Since its launch, the Mazda RX8 has been the subject of scrutiny amateurs. There is a high level of attention only because of the excellent driving dynamics of the car but, in part to the first reports on the performance of weaker than expected. To be more precise: power to the wheel position on the chassis dynamometer offers a variety of leading to much lower values ​​than expected 17% ~ 20% transmission of parasitic losses. And a quarter mile race from anywhere between 0.5 and 1.5 seconds of those produced by the magazine on pre-production vehicles suspected.

Under the rated RX8: marketing material original Mazda North America (NAO) has announced the RX8 manual transmission 6-speed 247hp @ 8500 rpm. Assuming that the loss of parasite transmission between 17% -20% for common-modern rear wheel drive vehicles, RX8 stock should measure between 205 ~ 197 rear wheel horsepower (rwhp)-depending on altitude, barometric pressure, the temperature, and correction factors applied. Instead, the chassis dyno results show stock RX8 works ranging from mid-height ~ 160 to ~ 185rwhp. Such readings would represent a loss of parasite transmission over 25%. In saying this, it is unacceptable to test this level of loss by the chain of “sports car” with a carbon fiber driveshaft, among other things, it is not enough. Read the rest of this entry »