Mazda RX-8

  Mazda RX-8 is popular in Japan

Mazda RX-8 – Rotary Sports Coupe

Overview

The Mazda RX-8 is a four-seat sports coupe produced from 2003 to 2012, notable for being one of the last production cars powered by Mazda’s rotary (Wankel) engine. It succeeded the RX-7, offering a more practical layout with rear-hinged “freestyle” doors for easier access to the rear seats, while keeping a lightweight, balanced chassis.

Designed for enthusiasts, the RX-8 blended rotary-engine uniqueness with sharp handling, rear-wheel drive dynamics, and a distinctive design.

Dimensions

• Length: ~4,425 mm

• Width: ~1,770 mm

• Height: ~1,340 mm

• Wheelbase: 2,700 mm

• Curb Weight: ~1,300–1,380 kg

Engine & Performance

All RX-8s used the 1.3L 13B-MSP “Renesis” rotary engine, available in different power levels:

• Standard version: ~189–192 HP, ~220 Nm torque

• High-power version: ~238–247 HP, ~216–220 Nm torque

Key Points:

• Naturally aspirated — no turbocharging from factory

• High-revving nature — redline around 9,000 rpm in high-power versions

• Smooth, lightweight rotary design

Transmission Options:

• 5-speed manual (paired with lower-power engine)

• 6-speed manual (paired with high-power engine)

• 4-speed automatic (later upgraded to 6-speed auto in some markets)

Performance (High-power 6MT):

• 0–100 km/h: ~6.2 seconds

• Top speed: ~240 km/h

Chassis & Handling

• Layout: Front-engine, rear-wheel drive (FR)

• Weight distribution: Nearly 50:50 balance

• Suspension: Double wishbone front, multi-link rear

• Steering: Hydraulic power steering for better feel

• Known for agile, precise handling and excellent cornering stability

Fuel Economy & Reliability Notes

• Fuel consumption: ~8–11 km/L highway, ~5–7 km/L city (rotary engines are not fuel-efficient)

• Rotary engines require regular oil checks, as they consume oil by design

• Flooding can occur if the engine is shut off before warming up fully

• Apex seals (rotor tip seals) are a known wear point — rebuilds often needed after ~100,000 km

Exterior Design

• Low, wide stance with flowing body lines

• Distinctive rear-hinged rear doors with no central B-pillar for easier rear-seat access

• Prominent front fenders and short overhangs

• Twin circular exhaust tips in later models

Interior & Comfort

• Seating: 2+2 configuration (four real seats)

• Supportive front sport seats

• Driver-focused cockpit with rotary-inspired design touches (e.g., rotary-shaped gear knob, gauge cluster)

• Later models offered leather upholstery, Bose audio, and satellite navigation

Safety

• Dual front airbags, side airbags, and curtain airbags in later models

• ABS with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD)

• Stability control (DSC) on newer versions

Special Editions

• Mazda speed RX-8 (Japan) — sportier suspension, aero kit

• 40th Anniversary Edition — special paint, interior trim, commemorating Mazda’s rotary history

• Spirit R (Japan, 2012) — final edition, limited numbers, unique wheels, Recaro seats

End of Production

• Production ended in 2012 due to tightening emissions regulations and declining sales

• The RX-8 remains the last mass-produced rotary-engine car to date

Summary

The Mazda RX-8 stands out as:

• The last rotary-powered production sports car

• A rare mix of four-seat practicality and sports car dynamics

• Famous for its high-revving, smooth engine and sharp handling

• Demanding in terms of maintenance but rewarding for enthusiasts

It has since gained a cult following among fans of unique performance cars.