Unprecedented sports car driving pleasure. Through sharp response, excellent controllability and extended performance limits, the Mazda RX-8 delivers the kind of unique, dynamic performance that directly communicates the feel of a genuine sports car.
The new generation rotary RENESIS employs side intake and side exhaust ports, and has more intake area, realizing greatly reduced intake flow resistance. The engine's sequential dynamic intake system and drive-by-wire system deliver 247hp with a high power version model. Fuel efficiency and emissions also substantially improved over the previous rotary engine.
The advanced front midship layout in which the RX-8's engine is mounted 60mm further aft with the dashboard being located 80mm forward than the RX-7, and all-new front/rear suspensions achieved exceptional cornering and stability.
Engineers devised a suitably rigid underbody frame and cabin reinforcements to give the RX-8 a body that, in terms of rigidity and low weight, surpasses those of comparable sport sedans of the same wheelbase.
Innovative sports car styling: The product of Mazda DNA
The RX-8, with its next-generation sports car dynamism as its basic design concept takes Mazda DNA to a new stage in its evolution from the 'sporty DNA.' The overriding design theme for the exterior was "Athletic Tension," meaning a look that conveys a feeling of expectation or pent-up energy ready to be released. The basic design theme for the interior was "Comfortably Snug" that expresses the very latest in refined sports car taste.
Unique sports car package with space for four adults
The innovative packaging allows the RX-8 to offer values unprecedented in a sports car: The excitement of spirited driving on the one hand, and the pleasure of taking trips with family or friends on the other.
By optimally locating the exhaust manifold, catalytic converter and related components, it achieved a lower seating position for cabin occupants. Designers concentrated on the front seat backs, achieving a spacious interior space.
The center-opening freestyle door system allows effortless vehicle entry and exit.
The deep trunk gives plenty of trunk space for everyday needs, as well as for a trip with a family of four on board.
Mazda's unique craftsmanship evolves to a new level
In addition to achieving precision fit, functional elegance and other attributes of quality finish, Mazda has put particular focus into the area of "Customer Delight." Innovative Mazda ideas have been incorporated into the RX-8: Activematic AT models are equipped with paddle-type shift levers on the steering wheel for easy finger and thumb operation, and the meter cluster features indirect blue illumination.
High-level safety and consideration for the environment
With its specially designed, high rigidity, crashworthy Mazda Advanced Impact Distribution and Absorption System body, RX-8 achieves world-leading safety. This is particularly true of the vehicle's sides, which, in spite of the absence of center pillars, exhibit safety on a par with a regular four-door sedan. The RENESIS engine achieves a vast improvement over previous Mazda rotary engines in terms of fuel economy and exhaust gas emissions.
Text and photos courtesy of Mazda Motor Corp.
