RX-8 turns to cool fuel

octane but low emission E85. Already used in V8 Supercars, Targa Tasmania is the second major motorsport event in Australia to introduce this renewable fuel, with event organizers committed to delivering zero emissions by the 20th anniversary event next year. Derived from sugar cane crops, ethanol produces less than half the CO2 emissions of petrol. But it’s probably the natural cooling properties of E85 that Mazda is most interested in. The RX-8 finished 10th on its debut, but motorsport Chief Allan Horsley admits the car suffered from “niggling” temperature issues. “Covering long distances at competition speed can really put a lot of pressure on an engine, particularly one that is turbocharged,” he said. (May 12, 2010)