Actually it's because the 2006 model didn't debut on the dealers lots
until Feb, they didn't produce any RX-8s at all for the 3 or so months
prior to that because the production line was needed for other
vehicles.  About a year or so ago the Mazda factory that built the RX-8
exclusively caught fire and burned to the ground.  It's reputation for
crappy gas mileage in't helping either.  You're lucky to get 15 mpg in
the city and 20 mpg on the interstate.

nobody gets the 25+ mpg comments I've read here.  I don't drive mine on
the street much but I've never seen over 19 mpg on the interstate, but
I'm usually pushing around 80 mph.  This has more to do with some engine
management strategies Mazda implemented mid-stream to improve catalytic
converter life at the expense of fuel mileage, something you guys won't
experience for your applications.

It's too bad you guys can't use the multi-stage intake manifold system.
Some recent enthusiast testing has shown volumetric efficiencies
approaching 120% (!) that's directly attributed to it's operation.

Mark Sipe

I get 25 MPG at a steady 65 to 70MPG. Anybody can prove it instantaneously
by connecting to the OBD II connector under the drivers side dash using a
notebook computer with  software that records the exact air and fuel burned and
the speed of the car. It is much much more difficult to measure it
by driving the car for 200 or 300 miles at a steady speed of 65 or 70
MPH and measuring the fuel put into the tank.  The roads are too crowded
for that. In the 16B powered RX8 they will probably lower the axle ratio so
the engine is not running at 4000 RPM at a steady 80 MPH.
This will cut engine friction and pumping losses as the throttle will
be open more. Engine friction and pumping losses are among the
most important factors in BSFC. My old 94 Cougar V8 would do close
to 80 MPH at 2000 RPM and get over 20 MPG.

Here is some sample OBD II data. Figure 14.7 pounds of air (stoichiometric)
are burned for every pound of fuel. You know the air so you know the fuel.
Do the math.


We don't need the multistage intake manifold to get a volumetric efficiencies
of 120% in constant speed aircraft engines. Any old p-port manifold will get
120% VE. Mazda got VEs of 120 20 years ago.

Paul Lamar ...No rotor no motor.

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