Rotary Celebrates Its 40th // 2008 RX-8

To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Rotary engine, Mazda has released a limited edition RX-8, surely to please all of the zoom-zoom fans. Now we are all aware that Mazda's, more often than not, represent a strong majority at lap days and SCCA events. This is testament to their racing pedigree and aftermarket support, as well as factory floor performance capabilities. Well the 2008 RX-8 40th anniversary edition does not stray far from this marker. With a 1.3 liter, 232bhp Renesis Rotary under the hood, a six speed short throw shifting transmission, 9k redline and 50/50 weight distribution, the 40th anniversary RX-8 provides all that we love about Mazda. Keeping the rev's up is essential in a rotary, with a lack of raw torque, the Renesis will keep things interesting from turn to turn so long as you keep feeding her throttle. The 40th edition is much like it's 2007 counterpart, though features a few subtle upgrades. 18" aluminum wheels fit beneath the RX-8, while a Bilstein sport suspension makes for adequate grip while nearing that 9k redline we spoke of. Only 200 units will be built with the 40th anniversary edition badging, and though performance numbers do not differ greatly from the base model, celebrating 40 years of rotary powered performance via the RX-8 defines all that Mazda's zoom-zoom mantra means to us. Fun to drive, fun to race, with a supportive aftermarket and undeniable reliability, this is what makes Mazda the most raced automobile // 06.15.2008