Hans Conser sent:
We at RotaryNews have been following the threads on the
RX-8 forum about the fact that the RX-8 was not making advertised
horsepower on the dyno. We have also been in contact with
some of the folks in Mazda about the issue. They were fully aware
of the issue, and researched it fully. They have released
their findings today.
As of today, August 22nd, 2003, the revised US-Spec
Horsepower Rating of the RX-8 is 238 HP for the Manual 6port RENESIS,
and 197 HP for the 4port Automatic RENESIS. The performance
numbers advertised ARE NOT CHANGING. They have done many tests,
in house, with magazines, and outside third parties, and
they are still observing RX-8's that will do 0-60 in 5.9-6.0
seconds and quarter mines in 14.5 (best observed 1/4 mile
run at Pomona Raceway was 14.48 at 96.1 MPH)
Because of the descrepency in the HP numbers, Mazda is
sending out letters to every new registered owner of the RX-8, any
pre-sale customers that haven't received their RX-8 yet,
telling them of the error in the advertised rating, and giving them
two options:
1. Mazda will provide free scheduled servicing for the
duration of the standard warranty plus a $500 debit card.
2. Mazda will make arrangements to buy back the car.
I'd like to actually thank Mazda for bringing this out so
soon (in corporate time). The first dyno reports came in at the
end of July, and mid way through August, we have an answer,
and solution from Mazda. They didn't try to hide things. They
went out to the track, dyno, and researched the issue, and
found the problem, then conducted the risk analysis, financial
analysis, PR analysis in very quick time for a corporate
entity. It is also important to point out these things: 1. Mazda
Japan has not revised their numbers down. 2. the engineers
are hard at work, and have not stopped development on the RENESIS
by any means.
Wow, corporate honesty, what a concept. Let's hope it's contagious.
Rick Girard