MAZDA RX-8

Manufacturer :  Mazda
Production     :2003–2011[1]
Assembly Hiroshima, Japan
Pretoria, South Africa[2]
Predecessor Mazda RX-7
Mazda Cosmo
Class :      Sports car
Body style:  4-door quad coupé
Layout :  FMR layout
Engine :   1.3L RENESIS (Wankel) NA
Transmission :    4-speed automatic
                         6-speed automatic
                         5-speed manual
                         6-speed manual
Wheelbase    :    2,703 mm (106.4 in)
Length           :   2004–08: 4,425 mm (174.2 in)
                          2009–: 4,470 mm (176.0 in)
Width :               1,770 mm (69.7 in)
Height :              1,340 mm (52.8 in)
Curb weight Manual : 1309–1373 kg (2888–3029 lb)
Auto                         : 1384 kg (3053 lb)


he Mazda RX-8 is a sports car manufactured by Mazda Motor Corporation. It first appeared in 2001 at the North American International Auto Show. It is the successor to the RX-7 and, like its predecessors in the RX range, it is powered by a Wankel engine. The RX-8 began North American sales in the 2004 model year. Mazda announced on August 23, 2011, that RX-8 will be discontinued from production citing the 2011 model as the last line of production. The RX-8 from the European market was removed last year[when?] after the car failed to meet local emissions standards. Without volume from Europe & rising Yen prices, Mazda couldn't continue to justify the continued sale of the RX-8 in its other markets including North America

2012 Mazda RX-8

Officially designated as a "2+2 coupe" the RX-8 places performance ahead of utility in regards to rear seating space. Almost as an apology to those squeezing into the back seat, the RX-8 has a pair of "free style" rear doors to ease entry. These rear doors closely resemble suicide doors made famous by the Lincoln Continental circa 1961.

The 1.3-liter RENESIS rotary power plant that is famously "Mazda" is good for 212 horsepower with an automatic transmission and 232 with a manual gearbox. This high powered engine coupled with the RX-8's nearly perfect 50-50 weight distribution make for an impressively powerful sports car.

True to its sports car roots the RX-8 is most commonly equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox. In a nod to convenience Mazda is also offering a six-speed automatic transmission equipped with steering wheel paddle shifters on all trim levels.

The base "Sport" trim level has two option groups available. Xenon headlamps, fog lights, and traction control can be added to manual RX-8s.

Automatic models can have all these features added as well as 18" wheels, a limited slip differential, larger brakes, and a sport tuned suspension. All of these options become standard on the "Touring" model which adds a power moonroof and 300-watt Bose stereo.

The "Grand Touring" model comes with leather appointed seats, an 8-way powered driver's seat, a remote start system, and heated mirrors.

The latest model year has larger exhaust pipes, new LED taillights, new front and rear bumpers, and a restyled front end. A few suspension and manual transmission tweaks should assist in overall handling and acceleration, while the interior benefits from a redesigned steering wheel and a fresh set of front and rear seats.

Also of note, Mazda has added a "variable red-zone" to the tachometer. Due to the nature and mechanics of the rotary engine, drivers will be shown a different "red line" based on engine temperatures.

The new look is overall more aggressive and should endow the RX-8 a little extra curb-appeal. A new option group is also be available, dubbed the "R3" option package. The R3 will boast a rear spoiler, 19" alloys, and Mazda-styled Recaro racing seats.

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