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The Mazda RX-8 might arguably be considered an icon because of its Wankel Rotary engine. The engine equates to 1304cc per rotor so with two rotors at its disposal the car is assessed as having 2616cc.
However, there’s much more to this motor than simply an unusual engine.
To my eyes anyway, it is truly a beautifully sculpted piece of sports machinery that will turn heads as much as a Ferrari. There I’ve said it. I love the shape and styling of this car which is as nice on the inside as it is on the out.
The RX-8 has a rear-wheel drive configuration that allows it to drift into bends with ease, but you need to be careful in the wet. Otherwise handling is very good the car always transmitting what’s happening so you shouldn’t get caught out. The red car in the images is a 231 bhp Evolve version with a six-speed gearbox.
Introduced in 2004 it was manufactured until 2012 and proved a popular alternative to more traditional engine sports machines. Other versions of the RX-8 produce 190bhp so the Evolve should be expected to be quick which is what it is. Also, rotary engines are capable of revving to far higher speeds than their piston engine rivals hence the Evolve is red-limited at around 9,000 rpm.
The performance even by today’s standards is quick with 0-60 in 6.0 secs and a top speed of 146 mph for the Evolve while the standard model does the same again in 7.0 with a 139 mph top speed.
Mazda RX-8 Evolve Specification
| Cost new | £25,785 |
| Engine | Wankel Rotary 2616cc 231 bhp |
| Performance | Max 146 mph 0-60 6.2 secs |
| Fuel Consumption | 24 mpg |
| Road Tax | £360 |
| Insurance Group | 30 |
HOW MANY STILL MOTORING IN THE UK?
| Model | Status | Number |
|---|---|---|
| RX-8 192 PS | Licensed | 723 |
| RX-8 192 PS | SORN | 1754 |
| RX-8 231 PS | Licensed | 1590 |
| RX-8 231 PS | SORN | 3126 |
| RX-8 40TH ANNIVERSARY LE | Licensed | 159 |
| RX-8 40TH ANNIVERSARY LE | SORN | 102 |
| RX-8 EVOLVE | Licensed | 103 |
| RX-8 EVOLVE | SORN | 115 |
| RX-8 KURO | Licensed | 140 |
| RX-8 KURO | SORN | 115 |
| RX-8 NEMESIS | Licensed | 71 |
| RX-8 NEMESIS | SORN | 87 |
| RX-8 PZ | Licensed | 206 |
| RX-8 PZ | SORN | 255 |
HOW MUCH CAN I EXPECT TO PAY?
| Condition | Valuation |
|---|---|
| RX-8 192 | |
| OUTSTANDING | Up to £5,000 |
| VERY GOOD CONDITION | Up to £4,000 |
| AVERAGE CONDITION + MOT | Up to £3,000 |
| AVERAGE CONDITION NO MOT | Up to £1,500 |
| BROKEN DOWN | Up to £500 |
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