Mazda RX-8 ings+1 version

Released in 2003, Mazda did a great job in designing this middle-range sports car. It looks better than its predecessor RX-7. The Rear-Wheel-Drive RX-8 is available with two engines, a 207hp engine paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission, and a 250hp engine paired to a 6-speed manual transmission.

What I like most about it is the suicide hinge doors at the back which blends perfectly with the front door, giving an impression of a 2-door sports coupé in what in reality is actually a 4-door sports sedan. Most people still label the RX-8 as a sports coupé.

This ings+1 version is currently available at Naza.

The suicide hinge doors open to backseats for two person, separated by a middle console. Having the suicide doors means the front passenger and driver wouldn't need to adjust their seat whenever the rear passengers alight the car.

Bolted on with ings+1 bodykits.

Bolt on the ings+1 bodykit, and the RX-8 turns into a great looking beast which stance is able to chomp down any continental supersports (but don't go run with 'em coz RX-8 is not exactly a thunderrocket!).

ings+1 front bumper

With the famed rotary/Wankel engine with just 1.3L capacity, one could save on roadtax in this Boleh-land too! It has great torque and you can drive all day at 120 or 140 kph effortlessly. What an amazing engine!

ings+1 rear bumper

But being a rotary engine, there are some inherent facts to it - the engine is a bit of petrol guzzer as well as engine oil gulper. It gets lousy gas mileage (15-20 mpg is normal). This will bother every economy-minded buyer, no doubt, but it's a sports car! You do have to fill up often--320+ kms per tank can be a bit annoying. Still, it's the price you pay for a rotary or Wankel engine.

ings+1 rear CF spoiler

Owners need to top up engine oil every now and then. Why? The rotary engine actually burns some of the oil for lubrication so it must be replaced at about one quart every 1,600 kms. This is easy to do, takes maybe 5 minutes once a month. And if air gets into the rotary mechanism, the car lacks power and you've got to overhaul the engine. Overhauling the engine is a bit of a headache too coz you need to find specific mechanics who have the experience in fixing a rotary engine. There are no pistons in a RX-8!

ings+1 CF rear spoiler and CF rear bonnet

With so much unproven reliability and maintenance hassles, it is still a great looking 4-seat sports sedan/coupé. And its price tag is relatively affordable too (in the region of RM140-180K depending on model type and year) compared to, say Fairlady Z (RM220-280K re-conditioned, RM500K+ brand new). With it's look and great drivability, I want one too! The RX-8 ings+1 version!