It was called the Mazda Cosmo Sport and it was a landmark vehicle in the innovative history of the Japanese auto manufacturer. If it means nothing to you, that’s perfectly understandable.
Introduced in 1967, the two-seat Cosmo Sport was never sold in the United States but it secured its place in the automotive industry as the first production car from Mazda that was powered by the unique rotary engine.
Its significance to American enthusiasts became apparent 11 years later when the rotary-powered Mazda RX-7 sports car was introduced in the United States and quickly captured their attention because of its rev-happy engine, light weight and excellent balance.
To celebrate the successful application of the rotary engine to its sports cars, Mazda - now a part of the Ford Motor Co. - has introduced a special 40th anniversary edition of its unique RX-8.
To be fair, the rotary engine was the invention of Felix Wankel, a German mechanical engineer who worked for many years to perfect the powerplant but never was able to achieve the required reliability. Mazda acquired the rights to it in 1961, solved the inherent problems with rotary power and has been producing and perfecting the engine for use in its sports cars ever since.
Upgrades to the RX-8 anniversary edition are mostly cosmetic - badges, high-gloss 18-inch wheels, dark gray exterior paint, red leather upholstery - but Mazda has tweaked the car slightly to improve ride and handling.
Even a short drive in this RX-8 shows the original thrill has survived and thrives in a uniquely styled car that is considerably more practical than the original.
With its somewhat bulbous roof, sharply arched fenders and two forward-opening small rear doors, it cuts a figure like no other sports car.
But there’s a method behind this seeming eccentricity.
Not only is it possible for two adults to gain relatively easy entry to the rear seats, they will actually be reasonably comfortable over the short haul if front-seat passengers cooperate by keeping their seats forward a bit.
In addition, it’s easy to put awkwardly shaped packages on those seats and the RX-8 has a real trunk that’s big enough to hold two golf bags.
The star of the show, of course, is the 1.3-liter twin-rotor engine. It generates 232 horsepower and 159 pounds-feet of torque.
Teamed with a slick-shifting, close-ratio, six-speed manual transmission, it can catapult the RX-8 from a stop to 60 mph in less than six seconds.
But this engine has charms far beyond raw power. Compact and lightweight, it can be mounted low and rearward in the engine bay to give the rear-wheel-drive RX-8 that perfect 50/50 front-to-rear weight distribution.
In addition, the triangular rotors, which perform the functions of pistons in a conventional engine, can spin easily to a maximum 9,000 rpm, giving the engine a wonderful flexibility that allows high-speed downshifts that would put serious strain - or worse - on a piston-driven powerplant.
That’s important because the rotary engine’s lack of mid-range pulling power means a driver must do a lot of gear changing to get the most out of the engine’s potential.
Fortunately, the manual transmission is a willing accomplice.
Mazda offers an RX-8 with a six-speed automatic transmission that can be operated with paddle shifters, but that car comes with a softer suspension, smaller wheels and brakes, and an engine that generates only 212 horsepower. It’s not the one for a driver who wants to explore the RX-8’s handling limits.
Much credit for the car’s tenacious grip and reasonably comfortable ride goes to the expertly tuned independent suspension - double wishbones in front and a multi-link setup at the rear wheels.
Add to that communicative electronic rack-and-pinion power steering, limited-slip differential and powerful anti-lock vented disc brakes and the driver has all the tools needed for a grin-inducing back-road romp.
The RX-8 anniversary edition comes with a full complement of safety features, including front and side airbags for front-seat passengers, side curtains to protect the heads of front- and rear-seat passengers, stability control, traction control and fog lights.
If there is a downside to rotary power it’s fuel consumption.
The EPA estimates the RX-8’s mileage at 16 per gallon of premium gasoline in the city and 22 on the highway.
The best I could manage in a week of reasonably sane motoring was 18 mpg.
Inside, the RX-8 is comfortable for front-seat passengers of all sizes.
The bucket seats are well bolstered without being overly confining for passengers who have gained a few pounds over the years.
The materials, including leather-trimmed seats, have a quality look and feel, and there is a business-like ambience one would expect in a sports car.
The only oddity is the 10,000-rpm tachometer, which contains a digital speed readout. There is no separate speedometer.
As the premier model, the RX-8 anniversary edition comes standard with a long list of comfort and convenience features, including air conditioning, premium sound system, power sunroof, steering-wheel mounted audio and cruise controls and an eight-way power driver’s seat.
The suggested price of the RX-8 anniversary edition coupe I drove is $32,594, and that includes $430 for satellite radio and the $635 delivery charge.
Upgrades to the RX-8 anniversary edition are mostly cosmetic - badges, high-gloss 18-inch wheels, dark gray exterior paint, red leather upholstery - but Mazda has tweaked the car slightly to improve ride and handling.
Anyone who likes to drive can’t help but love getting behind the wheel of an RX-8.
It’s easy to operate, tenacious in the turns, comfortable on the open road.
And, with that rotary engine singing its sweet song, the RX-8 offers a driving experience like no other.
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