Mazda RX-8 test drive since 2008

R-Rotor-r

Mazda has remained the only manufacturer who produces cars with rotary piston power units. The last brainchild of the Japanese RX-8 with the Renesis motor.

The advertising slogan RX-8 reads: Revolution. Another dimension. Indeed, in order to decide to buy this car, you need to change a lot in your own consciousness. The first stumbling block will be the same engine that has become the best on the planet. Unfortunately, people had the opinion that rotary piston engines (RPD) are unreliable and quickly fail. And also trouble: fuel and oil consumption are higher than that of ordinary internal combustion engines. As for the latest statements, they do not raise doubts. But about reliability, you can argue. Japanese engineers managed to create a motor whose resource before major repairs is 300 thousand km.

You cannot refuse RX-8 and functionality. Unlike many sports coupes, four are placed in this car. In addition, the car has an impressive trunk. The fact that the Wankel engine stands under the hood, the designers resemble everywhere. The corresponding nameplates are present on the deflectors under the grille of the radiator, hood, and the rear fog lamp. Even the shape of the headrest repeats the outline of the rotor.

The salon is distinguished by thoughtful ergonomics. With an habit, the inner space seems cramped. But then adaptation occurs. Planting behind the wheel, as well as the presence of a high central tunnel between the seats of the first and second rows, create an atmosphere of sports. Devices (at the head of which stands a tachometer), drowned in deep wells, oil pressure sensors and a small short -term lever of KP literally shout that you are in the cockpit of the racing car. Everything is so close and at hand.

The turn of the ignition key, and the salon is filled with tangible vibrations. All controls are sharply sharp and rigor. The elastic steering wheel, without resisting, gives the hands of the irregularities of the road. The handle of the gearbox moves, as if along the slots in the iron plate. The gas pedal to a light, slight press responds with an instant jump in the revolution. All this forces to be in constant tension, controlling the iron horse trying to break free.

We turn on the first gear, release the clutch pedal and feel a strong push in the back. The overload arising can be compared with a comic flight on a jet aircraft. Acceleration to 100 km/h

He began to rain. It's time to settle down. The rear -wheel drive, coupled with the huge thrust of the power unit, is now and then trying to let the car into the skid. Fortunately, our Mazda is equipped with a DSC system, which, at the slightest suspicion of a dangerous situation, sharply and unceremoniously extinguishes traction and prevents the driver’s mistakes. Maybe it is for the better. Sowing 232 horsepower on a slippery road is possible for not everyone.

If the driver is completely confident in his abilities and turns off the DSC, then the amount of adrenaline in the blood increases simultaneously with an increase in speed. And then the readings of the devices and pictures outside the window change with kaleidoscopic speed. Clutch thrown, and the car, wagging the stern, rushes forward. The limiter, the second limiter, the third turn, the counter -schedule ... gas, sliding, handbrake, turn. The spirit is breathtaking from such maneuvers. Stop.

Do not forget that the RX-8 is not a real sports car. Of course, he forgives some pranks, but it is necessary to definitely feel the line between it is still possible.

And also, experimenting at maximum speeds, it is worth at least occasionally glancing at the fuel tank sensor. Otherwise, the case may end in a tug. The gasoline arrow moves to the inscription empty with the speed of the taxi counter. The oil pressure indicator is also useful, which is not just a tribute to the style, but a truly useful device.

The right to have an exclusive car is not cheap. The minimum configuration of the Mazda RX-8 costs $ 44,900. For this money, you will receive a car with an engine in 190 horsepower and a five -speed transmission. For 49,900 dollars, a more powerful engine of 232 hp will put under the hood, working in combination with a 6-speed gearbox. In addition, xenon headlights and an electric hatch will be installed.

+ Spectacular appearance, good dynamic parameters and impeccable handling.
Large fuel consumption and oil, excessively hard suspension.

Technical characteristics of Mazda RX-8

Body 4-door compartment
Equipped mass, kg 1455
Dimensions (length/width/height), mm 4435/1770/1340
Base, mm 2700
Trunk volume, l 290
Maximum speed, km/h 235
Acceleration time to 100 km/h, from 6.4
Control consumption of fuel, l/100km:
- City cycle 15.8
- Zagorod 8.9
- Mixed 11.4
Fuel tank volume, l 61
Fuel brand AI-98
Engine:
- type of RPD, two -section
- working volume, cm3 1308*
- Power, L.S. at MIN-1 232/8200
- Torque, NM at MIN-1 211/5500
Transmission Mean., 6th.
Brakes (front/rear) disk, with ABS and EBD
Steering rheck, with eur
Tire size 225/45r18
Price, $ 49 900
* The given working volume is 2616 cm3.

Where did this rotor come from?

The design of the rotary piston engine (RPD) was developed by German engineer Felix Vankel in 1957. He tried to achieve a greater smoothness from the rotor in comparison with the usual internal combustion engine, as well as a larger specific power per unit of the working volume.

Instead of a standard curved-shaped mechanism, Wankel used a triangular rotary piston, fixed to the shaft. Eccentrically spinning in the cell in the form of epitrochoids, in which there are candles and inlets/exhaust openings, the rotor created the necessary compression of the fuel.

The rotary power unit is compact and simplicity of design. However, from the very beginning, the RPD had two problems: high oil and fuel consumption. The first rotors consumed 10 liters100 km of run and 5 liters of oil per 1000 km of path. Despite this, in 1967, the RO80 C car with the RPD won rally in the mountains of Germany.

RPD was produced in our country. In 1976, the first domestic rotor appeared at the Volga Automobile Plant. And six years later, the plant introduced the model 21018 with the VAZ-311 engine. Later, work was carried out to create two-section engines 411 and 413 series with a capacity of up to 140 liters. With. However, now RPD is serial in Togliatti.

Nico (owner of Mazda RX-8),
24 years, driver's experience 4 years

Before RX-8, I had several ordinary, civilian vehicles that passed a certain sports training. But the current car with a rotary piston engine is a completely different matter. In principle, it is suitable for everyday driving, and for amateur car racing like street raising. Plus, the car stands out from the general flow and looks amazing. Despite his impeccable appearance, I ordered other bumpers, additional thresholds, installed a different exhaust system with powerful nozzles. Naturally, the sound has changed. It seems to me that he has become even more aggressive.

I think this is a great option for young people who want their car to stand out from the total mass. RX-8 is an amazingly successful compromise between a sports car and an everyday vehicle.

Alexander (expert RPD),
26 years, driver's experience of 8 years

I had to face rotary engines. These were mainly motors produced until recently at AvtoVAZ. I want to directly say that the RPD is underestimated by motorists. I had several cars with Wankel engines. The counterweight to the large consumption of oil and fuel is excellent traction characteristics, ease of maintenance and repair. As for the resource, modern domestic RPDs easily go about one hundred and fifty thousand without overhaul. I do not think that ordinary VAZ engines live much longer. The capabilities of the Renesis engine are superior to the capabilities of the RX-8 model. There is a desire of engineers to reduce harmful emissions, sacrificing with power. It's a pity. If you take the predecessor, the famous RX-7, then it was much more interesting. Including in terms of controllability. And the RX-8 can be described as a stylish youth car with a claim to sports.

Text: Maxim Pastushenko occupies 6.4 s. After the tachometer shooter crosses the five thousandth mark, acceleration begins with renewed vigor. This is the peculiarity of the rotor. After a few seconds, an obsessive signal will notify the imminent trigger of the speed limiter. Despite the fact that traction is enough in a wide range of revolutions (from 3,000 to 8000 min-1), I would like to switch the programs constantly. gasoline on
 

Source: Magazine 5 wheel [10/2005]