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05/25/06 |
        
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Sadly, sold to move to China
Car and Driver: 10Best Cars: Best Sports Coupe Mazda RX-8 January 2005 The RX-8 doesn’t provoke facial distortion or nosebleeds at full gallop, but it has plenty of other sports-car virtues. The chassis is as stiff as a double shot of Dewar’s, the steering is laser accurate, the suspension hits the sweet spot between firm and punishing, and the weight distribution is about as close to perfect as perfect gets. We’re talking about the ingredients that distinguish automotive athletes from the plodders—traits that make the car an extension of the driver’s will. Consistent with previous Mazdas wearing RX badges, the RX-8 is propelled by an engine lacking pistons and valves. Mazda put itself on the U.S. sales map with the rotary engine back in 1970, and the RX-8’s 238-hp (197 with an automatic transmission), 1.3-liter twin-rotor Renesis is the latest edition. Like other naturally aspirated rotaries, it’s a little short on torque but long on smooth and a pleasure to live with. There’s more. Not only does the RX-8 deliver exceptional sports-car pleasure, but it’s also capable of delivering it to more than two. The rear seats can accommodate two adult-size passengers, in comfort, and the rear demi-doors, à la Saturn quad coupe, make the RX-8 easy to climb into and out of. Wow. A practical sports car. What’ll they think of next? -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This site was last updated 09/02/05 |
