While the engine output may vary depending on which transmission is chosen,
so not every new RX-8 has the same kick out of the gate, the suspension
setup on every RX-8 is the same, so each new RX-8 has the same corner
cutting ability, whether hitting the turns hard on the track, or just
winding through back country roads. The actual under carriage of the RX-8
is a unibody style, with front and rear suspension sub frames. The front
suspension is a double-wishbone style with upper and lower arms constructed
from an ultra light alloy, suspension-tower brace bar, coil springs, a
stabilizer bar, and depending on whether the Shinka package is chosen,
either 12.5 or 14 millimeter gas-filled shock absorbers.
The rear suspension, which of course houses the drive wheels, is a Multi-link style
with low-mounted coil springs, stabilizer bar, and like the front
suspension, either 12.5 or 14 millimeter gas-filled shock absorbers,
depending on the package chosen. This entire suspension setup is tuned for
optimum performance and high speed handling without compromising the smooth,
comfortable ride of a every day driver. While the suspension setup on this
RX-8, both in the base model, and Shinka model, for those who demand even
more handling capabilities from their new RX-8, foam injected cross members
can be chosen, which help to add to the overall rigidity of the ride. The
Direct Drive electronic power steering system is a rack and pinion style
setup, which allows for tight cornering and a great deal of control at any
speed. The steering ratio is 16.43 to 1, and going lock to lock will take
you just under three full turns of the steering wheel. Locked to either
side, the RX-8 boasts a turning diameter of 34.8 feet, curb to curb. Should
you come across any turns that this race inspired suspension can not handle,
that is where the braking system of the new RX-8 comes into play. Helping
slow the RX-8 down is a 4-way ventilated disc, packing 11.93 inch rotors in
the front of the automatic transmission models, and 12.72 inch rotors in the
manual transmission and Shinka models.
The rear brakes of the RX-8 are 11.93
inch vented rotors on all models. This braking system is aided by an
Antilock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD)
systems. While most people are familiar with ABS, EBD may be a new
terminology to many people. This system senses whether the vehicle is
traveling in a straight line or is in the process of turning when the brakes
are applied hard. Under hard straightaway braking, the brake force is moved
to the rear wheels to help in keeping the car headed straight ahead, and
when not in a straightaway braking situation, the brake force returns to a
normal distribution.
