Introduction
The 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 rotary engine. The RX-8 began North American sales as 2004 model year car.
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| Manufacturer | Mazda |
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| Production | 2003–present |
| Assembly | Nagasaki, Japan |
| Predecessor | Mazda RX-7 Mazda Cosmo |
| Class | Sports car |
| Body style(s) | 2+2 coupé |
| Layout | FMR layout |
| Engine(s) | 1.3L Renesis NL |
| Transmission(s) | 4- or 6-speed automatic and 5 or 6-speed manual |
| Wheelbase | 2703 mm (106.4 in) |
| Length | 4425 mm (174.2 in) |
| Width | 1770 mm (69.7 in) |
| Height | 1340 mm (52.8 in) |
| Curb weight | Manual: 1309–1373 kg (2888–3029 lb) Auto: 1384 kg (3053 lb) |
| Fuel capacity | 60 L (16 US gal/13 imp gal) |
Design
The RX-8 was designed as a front mid-mounted, rear-wheel drive 2+2 coupé. The car has a near 50:50 weight distribution, achieved by mounting the engine behind the front axle and the fuel tank ahead of the rear axle. Weight is trimmed through the use of materials such as aluminium (hood & rear doors), and a carbon fiber composite driveshaft on the manual gearbox car, designed to reduce rotational mass (Moment of Inertia) connected to the engine. The rest of the body is steel, save for the plastic front and rear bumpers.
The car features a pair of rear-hinged "freestyle" doors (similar to suicide doors) in order to provide easier access to the rear seats. The RX-8 has no B-pillar between the front and rear doors, with the leading edge of the rear door acting as a "virtual pillar" to maintain structural rigidity. Because of the overlapping design, the rear doors can only be opened when the front doors are open. The rear doors cannot be closed after the front doors: if attempted, damage will occur to both doors.
First generation (SE3P)
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| Production | 2004–2008 |
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The first version of the RX-8, the SE3P, produced from model years 2004 to 2008, is powered by the 13B-MSP Wankel type Renesis rotary engine displacing 1.3 litres (twin 654 cc rotors) which, when coupled with a six-speed manual transmission, will typically produce 237 hp (177 kW) at 8200 rpm and 211Nm (ECE) of torque at 5500 rpm. The Renesis Multi Side Port engine shows greatly improved fuel efficiency and emission improvement over the RX-7's engine
The RX-8 is available in various models in different markets around the world. Standard models include:
- 6-speed manual "High Power" with an output of between 170 kW (231 hp) and 177 kW (237 hp) and a 9,000 rpm redline. Japanese models produce 184 kW (247 hp) (250 PS).
- 5-speed manual "Standard Power" tuned to 141 kW (192 hp) with the redline reduced to 7,500 rpm.
- 4-speed automatic tuned to 141 kW (189 hp) in some markets, while the U.S. automatic is stated to deliver 197 SAE net hp (158 kW).
- 6-speed automatic (available in the U.S. market as of 2006) developing 212 hp (158 kW) and 159 ft·lbf (216 N·m) of torque with a redline at 7,500 rpm.
PZ
In May 2006 Mazda released the RX-8 PZ for the UK market. The car was jointly developed with motorsports company Prodrive. Only available in six-speed manual, it featured custom 10-spoke alloy wheels supplied by Italian F1 team supplier OZ Racing in "Dark Silver" finish, mirrors developed to reduce drag, front and rear black mesh grilles, and a rear spoiler to provide more stability at higher speeds. Both the alloys and rear wing are badged in carbon fibre with "Prodrive". Significant revisions were also made to the suspension to improve the handling: dampers from Bilstein and coil springs from Eibach are used in addition to reducing the ride height by 15 mm (0.6 in) and an increase in spring rate of 60%. Finally the car is supplied with a unique upgraded twin exhaust system, with exhaust tailpipes branded "Prodrive". Only 800 were made at an MSRP of £25,995 ($51,990). It was available in two colours, Galaxy Grey (320) and Brilliant Black (480).
Hydrogen RE
At the 2004 North American International Auto Show, Mazda unveiled the RX-8 Hydrogen RE concept car, designed to run on either hydrogen or gasoline. In February 2006, Mazda revealed that it would start leasing a dual fuel RX-8 to commercial customers in Japan, and in March 2006 announced its first two customers, claiming the first fleet deliveries of a dual hydrogen/gasoline production car.
40th Anniversary
2007 saw the release of a special edition to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Mazda's rotary engine.
2009 Mazda RX-8
| Production | starting 2009 |
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The new revision of the Mazda RX-8 debuted at the 2008 Detroit Motor Show, with production model year starting in 2009. Meaningful changes have been described by Autoblog as being:
Some additional chassis bracing increases rigidity, along with a trapezoidal strut tower brace and new suspension geometry that keep things planted out back.
Additionally some minor cosmetic changes have been made most notable in the front fascia, fenders, and tail lights. No changes to the engines power output have been made, though the manual transmission models will see a lower final drive ratio of 4.777 from the previous standard of 4.444.
R3
At the 2008 Detroit Motor Show information was given regarding the optional R3 package.
This includes the rear spoiler, 19-inch forged aluminum wheels, side sills and fog lamps. The stock seats are swapped out for stunning thrones from Recaro and Bilstein was tapped by Mazda to provide the shocks.
Warranty Extension Program
According to an article listed on Autoblog, Mazda of America has extended the warranty on the RX-8 for models built from 2004-2008 Renesis engine.. An article found on RX8club.com displayed an actual letter from Mazda declaring exactly what was being covered and the extended warranty particulars.
MS
Future revisions
- Mazda has recently released the updated version (photo right) in some countries which is slightly slower (0-100km/h in 6.4 from 6.2) than the previous model. It looks very similar to the previous version, but visual revisions include new 19-inch (480 mm) rims and tweaked front end.
- Mazda had initially planned to release a two-seat coupé version of the RX-8, but the development costs were deemed too expensive and the model was canceled. A second generation Renesis engine is currently under development, with a planned release by 2010.
- 2007 / 2008 Mazda RX-8 Mazdaspeed M'z Tune.
