Engine: 1.3-liter twin-rotor rotary

Engine Options: 1.3-liter twin-rotor rotary; 212 hp (automatic), or 232 hp (manual)

Transmission: 6-speed manual

Transmission Options: six-speed sequential automatic with steering-wheel paddles; six-speed close-ratio manual

Standard Safety Equipment: front, side, and side-curtain airbags, seatbelt pretensioners; ABS; EBD; tire-pressure monitor

Optional Safety Equipment: DSC electronic stability control with traction control

Basic Warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles

Assembled In: Hiroshima, Japan

Model Tested: Mazda RX-8 Sport with manual transmission ($26,435)

Standard Equipment: electronic power steering with tilting steering wheel; power four-wheel-disc brakes with ABS and EBD; air conditioning; AM/FM/CD stereo with six speakers and steering-wheel mounted controls; cruise control; cloth upholstery; power windows, mirrors and locks; leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob; floor and overhead consoles; rear window defogger; variable intermittent windshield wipers; alarm with immobilizer; 225/45 Bridgestone high-performance tires; 18-inch alloy wheels.

Options as Tested: Performance Package ($1,300) includes xenon headlights, fog lights, DSC with traction control; in-dash 6-disc CD ($500); Rotary Accent Package ($159)

Destination Charge: 635

Gas Guzzler Tax:

Layout: rear-wheel drive

Horsepower: 232 @ 8500

Torque: 159 @ 5500

Miles Per Gallon in the City/Highway: 18/24

Wheelbase: 106.4 inches

Length/Width/Height in Inches: 174.3/69.7/52.8 inches

Track Front/Rear: 58.9/59.3 inches

Turning Cycle: 34.8 feet

Seating Capacity: 4 people

Head/Hip/Leg Room, f: 38.2/53.3/42.7 inches

Head/Hip/Leg Room, m: inches

Head/Hip/Leg Room, r: 36.8/48.1/32.2 inches

Trunk Volume: 7.6 cubic feet

Payload:

Suspension, f: independent, A-arms, coil springs, tube shocks, anti-roll bar

Ground Clearance: 4.7 inches

Curb Weight: 3045 pounds

Towing Capacity: pounds

Tires: 225/45R18 Bridgestone Potenza

Brakes: vented disc/vented disc with ABS and EBD

Fuel Capacity: 15.9 Gallons