HKS just recently came out with a prototype of the TWIN POWER DLI II for the RX8. These pics aren't even a day old so information is limited. Oldschool FD and FC guys know what the DLI can do for a rotary and what it's capable of. As the days go by i'll post more info on it. Here is a caption directly from the HKS website explaining more about it:

The Twin Power ignition amplifier integrates Capacity Discharge Ignition (CDI) and transistor ignition technology to offer improved throttle response and smoother engine performance by providing optimal spark duration and maximum voltage output. The CDI technology provides maximum voltage by transferring all stored energy in the capacitor to the ignition coil so the ignition current can build quickly, making the Twin Power very effective at higher revs where a normal spark would diminish.

The strong, rapid spark prevents high rpm ignition miss that reduces peak power. The transistorized method generates high voltage by using transistors to cut off current to the coil, allowing a long energy discharge. This longer spark duration allows the Twin Power to improve lower RPM throttle response and torque. The Twin Power produces a spark output that is typically 1.5-2.5 stronger than a stock ignition system and consumes about 35% less power than other ignition amplifiers. Twin Power DLI, Distributor and Rotary types are CARB exempt (E.O. #D-186-22). The Twin Power DLI II is pending CARB exemption.

DLI - Direct Ignition Engines-Each DLI Type unit controls up to 6 individual coils.

DLI II - Direct Ignition Engines with Internal Igniters-DLI II's are vehicle application specific for engines with integrated igniters and coils.

Distributor - Distributor Engines-Each Distributor unit can be used on most single coil-distributor equipped engines.

Type Rotary - Rotary Engine-Designed for the 2-rotor engines.

The compact and attractive Twin power unit is constructed of durable anodized aluminum and sealed to prevent moisture corrosion. Universal wiring harnesses are included to aid in installation and mounting. Vehicle Specific wiring harnesses are also available for certain models for easier installation and to support installations that require complex integration.

Dimensions - All Twin Power Units, (except for DLI II), are 91mm (L) x 80mm(W) x 34.5mm (H) and weighs approximately 430g (~15.2oz)

Here are some pics:

 

dam hairy arabs!

 

And what amazing feat is this going to but lighten your wallet.
I told you guys elswhere if the spark jumps the gap and lights the fire nothing else matters. The stock spark will work just fine for NA engines. We will see where the limit is once owners start to make more cyld pressure.
More pressure in the chamber resists spark jump, but there is extra in the stock ign notice the guys running turbos so far have no missfires.
Just adding an amplifier isn't going to do anything if the spark is already lighting your fire.

If anything might help it is the multipal spark units, but I doubt they will be of use on your street car. Again first you need a problem to cure.

 

Is this like the Greddy Air Diverter? :D

 

very cool esp if you running a stupidly high pressure turbo! as the auto one apparently is up to 17psi i can see why you would need these! BUT anyone else wondering why these are avalible now??? could there but more high pressure turbos coming soo to warrenty this toy?

 

Gains on a NA RX8 are probably minimal. The test vehicle it was installed on had an intake, exhaust and a high-flow cat. After the unit was installed idling was much smoother and backfired less. The unit will make a bigger difference on turbo or nitrous engines. Power gains and gas mileage have not yet been tested.

 

I have this unit on my FD, it cleans up the idle and reduces exhaust "pops". What the unit is great for is igniting extremely rich mixtures at all rpms but most noticieable at the high rpm range where the mixture doesn't have enpough time to burn.

I'd like to see a dyno of the unit on the RX-8!! It runs as rich as the FD (10:1) and it's N/A! I'm sure it'll add some whp at the high rpm range by better igniting the stupidly rich (for N/A) mixture

 

Didn't SCC or Turbo do an article on these things? They're basically a large capacitor and a resistor inside of a fancy box. About 2 dollars in materials. Oh and about 5 dollars in hotglue.

 

We have used it in the past and dynoed several configurations with the following results:
3rd gen w/stock turbos- over 10 hp/8lbft tq at 14 psi
2nd gen ITS race car- MASSIVE AMOUNTS OF NOTHING, nada, lightening of the wallet
2nd gen w/big turbo, MoTeC M4 pro-no before and after but made 365whp @14psi ans is still going strong since 2001

Basically like RP said, it's good w/boost and otherwise not.

 

had a chance to drive the test vehicle yesterday...revs were much zippier..the car hardly backfired while revving. Overall smoothness was felt across the entire band...like i said earlier you will not feel much of a difference on a NA car but this would go great when installed with a turbo kit..

 

This is not a criticism... how the heck can you tell?

 

well i have the legamax catback and it pops after every rev. The test car has the legamax exhaust with the RP High flow cat and before the DLI II was installed it backfired all the time. When i drove the test car at a stand still while reving, it eliminated about 65% of the pops.