The
2010 Mazda RX-8 is a four-passenger sport coupe offered in three trim levels: Sport, Grand Touring and R3. Equipped with 1.3 liter Renesis rotary engine churning out 230 horsepower coupled to a six-speed manual or automatic transmission, the Mazda RX-8 is the only car in existence with a rotary-powered system.
With an exceptional interior cabin and plenty of leg and headroom, the Mazda RX-8 is driver friendly, modern, and fresh. Among its many features are a three spoke steering wheel, freestyle doors, and lots of space for loading cargo and passenger ingress and egress. However, the Mazda RX-8 is substandard in terms of torque and fuel economy, which is only in the 16 mpg city / 22 mpg highway range.
New for 2010
The 2010 Mazda RX-8 is unchanged from the year before.
Essentials
Engine: 1.3L rotary
Transmissions: 6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic
Body Style: Coupe
Trims: Sport Coupe, Grand Touring Coupe, R3 Coupe
On the Outside
Combining flowing, organic lines with sharp, athletic angles, the Mazda RX-8's low stance and standard 18-inch alloy wheels shout "speed." With the R3 trim, the "High Quality Dynamism" is evidenced by contoured side skirts, a rear spoiler, and fog lights.
From the Inside
Within, the Mazda RX-8 boasts power windows and door locks, bucket sport seats, a leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and air conditioning. The Grand Touring trim makes a seven-inch touch LCD navigation system optional.
Driving Performance
Short for "rotary engine genesis," the Mazda RX-8's Renesis engine puts out two levels of power, depending on the transmission, that is, 212 horsepower and 158 pound-feet of torque with the six-speed automatic or 232 horsepower or 158 pound-feet with the six-speed manual transmission. The six-speed manual transmission can reach 9000 rpm, while the automatic is limited to 7500 rpm.
Safety Equipment
Standard safety equipment on the Mazda RX-8 includes front, side, and curtain airbags; an alarm with immobilizer; and anti-lock brakes with electronic brake distribution. The Grand Touring and R3 trim levels add dynamic stability control.
Gas Mileage
16 mpg city/22 mpg highway (manual); 16 mpg city/23 mpg highway (automatic)
Plusses
- Innovative styling
- Smooth rotary engine
- Sporty interior appointments
- Nimble handling
Minuses
- Lack of torque
- Poor gas mileage
Rating
Peppy rotary sport coupe with plenty of features
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