Since its launch, the Mazda RX8 was the subject of consideration by the fans. The high level of attention not only because of the beautiful car, but the driving dynamics, in part, to early reports less than expected performance. To be precise: the wheel of the power measured several test runs resulted in values well below the expected 17% ~ 20% loss of transmission of the parasite. And quarter-mile run between 0.5 and 1.5 seconds for those affected by the magazine on the "pre-production vehicles.

Under the authority of the RX8 equipment marketing for Mazda North America (MNAO) announced on 6 speed manual RX8 to 247hp @ 8500 rpm. Assuming that the parasitic power loss between 17% -20% for the common modern back, a stock RX8 should be between 205 ~ 197 HP to the rear wheels (rwhp)-depending on altitude, barometric pressure, temperature and correction factors applied. Instead, a stock chassis RX8 Dyno results show that will run from mid-height of ~ 160 to ~ 185rwhp. These readings are parasitic transmission loses over 25%. That it is unacceptable for this level of loss by sending a "sports car" with a shaft of carbon fiber, among others, is an understatement.

To further doubts about the true power of the new Renesis many homeowners were unable to reproduce mid-low 14 second quarter mile pass as well-known magazine published by the American car. Low speed trap is an allusion to the apparent lack of power.

Shortly after several discussions on online forums and enthusiasts forums in the heating of arguments about what was causing the poor performance in a straight line. "Many former Miata owners to recall a previous" Snafu "in the history of Mazda, the manufacturer who certainly exaggerated the power of the number of new Mazda Miata.

After a few months, MNAO came forward and explained that he had falsified the Renesis power. The revised figure is now 238hp @ 8500 rpm, but in terms of MNAO This revision does not affect the performance of previous results.

Speculation on the reasons for the sudden absence of power are numerous. However, there are currently two schools of thought:

* The first supports the idea that the RX-8 of the unit of the engine management (ECU), in collaboration with the many "Nanny" devices, such as ABS and TCS can not have the correct reading of a dynamometer. For simplicity, when the car driven on a chassis Dyno, the wheels are in motion. The RX-8, the ECU detects a misbehavior of the situation and the delays in planning and implementing other security measures is to preserve the "pilot" or "engine" of award or two (read sheet situation, or a car leaves the road.)
* The second believes that MNAO was forced to reorganize the software that manages the engine management, even before the first batch of the RX-8 has reached the coast of the United States due to regulations on emissions of Canada. I read one in particular, which indicates that the catalyst life of about 100,000 miles. The number one enemy of catalytic converters on vehicles in the heat (and heat is the number one attribute of the rotation of the engine exhaust.)

MNAO two options available for those who pre-ordered an RX-8, or bought at the end of September 2003:

* They buy the vehicle, no questions asked.
* They are free for the warranty period, more than $ 500 "gift card" for those who have opted for the car.

I was among those who have opted for their RX-8. Indeed, the driving experience has not changed since the test drive the vehicle before purchasing. Since August 2003, I pointed over 20,000 miles 1/18/2005- I have just one ounce of regret about my decision. If you want to know more about the owners of the opinion, this thread@RX8Club.com

There were a number of ECU "updates" released during the past 2 years. As far as I know, all samples de'04 RX-8 has come from "J" engine management software. Since then we have all of the alphabet "M" which was published on a campaign TSB by Mazda North America (MSP04) all vehicles @ flashed on Authorized Dealers "M" for calibration.

P. Miguel is a student looking for a college in Applied Science Associates, currently working full time in the IT industry. He has a passion for autmobiles, especially those powered by rotary engines. You can contact Miguel or read more material MyRotaryCar.com