Sure the Rx-8 will have it's share of competition but you got to understand the appeal of the rotary's power delivery. I have seen people become instant rotary converts just by driving a normally aspirated Rx-7 once. The smoothness, the linearity of torque delivery, it's very different to other engines that are harsh and full of vibration.

Also, on top of the fact that people who test drive a Rx-8 will get the rotary effect, they will also get considerable more normally aspirated power than any past rotary engine. The rotors are the lightest to date at 8.34 pounds, the vehicle will have a carbon fiber driveshaft, and the exhaust note is said to be improved. The transmission has short and precise throws similar to that of a Miata and trans and differential will be connected by Mazda's patented Power Plant Frame, ensuring little driveline flex and an efficient transfer of torque to the wheels.

Anyone with the slightest sense of what a performance vehicle is will be blown away by the Renesis and the Rx-8 drivetrain. Sure there are those only interested in conspicuous consumption and look at a car as basic transportation, these are not the people the Rx-8 is aimed at.

Trust me. To an open-minded person that has an eye on performance, with a good test drive, they will eventually become a rotary addict.

 

Good post!

 

Mr. Wankel.... I totally agree. First time I had the experience was in 1980. I test-drove a black Rx-7 at a dealer in Charlotte NC. I eased out of the lot, with my Mom in the car, and just accelerated normally onto South Blvd. I shifted by what I heard as normal engine sounds, but just as I went to 2nd, I glanced at the tach. 5500rpm, and the sound was similar to a 1980-vintage piston engine at 2500-3000. Or less.

I couldn't afford that car at the time, but the next year I was out of college and went straight to the Mazda dealer and bought my '81 Rx-7 GS. For months afterward, I would accelerate onto the freeway in Atlanta and cruise along for miles before realizing I was only in third gear. The old 12A would just purr along at 6000rpm without the slightest complaint.

More I think about it, I may just have to find an old first-gen to add to the stable.

Thanks!

Bill

 

Kinda got me thinking also. If the car handles better than we expect, then the potential for passenger injury/death is larger, and at the least very uncomfortable for rear passengers of an RX-8 being driven at 9/10ths. The drive tunnel is a nice center support, but the rear seats better be as good or better than the fronts for lateral support, since rear passengers cannot view the road and anticipate moves like a shotgun passenger can. Hope the 60-100 lb kids don't bang their heads on the quarter trim during "spirited" driving. The car seems to be a 2+2 with 4-door access the more I look at it. I'm sure some body roll will be present for passenger comfort. I don't think it's possible to have the best of both worlds(coupe stiffness vs.sedan ride) when it comes to carrying 4 passengers.