On Mar 26, 9:20=A0am, Grant Edwards <gra...@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote:
> On 2008-03-26, eara...@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
<eara...@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote:
>
> > I'm not going to argue that the Wankel engine isn't pretty cool as a
> > mechanical curiosity, but 16/22 mpg on a 3050 lb. car, with a whopping
> > 159 ft-lbs. of torque, is just pitiful.
>
> And it's ugly too! =A0IMO, the RX-8 is a disjointed collection of
> random details with no overall style. =A0It's all vents and
> creases and bulges and slots and crap.
Definitely it ain't a smooth beauty, but I think it's kind of cool in
its own way, at least in dark blue or silver (maybe its appearance in
X-Men is influencing me).
The reason I sounded a bit harsh is that I actually really wanted to
like this car. It seemed to promise world-class handling and (unlike
our beloved Miatae) respectable speed, along with 4-seat practicality
and a dose of distinctiveness, for <=3D30K.
I can't help but wonder if any of a number of other engines might
raise its gas mileage from bad to at least mediocre, without
sacrificing its essential character and performance. I guess it might
not be an RX-8 anymore, but it might be a heckuva car.
Eric
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