2005 Mazda RX-8 ''Shinka'' Special Edition Road Test

This Romance is Much More than just a Make-Out

Article by Alexandra Straub,

Wednesday, November 16, 2005

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This Romance is Much More than just a Make-Out

I love it when people start talking to me about cars. In the natural evolution of the conversation, somehow the question that always pops up is, "What do you think of this car?" which just so happens to be the car that the person drives. I bring up this example because I recently had one

I am a fan of the RX-8;s athletic performance, eye-catching curves and evolutionary rotary engine. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)

of 'those' conversations with someone who asked me about the Mazda RX-8. When I answered his question, I had nothing but praise for the RX-8 because I am a fan of its athletic performance and eye-catching curves and evolutionary rotary engine.

The RX-8 got that much better last year with the addition of the "Shinka" Special Edition. Being that I only had the chance to drive it recently, I'll break the cardinal rule in our office and report on a 2005 model when all the 2006s are already showing up in dealerships, mostly because it's just such a good car I feel compelled to tell you.

First, the name "Shinka" comes from Japanese meaning "evolution" or "transformation." It is immediately recognizable with its black cherry exterior paint finish. Some of my male friends weren't too crazy about "that purple colour," but I just love the way the light catches it. From a distance it looks black, but up close, it has a burgundy undertone that

The exterior is further complemented by 18" dark silver-glossed wheels wrapped with P225/45R18 performance radial tires. Very stylish. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)

makes it look very sophisticated. The exterior is further complemented by headlamps and rear combination lamps which include semi-gloss bezels, and 18" dark silver-glossed wheels around the P225/45R18 performance radial tires. Very stylish.

But the rotary engine-powered sports car not only transforms on the outside, but also on the inside. Parchment tan leather coats the door trim and seats, yet it's not only pleasing to the eyes but also pleasing to the bum and backside; I just melted into the seats. And yes, the seat warmers were frequently on. Furthermore, the seats are also firm and supportive enough to make long drives comfortable, plus they held me in tightly, not allowing for much side-to-side movement while taking tight turns or changing lanes in traffic, but did however, offer enough freedom that I didn't feel stuck or had to wiggle my way out of the car.