2004 Mazda RX-8 Concept
Will the Japanese Brand Build a MazdaSpeed Version of the RX-8?
In recent years the mid-level sports car scene has exploded with the availability of new models surpassing numbers last seen in the 90s during the sports car boom initially spurred on by the success of Mazdas MX-5 Miata. Mazda is once again at the forefront of the most recent upsurge in automaker activity, joined by manufacturers from around the world.
Despite an overall soft sports car market, longstanding entries such as Audis TT and Hondas S2000 have recently been updated, the former receiving a new 3.2-liter V6 shifted via a sequential manual DSG transmission, and the latter upgraded by 200 cubic centimeters to a 2.2-liter 4-cylinder engine. New entries include Chryslers unorthodox Crossfire coupe and roadster in 215 horsepower and 330 horsepower iterations, while old models are coming back to the scene like Nissans 350Z coupe and roadster. The list goes on, with updates recently given to BMWs roadster, and Mercedes-Benz completely revamped SLK and a reworked Porsche Boxster. Its an exciting time to be a sports car fan.
The mid-priced coupe market is also filled to capacity, with BMWs 3-Series about to make way for a totally new 4-Series, Infiniti G35 Coupe selling well and looking gorgeous, and Fords new Mustang looking ready to approach sales levels the car hasnt seen since its inception in the mid-60s.
One of the top-ranking vehicles of this latter class is Mazdas truly unique RX-8. It is the only vehicle in its segment to successfully accommodate four doors, four seats and therefore four adult occupants without compromising its low-profile style or sports car-like performance. Critics from around the world have raved about its ability to balance ride comfort with neutral handling. The only seemingly unanimous negative expressed is the vehicles lack of serious power.
Since the days of the third-generation RX-7, the rotary engine and its turbocharger have literally been inseparable. No one doubts that in its naturally aspirated form, as it currently is fitted to the RX-8, the RENESIS motor can produce reasonably high power at sky-high revs. The claimed 240 horsepower in its Hi-Power trim level is nothing to scoff at, nor its 160 lb-ft of torque, but theres always room for improvement in this game that sees rivals approaching and surpassing the 300 horsepower mark for similar money. Enter Mazda of Australia, the down-under division of the Japanese brand which is rarely heard from on this side of the globe.
Due to some Aussie bravado the division is getting worldwide press, having solved the RX-8 conundrum by added the missing piece of the puzzle - a turbocharger of course. Conceived by Alan Horsley and his team at Mazda Motorsport of Australia, the Mazda RX-8 Motorsport Concept answers the prayers of RX-8 enthusiasts across the planet. The concept gains a single water-cooled Garrett turbocharger that runs 7.5 psi of boost pressure, as well as an air-to-air intercooler to help enhance the turbochargers potential. In addition a reprogrammed engine computer, aptly named "Power Control Module", allows for a truly whopping 52 percent jump in output to 362 horsepower! Now thats more like it.
The quick-spooling turbocharger also helps to improve the RX-8s weak bottom end by altering the delivery of torque as well as improving its peak performance. No longer will drivers have to wait until the motor reaches the upper-end of the rev range to feel any serious get up and go. Rather the new engine is much more accessible at lower revs, making for an easier, more tractable drive on the track and around town. The engines pulling power has increased by almost 65 percent to 258 lb-ft of torque.
By using a small turbo running relatively low pressure levels, Mazda Motorsport has ensured that lag is hardly noticeable, allowing for immediate throttle response and retaining the high-revving characteristic of the RENESIS motor. Also, as no changes were made to the motors compression ratio the engine can still wind up to its sonorous 9,000 rpm redline, one of powerplants most intriguing features. The final touches to the powertrain include a freer-flowing exhaust system with a low-turbulence muffler that aides breathing while delivering a muscular, throaty sound.
Aside from promising extra power, the RX-8 Motorsport Concept makes its performance intentions known through a full body makeover. The Australian Motorsport division picked through a variety of exterior add-ons from the MazdaSpeed catalog before making any upgrade choices, and in the end included an aggressive new nose featuring oversized intakes, ideal for allowing the larger radiator core breathe more freely, plus a fully-adjustable rear spoiler crowning the tail end.
These strong-spoken visuals are accompanied by a host of underbody modifications to bring out the best of the RX-8. The Motorsports technicians have fitted stiffer Eibach springs which cut the ride height by about one inch to improve grip levels, reduce body roll and lower the cars center of gravity. Aside from improving the visual impact of the vehicle, these important changes in suspension geometry also sharpen the electrically assisted steering.
All the new changes ride on a set of 19-inch white-painted alloy wheels wrapped in 235/40 series Bridgestone Potenza high-performance rubber up front and wider 255/35 tires in back.
While the meatier tires provide the necessary grip to rocket the car forward, upgraded brakes bring it quickly and safely to a halt. Racing-grade Alcon six-piston calipers clamp down on 13.2 inch (335 mm) vented and grooved discs, not dissimilar to those used on FIA WRC rally cars, Australian V8 Supercars and American NASCAR racers.
Matching the white-painted wheels are a set of attention grabbing white GT stripes proudly displaying the Mazda logo on the lower half of the door. The visual tie-in of the white stripes and white wheels is contrasted by a metallic backdrop of Velocity Red mica paint. A rotary-shaped low-mounted brake light, fluted front fender grilles, and blackout headlight covers are the finishing touches to the Motorsport concept.
Given the simple yet effective modifications that Mazda Motorsport has done to the RX-8, its only logical that Mazda should move it into the next step, production. Like all things too good to be true, however, the RX-8 Motorsport Concept is not currently scheduled to be produced. All this effort just to tease sports car fans around the world? Well, not exactly. One thing that this particular concept has reinforced is the reality of a turbocharged RX-8, and given the automakers desire to continue the development of yet more MazdaSpeed versions of production cars, shown by the introduction of the latest MazdaSpeed6 in Paris last month, something similar to this Aussie experiment could very well see the light of day. The current RX-8s low price point would allow a more expensive MazdaSpeed version to remain within the reach of the working class as well, extremely important for its success. When would it happen if at all? Only Mazda insiders know exactly if and when to expect it, but considering the Japanese automaker is on the sales roll of its lifetime it most likely wont be long.