RX-8 Grand Am GT
The Mazda RX-8 Grand Am GT features naturally-aspirated 20B three-rotor Wankel rotary engine producing 450 horsepower (336 kW) achieving 9000-RPM capability through EMCO six-speed sequential transaxle and rear-wheel-drive with 2350-pound (1066-kilogram) minimum weight utilizing tube-frame chassis jointly developed by SpeedSource and Riley Technologies with carbon fiber body panels manufactured by Downing Atlanta mimicking RX-8 street car silhouette. The GT-class prototype incorporates racing-specification suspension, comprehensive aerodynamic package optimized for endurance competition, advanced fuel strategy systems, and sophisticated engine management controlling unique rotary combustion characteristics delivering competitive performance against conventional piston-engine competitors.
RX-8 Grand Am GT campaigned 2006-2013 represents Mazda commitment to rotary engine motorsport heritage achieving 2008 and 2010 Rolex 24 Hours Daytona GT-class victories with SpeedSource Race Engineering demonstrating rotary powerplant viability in modern endurance racing despite displacement and weight penalties versus piston competitors featuring specialized 20B three-rotor configuration expanding production two-rotor RENESIS architecture with factory backing from Mazdaspeed showcasing Japanese manufacturer dedication to alternative combustion technology in professional motorsport creating distinctive exhaust note and racing presence while proving reliability and competitiveness at 280000-dollar customer car pricing.