It's an awesome little car (RX8) to drive, but huge numbers of motors have been replaced. Mazda did a major redesign in '09, but there hasn't been enough time learn if it worked.

 

The RX8 is very slow, the rx7 was faster but without mods was still somewhat slow. The rx8 has no torque but revs very high. It shouldve lost for sure to a stock SS. They only run 14s with a great driver and near perfect traction(which isnt too hard with no torque)

 

Ive ran an RX8 with just the stage kit and took it. He had an intake and exhaust on. Its on video somewhere too