Mazda RX-8

Mazda RX-8

Manufacturer	Mazda
Production	2003–present
Assembly	Hiroshima, Japan
Predecessor	Mazda RX-7 Mazda Cosmo
Class	Sports car
Body style(s)	2-door 2+2 coupé 2-door convertible 4-door quad hatchback coupé (2009-)
Layout	FMR layout
Engine(s)	1.3L Renesis NL
Transmission(s)	4- or 6-speed automatic and 5 or 6-speed manual
Wheelbase	2004-08: 2703 mm (106.4 in) 2009-: 2700 mm (106.3 in)
Length	2004-08: 4425 mm (174.2 in) 2009-: 4470 mm (176 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)

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.

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. The front wheels feature independent double wishbone suspension, while the rear are independent multi-link. 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.

First generation (SE3P)

SE

Production	2003–2008

The first version of the RX-8, the SE3P, produced from model years 2003 to 2008, is powered by the "RENESIS" 13B-MSP (multi side port) Wankel 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 8,200 rpm and 211 Nm (ECE) of torque at 5,500 rpm. The multi side port engine improves on fuel efficiency and emissions 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 184 kW (247 hp) (250 PS) and a 9,000 rpm redline.
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 lb·ft (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 wheels 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 was 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. In 2008 30 RX-8 HRE were delivered to Hynor.

[edit] 40th Anniversary

2007 saw the release of a special edition to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Mazda's rotary engine.

[edit] 2009 Mazda RX-8


Production	starting 2009

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 engine's 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.^[3]
The updated version is slightly slower than the previous model (0-100km/h in 6.4s from 6.2).

[edit] 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.^[3]

[edit] 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.^[4]. An article found on RX8club.com displayed an actual letter from Mazda declaring exactly what was being covered and the extended warranty particulars.^[5]

[edit] MazdaSpeed

Please help improve this article or section by expanding it. Further information might be found on the talk page. (October 2008)

Mazda RX-8 MS

This is the Mazdaspeed version of the RX-8 the R3 it adds a sport-tuned suspension with Bilstein shock absorbers and front suspension crossmembers filled with urethane foam. Filling the crossmembers makes for a smoother ride, minimized NVH and greater suspension control.
On the visual side of the package, a rear spoiler, side sills, fog lights and sporty front bumper are added to give an aggressive appearance, along with 19-inch forged aluminum-alloy wheels with high performance tires. Inside, the R3 adds a 300-watt Bose® audio system with Centerpoint® surround sound and AudioPilot® noise compensation technology, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, front Recaro sport seats with leather side bolsters, leather-wrapped parking brake handle and Mazda advanced keyless entry and start system.

[edit] Future revisions

A second generation Renesis engine is currently under development, with a planned release by 2010.^[6]

[edit] Ireland and the R3

Due to new tax regulations it is extremely doubtful that there will be any R3's in Ireland. This new system means that it will cost €2000 per year to pay for road tax. Nothing has been done by Mazda or the Irish government to combat this problem.

[edit] Awards

As of October 2006 the RX-8 has won at least 37 international motoring awards including 2003 International Engine of the Year, the 2003 Japanese Car of the Year, Australia's Wheels magazine's Car of the Year for 2003, the 2004 Singapore Car of the Year, the 2004 U.S. Best Sports Car, and several UK Best Car Awards. It was named on Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for 2004, 2005, and 2006. It also took home 1st place on Car and Driver's "Four of a Kind" comparison test.