The RX-8 is Mazda's follow-up to the classic RX-7 eight years after they ceased production of it. Mazda launched the first Mazda RX-8 for sale in 2003, and has made one every year since. While the car still boasts the trademark rotary engine, the RX-8 has never managed to capture the American car buyer's imagination the way that the RX-7 once did. The 2010 Mazda RX-8 is an amazing performer in some scenarios, and it has gone a long way toward changing perspective. However, it still has some unfortunate issues, and thus a long way to go.
The Mazda RX-8 is a rear-hinged 2-door 4-seat coupe available at three trim levels: Sport, Grand Touring, and R3. The "base" Sport package includes 18-inch wheels, performance tires, cruise control, air-conditioning, full power accessories, a leather-wrapped shifter and steering wheel, a 6-speaker CD stereo system, and an auxiliary audio jack. There is also a rear-lip spoiler, but it is only available on manual-transmission models.
The Grand Touring package adds a limited-slip rear differential, fog lamps, automatic xenon headlights, rain-sensing wipers, heated side mirrors, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, automatic climate control, keyless ignition and entry, heated front seats, an eight-way power driver seat with memory, leather upholstery, a sunroof, Bluetooth, and a 9-speaker Bose surround-sound system with a 6-CD change and satellite radio. The only option, a touchscreen navigation system with voice commands, is available for the GT only.
The premium, high-performance R3 trim includes much, but not all, of what is in the GT trim. For instance, the keyless ignition and entry, Bluetooth connectivity, xenon headlights, and the audio system, are there. The R3 package brings 19-inch wheels, a racing-tuned suspension, Recaro front sport seats, a restyled front bumper, and a rear wing spoiler.
Under the hood of the rear-wheel-drive Mazda RX-8, is the 1.3L rotary engine. Paired with the 6-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, the engine produces 212 horsepower and redlines at 7,500 rpm. The 6-speed manual transmission increases that output to 232 horsepower, and the redline sits at an impressive 9,000 rpm. Both setups generate a limited 152 pound-feet of torque. Most tests put the RX-8 with the manual transmission at the 7-second range for 0-60 mph times. That's quick, but not quick enough for a sport car of this caliber at this price point.
The RX-8 is the only rotary-powered car on the planet, and that definitely increases the excitement level, at least temporarily. However, with the rotary power comes that low-end torque, which makes the vehicle underwhelming for everyday use. The other problem is that the high-revving nature of the engine makes the car an awful fuel performer even compared to other sports car. The mileage ratings are up there in the league of 4,000+ pound SUVs, and that is just unacceptable. While we hope that Mazda can innovate Wenkel's engine in a way that can make it palatable to modern drivers, our hunch is that this is just an outdated technology.
The 2010 Mazda RX-8 may be the right sports car for some people, especially those who simply have an affinity for the rotary engine Mazdas. Considering price starts at about $25,000, most consumers will be better off waiting for the RX-8 to be more refined. For those considering a Mazda RX-8, they may also want to experience the Mazda MX-5 Miata, the Hyundai Genesis Coupe, the Nissan 370Z, and the Mitsubishi Eclipse for comparison.
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