Whole new spin on rotaries

It might look the same, but Mazda claims the revised RX-8 will come close to being a new car where it counts; under the bonnet.

The upgraded range, which will include a GT designated model, arrives here in July. Those dedicated rotarians of Hiroshima remain the only carmaker to persist with this singular form of propulsion.

Mazda claims the 1.3-litre twin rotary has undergone so many modifications it almost amounts to a new unit. Compared with its 13B-REW predecessor, the Renesis rotary engine saves about 5 per cent in rotor weight and 15 per cent in flywheel weight. The use of dual injectors, an electronic throttle and a 32-bit Powertrain Control Module (PCM) also enables more control of the air-fuel ratio.

Slightly enhanced acceleration and fuel economy can be expected. The latter is no bad thing given that while the ultra-high-revving mill (it keeps going way up to 9000rpm) can rival V8s for squirt, it is also apt to drink as heavily.

The GT also cops specially tuned sports suspension with light-weight 19-inch wheels. Aside from the standard slick-shifting manual transmission, the revised range finally gets an automatic with the contemporary number of cogs, six, with steering wheel-mounted shifting paddles like the MX-5.

While Mazda Australia is thriving on sales of its medium and light cars, the Mazda2, 3 and 6, it's rear-wheel-drive sportsters, continue to sell well.

The original Mazda RX-8 has won more than 50 automotive awards, including 2003 International Engine Of The Year and the 2003 Wheels Car Of The Year.

More than 170,000 RX-8s have been sold worldwide to punters attracted by the rotary aspect and the practicality of its four seats, the rear two being accessed by semi-concealed suicide doors. Mazda Australia has sold 5400 since release. So far this year, 171 new RX-8s have found homes.

The range starts at $48,990 rising to $55,840 for the limited release Rotary 40th Anniversary edition.