Copper Red and Phantom Blue), re-styled mirrors, alcantara-trimmed leather seats, updated component materials, and enhanced chassis and suspension tuning. Power output remained unchanged from the standard models. | ||
| === Hydrogen RE === | |||
| Mazda seems to be aware of this issue and may be tinkering with the engine's software management behind the scenes. Mazda has released several PCM flash upgrades since the initial release of the model. Currently, some US owners have dynoed at over 190 and 200 wheel horsepower (140 and 150 kW), an improvement over the initial figures. | |||
| ⚫ | At the 2004 ], Mazda unveiled the RX-8 Hydrogen RE concept car, designed to run on either hydrogen or gasoline. In February 2006, Mazda revealed that it would start leasing a dual-fuel RX-8 to commercial customers in Japan, and in March 2006 announced its first two customers, claiming the first fleet deliveries of a dual hydrogen/gasoline production car. | ||
| ⚫ | === Senku === | ||
| In Japan, the peak power figure for the manual version remains at 250 PS (184 kW), due to the availability of higher octane fuel. The Australian version of the manual RX-8 outputs 173 kW (the same power output as the US version). | |||
| <!-- Note: This information is currently based on the 2004 model (which was introduced in the summer of 2003) so this article should be update to reflect future changes --> | |||
| ⚫ | == Shinka == | ||
| ⚫ | Mazda introduced a special ''Shinka'' |
||
| The Shinka special edition continues into the 2006 model year as a trim option for the RX-8, with the exclusive color being "Copper Red Mica" from the 2006 MX-5 and Mazda3 and an Alcantara leather interior. The suspension has been retuned for better road-holding and many structural components have been filled with urethane foam to create a quieter ride. | |||
| ⚫ | == Senku == | ||
| The Senku is a prototype of the next rotary powered Mazda vehicle. Designed as a practical sports car for adults, it has a 2-piece hatchback, a single large sliding door on both sides, and a highly advanced direct-injected rotary engine with electric hybrid technology. | The Senku is a prototype of the next rotary powered Mazda vehicle. Designed as a practical sports car for adults, it has a 2-piece hatchback, a single large sliding door on both sides, and a highly advanced direct-injected rotary engine with electric hybrid technology. | ||
| == RX-8 Evolve == | |||
| In 2006 Mazda released the RX-8 Evolve in the United Kingdom as a limited edition in two new colors (Copper Red and Phantom Blue) and a light leather with Alcantara® trim interior. It also features restyled mirrors and other sporty trim. | |||
| == Pricing == | == Pricing == | ||
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| | 231 ps (170 kW), 6-Speed || £22,900 || 16E / G || 284 | | 231 ps (170 kW), 6-Speed || £22,900 || 16E / G || 284 | ||
| |} | |} | ||
| (source ) | |||
| == See also == | |||
| ⚫ | {{commons|Mazda RX-8}} | ||
| *] | |||
| *] | |||
| == References == | == References == | ||
| ⚫ | *{{cite web | url=http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/displayPage.action?pageParameter=modelsMain&vehicleCode=RX8&bhcp=1 | title=2006 RX-8 | work= Mazda USA | accessdate=May 23 | accessyear=2006}} | ||
| * http://www.ozmazda.com Australian Online Mazda Community | |||
| *{{cite web | url=http://www. |
*{{cite web | url=http://www.mazda.co.uk/Showroom/RX-8/ | title=Mazda RX-8 | work=Mazda UK | accessdate=May 23 | accessyear=2006}} | ||
| *{{cite web | url=http://www.mazda.com.au/rx8/ | title=RX-8 Overview | work=Mazda Australia | accessdate=May 23 | accessyear=2006}} | |||
| *{{cite web | work=CanadianDriver Communications, Inc | title=Mazda shows sporty small car, hydrogen RX-8 | accessdate=January 11 | accessyear=2004 | url=http://www.canadiandriver.com/news/040106-4.htm}} | |||
| *{{cite web | url=http://media.ford.com/mazda/article_display.cfm?article_id=17134&make_id=227 | title=Mazda RX-8 Hydrogen rotary engine | work=Ford Media | accessdate=May 23 | accessyear=2006}} | |||
| *http://www.nctd.com/sneakpreview.cfm?ReviewID=7 | |||
| {{autoguidewiki}} | |||
| ⚫ | *http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/displayPage.action?pageParameter=modelsMain&vehicleCode=RX8 | ||
| *http://modelreports.cars.com/modeldata/model_report.jsp?makeid=30&year=2004&modelid=6388 | |||
| *http://www.caranddriver.com/article.asp?section_id=19&article_id=2470 | |||
| * | |||
| *, and their | |||
| * | |||
| * | |||
| * Detailed review of the Mazda RX-8 231PS | |||
| ==Online Forums== | |||
| * http://www.ozmazda.com/ Australian Mazda Forums | |||
| * http://www.rx8club.com/ Mazda RX-8 online forums | |||
| ] | ] | ||
Revision as of 15:10, 23 May 2006
Motor vehicle| Mazda RX-8 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Mazda |
| Production | 2003–present |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Sports car |
| Body style | FM 2+2 coupe |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | Renesis |
| Dimensions | |
| Curb weight | 3053 lb MT 3029 lb AT |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Mazda RX-7 Mazda Cosmo |
The Mazda RX-8 is a sports car manufactured by Mazda Motor Corporation. It first appeared in 2001 at the North American International Auto Show. It is the successor to the RX-7 and like its predecessors in the RX range it is powered by a Wankel rotary engine.
The RX-8 has won numerous awards including Wheels magazine's Car of the Year for 2003. In 2004 it was nominated for the North American Car of the Year award. It was also named on Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for 2004, 2005, and 2006.
The car is used in the Formula Woman racing series which started in 2004. A slightly modified RX-8 was also featured in the 2003 film X2: X-Men United.
Design
The RX-8 was designed as a front mid-mounted, rear-wheel drive 2+2 coupé. The car has a 50/50 weight distribution, achieved by mounting the engine behind the front axle. Weight is trimmed through the use of materials such as aluminium and plastic for the body panels and a carbon composite for the driveshaft.
The car features a pair of rear-hinged suicide doors in order to provide easier access to the rear seats. The RX-8 has no B-pillar between the front and rear doors, with the leading edge of the rear door acting as a 'virtual pillar' to maintain structural rigidity. Because of the overlapped design, the rear doors can only be opened when the front doors are open.
Powertrain
The RX-8 is powered by a 1.3 L naturally-aspirated RENESIS rotary engine, which features newly designed side intake and exhaust ports. The engine is smaller and lighter than previous rotaries, primarily due to the lack of a turbocharger and associated parts.
The engine is designed in various configurations for different models, but in its most powerful setup develops 250 PS (184 kW) at 8,500 rpm with a redline at 9,000 rpm and fuel cut-off at 9,500 rpm. It won the International Engine of the Year and Best New Engine awards in 2003 and holds the "2.5 to 3 liter" size award for 2003 and 2004.
The power is delivered to the rear wheels via a 5- or 6-speed manual gearbox or a 4-speed automatic through a limited slip differential.
Models
The RX-8 is available in various models in different markets around the world. Standard models include:
- 6-speed manual "High Power" with an output of between 170 kW and 177 kW and a 9,000 rpm redline (Japanese models produce 184 kW due to the availability of higher octane fuel)
- 5-speed manual "Standard Power" tuned to 141 kW with the redline reduced to 7,500 rpm
- 4-speed automatic tuned to 141 kW in some markets, while the U.S. automatic is claimed at 212 SAE net hp (158 kW)
Shinka/Evolve
Mazda introduced a special Shinka edition to the U.S. market in 2005, and to the UK market in 2006 where it was branded as the Evolve. New features included Shinka badges on the B-pillar, new paint colours (Black Cherry Mica, Copper Red and Phantom Blue), re-styled mirrors, alcantara-trimmed leather seats, updated component materials, and enhanced chassis and suspension tuning. Power output remained unchanged from the standard models.
Hydrogen RE
At the 2004 North American International Auto Show, Mazda unveiled the RX-8 Hydrogen RE concept car, designed to run on either hydrogen or gasoline. In February 2006, Mazda revealed that it would start leasing a dual-fuel RX-8 to commercial customers in Japan, and in March 2006 announced its first two customers, claiming the first fleet deliveries of a dual hydrogen/gasoline production car.
Senku
The Senku is a prototype of the next rotary powered Mazda vehicle. Designed as a practical sports car for adults, it has a 2-piece hatchback, a single large sliding door on both sides, and a highly advanced direct-injected rotary engine with electric hybrid technology.
Pricing
US (2005)
| Model | MSRP Price |
|---|---|
| Sport AT | $25,935 |
| Shinka Sport AT | $32,260 |
| 6-Speed | $27,435 |
| Shinka 6-Speed | $33,030 |
UK (May 2006)
| Model | Estimated On the Road Vehicle Price |
Insurance Group / Licence Band |
CO2 Emissions (g/km) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 192 ps (141 kW), 5-Speed | £21,400 | 15E / G | 267 |
| 231 ps (170 kW), 6-Speed | £22,900 | 16E / G | 284 |
References
- "2006 RX-8". Mazda USA. Retrieved May 23.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help); Unknown parameter|accessyear=ignored (|access-date=suggested) (help) - "Mazda RX-8". Mazda UK. Retrieved May 23.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help); Unknown parameter|accessyear=ignored (|access-date=suggested) (help) - "RX-8 Overview". Mazda Australia. Retrieved May 23.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help); Unknown parameter|accessyear=ignored (|access-date=suggested) (help) - "Mazda RX-8 Hydrogen rotary engine". Ford Media. Retrieved May 23.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help); Unknown parameter|accessyear=ignored (|access-date=suggested) (help)
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