2006 Mazda RX-8
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2006 Mazda RX-8
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By the late 1970's, the American Muscle Car was nearly dormant, and even
one-time power houses like
Ford's Mustang was powered by a four cylinder
economy engine. This was the point in time where the Japanese performance
market, which displayed attributes of both fuel economy and power, and
unlike many American cars, more focus was made on the handling capabilities
of these cars. Cars like the Toyota Supra were gaining popularity among
sports cars enthusiasts thanks to their affordability and technology applied
to just about every aspect of these cars. It was in 1979 that Mazda jumped
into the performance side of the American automobile market, with their
unusually powered
RX-7. It was greatly advanced in it's aerodynamics while
not sacrificing the modern styling, and more importantly, it's
aforementioned unusual drivetrain. This was really the first car to be
introduced to the American market that featured the unique Wankel rotary
engine. Thanks to the cornering ability, this new car was very popular,
both for street and track use, and with the price, demand far exceeded
supply, even with the slight lack of power.
As the RX-7 evolved, it amassed
a large following, bolstered by the offering of a turbo model starting in
1986 with the release of the second generation RX-7. The completely new
look, along with the added power, caused the popularity to grow, and with
it, the price. The 1993 model year brought the introduction of the third
generation RX-7, and again, a new induction system. This new RX-7 came
standard with a new twin turbo setup, and unlike the prior turbo models,
there was no naturally aspirated engine offered. This twin turbo system and
new body style was once again a huge success, but an even bigger addition
over the new power was the new price tag, and with the few downgrades
offered, the RX-7 had gone from a low price car with amazing handling
capabilities, to an expensive all around performer. Sadly, this hike in
performance did not outweigh the increase in price, and in 1995 the last of
the famed RX-7s rolled off the assembly lines.
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Over the first few years following the drop of the RX-7 mode, rumors were adrift that there was a new
rotary powered car coming, and it would make its grand entrance to the
American market in 1999, but those rumors were never substantiated.
However, in the early 2000's, rumors were again flying, and this time, they
were concrete. It would be a few more years to wait for the rotary
enthusiasts, but in 2004, hopeful RX-7 owners and enthusiasts alike got
their wish. A new rotary powered car from the company that piloted the idea
to the American market in 1979, and while no forced induction was offered in
its introductory year, the 2004 Mazda RX-8 offered great styling and
function combined with a powerful new rotary engine. Like the RX-7, a look
completely unique to the RX-8 was a key point in the development of this new
car, and getting additional power of the naturally aspirated engine was
important in order to make this new car as popular as the precursor some 25
years prior. Like the older RX-7's, an upgrade package titled the Shinka
model is offered. The Shinka RX-8 comes equipped with custom paint,
interior trim, and some braking and suspension changes. Whether the Shinka
model is chosen, or whether you opt for the baseline RX-8 with either the
automatic or manual transmission, you will find the exact reason for the
amazing popularity of the RX-7, simply put, this is one great, fun car.
