With everyone jumping on the hybrid bandwagon and exploring new engine technologies, Mazda still has the only rotary engine on the market.
The 40th anniversary of the Wankel engine powers the fun to drive RX8 that we tested recently.
The RX8 sports coupe has been the choice for Mazda buyers who want a little more oomph than the Miata offers. With 238 horsepower and a six-speed manual, the RX8 is the ticket for drivers who like a little fun in their daily commute.
And, priced at around $30,000, the RX8 offers a lot of value.
Unlike the Honda S2000 or Pontiac/Saturn twin roadsters, the RX8 offers a usable rear seat that will accommodate adults, albeit on a short jaunt. Unique “suicide doors” swing open behind the front doors for easy access for passengers or packages. There’s even a pass-through door to the trunk for odd-shaped cargo.
The RX8 re-introduced the rotary engine in 2004 after nearly a decade on the sidelines. Some earlier problems with oil seals have been corrected and the rotary engine is an attractive alternative to the normal V6 or V8 piston-driven engines. Mazda also introduced a hydrogen-powered rotary earlier this year as a work in progress that may find its way to the marketplace in the not too distant future.
The latest rotary has been redesigned for more power, better fuel economy and lower emissions. The RX8 with the manual transmission is rated at 16 city and 22 highway. An automatic transmission is available but it’s not nearly as much fun and doesn’t get quite the same fuel mileage.
The new engine sits further back in the engine bay, giving the car an almost 50-50 weight distribution, which also helps with the handling. Weighing right around 3,000 pounds, the RX8 gobbles up the asphalt (or concrete) on 18-inch wheels.
The suspension is still a little harsh for some tastes and the noise level is higher than average. But this is a sports car, not a luxury liner.
The model we tested was equipped with leather seats that were heated and the driver’s seat was power adjustable.
There are three round gauges in the console for information feedback. The speedometer is digital with a large readout in the center gauge.
The center console resembles a large CD with a huge circle in the middle that contains the audio and climate controls. There are a couple of cupholders, but they’re not very convenient. Navigation is optional.
There are several sports coupes on the market and each has its attractions. But none of the others have a rotary engine. That alone is worth some extra points during car talk at the bar.

Ryan’s Ride – It’s been a couple of years since we tested the RX8 and it’s been worth the wait. This little Mazda is a blast to drive. Marilyn didn’t care for the stiff suspension but she drives with a different purpose than I do.
The RX8 exterior has bulges over the wheel wheels, a bulge in the hood and a slight recess across the roofline for a true sports car look.
Inside, the supportive front seats hold you in place. The aluminum foot pedals are straight from the race car parts bin.
The rotary doesn’t sound like a ground-pounding V8, but has its own sound. There’s not much low end torque, so you have to keep the rotary wound up. Redline is an impressive 9,000 rpm but you don’t need to wind it up that tight to find enough power.
It did take me a few days to adjust to the short throws between gears but once I had that down pat, I had a blast in the RX8, especially on my special back road near Lake Allatoona.

Marilyn’s Moment –
This isn’t my kind of car. It’s too bumpy, too noisy and too small. I have to admit it was fun to drive and attracted a lot of looks, especially from young men.
I did like the interior layout, except for the cupholders. I ended up using one in the back seat. The parking brake takes up a lot of room on the right side of the console, but there isn’t anywhere else for it I guess.
The seats are very comfortable in front but I wouldn’t want to sit in the back for very long. The rear doors are novel and make getting to the back seat easy and that’s good because there isn’t that much room in the trunk.
I’m sure the rotary engine has its advantages but I really couldn’t tell that much difference from a normal engine. It did rev much higher between gears and had a different sound. But there was plenty of power through all the gears.
I did find myself driving a little differently because the RX8 is so precise in the corners. If you’re in the right gear and hit a corner at speed, it’s a lot of fun.
The RX8 wouldn’t be very high on my list of desirable cars. But that’s just me. For someone who wants a sports coupe that’s fun to drive, then the Mazda might be the answer.