The Mazda RX-8 is a sports car produced from 2003 to 2012. It was designed as a replacement for the Mazdaspeed RX-7 and featured a unique rear-hinged door design that provided easier access to the cabin.
Design and Features:
- The RX-8 had a compact, wedge-shaped body with a length of 172.9 inches (4395 mm) and a width of 69.3 inches (1757 mm).
- Its wheelbase measured 103.5 inches (2630 mm), and the vehicle had a curb weight of around 2,900 pounds (1314 kg).
- The RX-8's interior featured a sporty design with alcantara-wrapped seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a premium audio system.
- The vehicle came equipped with Mazda's Kiiro (Red) and Mysterious Black paint schemes as part of its original trim options.
Powertrain:
- The RX-8 was powered by a 13B-MSP rotary engine that produced 232 horsepower at 8,000 rpm and 211 lb-ft (286 Nm) of torque at 5,500 rpm.
- The engine featured dual overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, and a unique "tri-point" intake manifold.
- A six-speed manual transmission was the standard gearbox option, while a five-speed Sport AT automatic transmission was also available.
Performance:
- The RX-8 had an estimated 0-60 mph (0-97 km/h) time of around 5.9 seconds and a top speed of 135 mph (217 km/h).
- Its fuel economy varied depending on the driving conditions, with EPA ratings ranging from 16 mpg (city), 24 mpg (highway), to 18 mpg (combined).
Safety Features:
- The RX-8 came standard with dual front airbags and seatbelts for all four occupants.
- Side airbags, side curtain airbags, and anti-lock brakes were also included in the vehicle's safety features.
Trim Options and Limited Editions:
- The RX-8 was initially offered as a single trim option but later received a Sport package with upgraded suspension and BBS wheels.
- A 20th Anniversary Edition and an R3 Special Package for the Japanese market were released to commemorate the vehicle's production run.
Recall History:
- In 2012, Mazda recalled approximately 1.8 million vehicles worldwide due to concerns over fuel line connections in the rotary engine.
- Owners were advised to inspect their vehicles' fuel lines and replace any faulty ones if necessary.
The RX-8 received a 4-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for its 2009 model year. However, it also faced criticisms regarding its handling stability and lack of rear seat space in certain crash tests.
Overall, the Mazda RX-8 was designed to provide an exhilarating driving experience with its compact size, sporty demeanor, and impressive performance capabilities. Despite some drawbacks, the vehicle has garnered a loyal following among car enthusiasts worldwide.
