Gersthofen, 14 August 2009 -
a time it was not clear whether the new introduced as early as January 2009 Mazda RX-8 ever comes to Europe. Now the decision in favor of the local rotary fans has been made: At the IAA (17 to 27 September 2009 in Frankfurt am Main) is looking into the car the scrutiny of the public. Already, the revamped model is ordered, we could already give us a first impression.



Trimmed for presence

Visually, the new RX-8 is clearly bullish therefore: Beam Xenon headlights, rising to double size cooler air vents on the right and left, and a new front sill drawn the face shape of the Japanese. The advanced ventilation holes help to keep the oil in the cooler at full load at six degree than before. The modern rear lights with LEDs emit their light, the rear spoiler grew up, and two large tailpipes send their greetings on the street. According to Mazda Sales Director Thomas Rothe is the majority of the RX-8 fans on the remarkable athleticism. However, the Wankel Mazda through the war-paint some of his most appealingly simple design loses, as we find.

European Disunion

In countries such as Austria or the UK, the facelifted version will not come on the market. Unlike in Germany, where there is a tight-knit Wankel and RX-8 fans. It is precisely at these people it is addressed with the revised car, which incidentally is not advertised. Finally, Germany is the homeland of Felix Wankel and the RX-8, the lumps of sugar to the Mazda brand. Already, the facelift was well received, it is hoped an extra boost from the IAA, reveals Rothe.



Upgraded cabin

In the interior of the RX-8 Mazda wants to leave a higher quality impression. The surfaces have been revised and elsewhere in the RX-8-specific models available in black piano lacquer center console and steering wheel are now standard equipment in the car. Well we like the new multi-function steering wheel with three spokes. However, taller people have a little longer for an investigator comfortable seating position. The view through the small rear windows is moderate. Remains unchanged, the ingenious Türprinzip with the opposite opening portals. New: The red area of the rev counter is variably interpreted, therefore, moves at a hotter motor in the higher regions. This technique is known for example from the BMW M5. When facilities are Recaro front sport seats, a Bluetooth speakerphone, a light and rain sensor, an auxiliary connection and a Bose sound system with it. In addition, a metallic paint does not cost extra.



Steering and damping refresh

To improve the handling of the RX-8’s, was the body of the car stiffens Wankel: According to Mazda, the torsional rigidity increases by 5.4 and the bending stiffness by 8.7 percent. Is responsible for including a brace running above the front axle. Bilstein shock absorbers should be good for more consistent damping. A more direct steering feel is achieved, according to Mazda by a modified front subframe, the torsional rigidity of the propeller shaft has been increased by around 30 percent. New 19-inch alloy wheels with a designed 225/40-R19-Bereifung put you in contact with the road.



Finally: Ergonomic dipstick

The performance values of the rotary engine will remain the same: 231 hp and 211 Newton meters of torque ensure a top speed of 234 kph, 100 kph on the sprint is completed in 6.4 seconds. Smaller engine measures should, however, the already superb maneuverability of the rotary piston to increase aggregate. Thus, the mechanical oil pump against electromagnetic been exchanged. And is a modification RX-8-friends can breathe a sigh: The end of the dipstick has moved well within reach to the top of the engine cover. So far, the instrument was sitting sideways next to the engine, hidden by a tangle of cables and hoses. A nuisance to a vehicle, which is announced at every fuel stop to control the oil level, including the Wankel-Mobile, all 1000 kilometers thirsts after a pint of the black gold. Now, must appear on the big plastic cover that conceals the view of the rotary engine, to open only one door to pull the rod.



New Gear

The forces of the RX-8 will be divided remains with a manual six-speed manual gearbox. But this transmission is completely new. Originally, for the third generation development of the MX-5, Mazda engineers have the wheels to the rotary engine adapted. All six courses are shorter than previously translated. Mazda certainly promises greater pulling power in terms of forward gears.



Want to speed

In a first trip, we note that there has been the fundamental character of the RX-8 can not changed much. As before, the Wankel engine by design lacks the bite out of the bottom. Slowly, the Mazda but not so in just 6.4 seconds Tempo stand 100 on the digital speedometer. It is the kind of force development, which calls for the correct driver type. The RX-8, is progressing smoothly and quietly, with the tone of the engine with a dark whirr can be best described. The rotary piston under the hood will be lined with speed and that many turns. In other words, even when traveling at 140 in fourth gear the transmission is the crunchy end of the road not yet been reached. That will only come in from 9000 to 9500 rpm and makes itself felt by a slight chirp as a warning signal.



Only in the top equipment

Anyone who wants to continue the legacy of Felix Wankel, the new RX-8 has no choice in Germany can order only the Topausstattungsvariante with 231-horsepower engine. The so-called sport-line model suggests, with 38,180 Euros to the price and can be ordered immediately. There is special equipment for the all-inclusive way, not a sportsman, a navigation system must be retrofitted. Friends of the rotating circular piston should hurry up, however: In October 2010 would have expired at least in Germany, the time for the RX-8, since then no new cars with Euro 4 emission standard may be sold more. The switch to Euro-5 would be too costly, especially as the successor-injection gasoline Wankel (project name 16X) is already announced for 2012.