2006 Mazda RX-8 Grand Touring

I think the Mazda RX-8 is being forgotten by car lovers, or at least it’s a footnote in Mazda’s rotary engine history. In the early 2000s, it was almost too bizarre for the sports car market due to its suicide doors and unconventional powertrain. I’ve used this reference before, but Hunter S. Thompson pops into my head when I think of the RX-8, “A high-powered mutant of some kind never even considered for mass production. Too weird to live, and too rare to die.”

The RX-8 is a bit bizarre when you break down its attributes. You get a high-revving rotary engine in a four-door vehicle that is sort of a sports coupe. It wasn’t a dominant performance vehicle — testing by Edmunds had the 2006 RX-8 Grand Touring going from 0-60 mph in 7.0 seconds and a ¼-mile time of 15.4 seconds. Those aren’t great numbers (for context, a 2006 Nissan 350Z ran 0-60 mph in 5.5-seconds), but the RX-8 had room for four in a quad coupe setup. Maybe straight-line performance wasn’t the RX-8’s strength, but it was definitely unique.

The Pick of the Day is a 2006 Mazda RX-8 Grand Touring with 11,506 miles listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealer in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Click the link to view the listing)

“This is a well-equipped example as well, highlighted by the Grand Touring Package,” the listing states. “The package includes a 300-watt Bose audio system; (This example also comes with a 6-disc CD changer.) 8-way power driver’s seat with lumbar support; heated seats and mirrors; Auto-dim mirror with Homelink; a power moonroof; leather seats; and Mazda’s advanced keyless entry and start system.”

Of course, this Mazda is powered by a 1.3-liter rotary engine that produced a factory-rated 232 horsepower when new, plus its redline runs up to 9,000 rpm. The engine is paired with a six-speed manual transmission that sends power to the rear wheels.

The dealer is asking $28,900 for this Velocity Red 2006 RX-8 with 11,506 miles, which appears to be in great shape from the pictures in the listing. I will avoid collector car conjecture and won’t speculate on its future value, but I can say that this RX-8 is in great shape and has barely been broken in.

The Mazda RX-8 is a truly unique vehicle that was deemed fit for mass production … perhaps I shouldn’t invoke “Fear and Loathing In Las Vegas” when discussing the RX-8’s merits after all?

The sale includes the Owner’s Package, car cover, original window sticker, service receipts and a clean CARFAX report.

To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.