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The MAZDA rx8 is
setting new standards in the sports car
market for handling, performance and comfort. The specially developed
RENESIS rotary engine, its ability to seat 4 comfortably and 50:50
weight distribution are just some of the features that confirm the
car’s superiority. Mazda's new RENESIS rotary engine is smaller
and lighter than prior rotaries, yet yields more power.
The MAZDA rx8 is a
high performance car manufactured by
Mazda Motor Corporation; which first appeared in North America at the
North American International Motor Show 2001.
The MAZDA rx8 was
also Wheels Magazine's Car of the
Year for 2003 and was on Car and Driver magazines Ten Best list
for 2004. The engine redlines at 9000 rpm for the UK version. The
car is also used in the Formula Women racing series which started in
2004.
The MAZDA rx8 made our 10Best
list in its very first year and repeats in 2005, although itĺs
unchanged except for the availability of satellite radio and a new
color. In keeping with RX tradition, itĺs powered by a Wankel rotary
engine that comes in two flavors: a high-powered 238-hp, six-speed
model and a lower-powered 197-hp version with a four-speed automatic
transmission. A sport suspension is offered as an option on either
model, with 18-inch wheels and 225/45R-18 Bridgestone Potenza RE040
tires replacing the standard 16-inch wheels and 225/55R-16 tires.
Standard equipment includes Tokico monotube shocks and Bosch ABS and
stability control. The MAZDA rx8
feels light and nimble, turning in like a race car and resisting roll
in corners. And you can take three passengers along for the rideŚtwo of
them in a surprisingly spacious rear compartment.
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