MAZDA RX-8: A NEW SPORTS CAR ERA
Rotary-Powered Mazda RX-8 Demonstrates Excellence in Engineering and Design
The Mazda RX-8 redefined the sports car segment when it was launched in summer 2003, and it continues to shake up the automotive world's definition of what a sports car can be. With an exterior suggesting athletic tension, a twin-rotor engine that continues to win accolades from the automotive press and an interior offering comfort and practicality, the 2005 Mazda RX-8 is a new breed of sports car.
"The sleek, powerful and agile RX-8 debunks the notion of sports cars as fun but impractical," said Weldon Munsey, RX-8 vehicle line manager. "The RX-8 is a car equally at home zooming around a track or taking the kids to soccer practice. It is a true sports car that can pull double duty."
The 2005 Mazda RX-8 is available as either a 238-horsepower model fitted with a six-speed manual transmission, or a 197-horsepower model fitted with a four-speed automatic with Sport Shift, which incorporates steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters for a Formula 1-style driving experience. Both automatic and manual transmission cars come equipped with power windows, mirrors and door locks, cruise control and a thumping AM/FM/CD audio system with six speakers.
MAZDA RX-8 - NEW FOR 2005
New for 2005 models is the addition of Whitewater Pearl to the exterior color palate and a Sirius satellite radio option. Sirius provides more than 120 satellite channels from coast to coast and is compatible with both the stock and upgraded sound systems. Mazda dealers need only add an antenna and satellite receiver kit ($399 not including installation) and customers need only subscribe to activate the Sirius system.
RENESIS ROTARY ENGINE
Forty years of rotary-engine racing success went into the design of the RX-8's advanced RENESIS (Rotary Engine genesis - or rebirth of the rotary engine) engine. Incorporating many elements that made the RX-7 the most successful model in International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) history and brought Mazda the 1991
24-Hours of Le Mans overall win, the RENESIS engine is exceptionally well-built and capable. This racing pedigree is evident through the various motorsports series employing Mazda RX-8, including Pro Formula Mazda and the Grand Am Cup.
By turning a triangular rotor in a cocoon-shaped combustion chamber, the RX-8's rotary engine efficiently performs the four processes of intake, compression, combustion and exhaust. The RENESIS engine is remarkably smooth and high revving - all the way to 9000 rpm - and offers a smaller engine footprint than traditional internal combustion engines (some 60 percent smaller than a comparably powered V-6, and 40 percent smaller than a four-cylinder).
Improving upon 40 years of rotary designs, the RENESIS engine boasts side intake and exhaust ports with nearly 30 percent more intake area and twice as much exhaust area than previous rotary engines. The efficiencies gained through larger intake and exhaust ports exclude the need for forced induction, a feature found on the last rotary-powered sports car from Mazda, the vaunted third generation RX-7.
Mazda RX-8's normally aspirated 1.3-liter engine might appear diminutive to the untrained eye when compared to large-displacement V-8s or heavyweight V-10s or V-12s. However, through the incredible efficiencies of a rotary powerplant, an advanced three-stage intake system and an electronic throttle, the RENESIS engine delivers smooth, linear power on a grand scale.
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