this car has the same limitations its always had: way too pollutive for standard emissions controls... which means they have to load it up w/ ample emissions control equipment like Smog pumps and ACV's and extra cats and what not. If this car came w/ a less restrictive exhaust and free flowing intake, i wouldnt be suprised to see this car meet or exceed the car's original rated HP levels.

its obviously cleaner burning than the old 13B's but, its still a rotary and has way more nooks and crannies for unburned hydrocarbons to fester than a normal piston engine.

172 RWHP is waaaaaaaaaay too little for as heavy as the car is... i dont recall what it weighs but i know it sho aint no 2700 lbs like a nicely equipped FC. im willing to bet my FC puts out that much power right now... honestly, the RX8 wasnt at all what i had hoped for... just like how the Chevy Malibu and Impala arent even shells of their former selves... they arent even RWD for christ's sake...they should at least rename them and try not to milk the car's heritage for all its worth.