2003.04 : Mazda announced the release of the RX-8 : A four-door, four-seater sports car in Japan on April 9. The RX-8 is an entirely new type of sports car that features distinctive sports car styling and excellent performance. The engine is a naturally aspirated rotary engine called RENESIS. The RX-8 lineup includes the base model with a 13B-MSP engine that makes 210 horsepower and a choice of 5 speed manual transmission or 4 speed automatic transmission, RX-8 type-E with a 13B-MSP engine that makes 210 horsepower and 4 speed automatic transmission, and RX-8 type-S with a 13B- MSP engine makes 250 horsepower and 6 speed manual transmission.
The main features of the Mazda RX-8 are :
Compact and a naturally aspirated rotary engine called "RENESIS". The engine is a lightweight and compact rotary engine that makes 250 horsepower. The twin-rotor engine employs side intake and exhaust ports and features approximately 30% more intake area than previous rotary engines. Moreover, fuel efficiency and emissions are improved.
The engine is mounted on the front midship ; this design places the engine very close to the center of the vehicle and reduces the yaw inertia moment.
The suspension adopts a newly developed in-wheel type double wishbone front suspension and long link multi-link rear suspension.
The center-opening freestyle door system allows effortless vehicle entry and exit to both front and rear seats.
Manual transmission models employ a lightweight one-piece prop shaft to reduce noise-vibration-harshness (NVH) levels.
2003. 12 : Mazda announced the release of a limited edition RX-8 Mazdaspeed Version. The RX-8 Mazdaspeed Version is based on the RX-8 Type S. Mazda has tuned up the engine using it's exclusively designed PCM (Powertrain Control Module) to match the modified intake and exhaust systems of the Mazdaspeed Version, as well as going through balance adjustments around the eccentric shaft in response to the lightweight flywheel. Mazda has also tuned up the suspension and fitted aero parts to further enhance sports driving performance.2004.08 : Mazda RX-8 Mazdaspeed Version 2, based on the Mazda RX-8 Type S model, includes an exclusively tuned engine, suspension system and aero parts to further enhance the vehicle's sports driving performance. Features of the RX-8 Mazdaspeed Version include :
Tune-up parts exclusive to RX-8 Mazdaspeed Version 2 : PCM (Powertrain Control Module), fresh air duct, sports sound muffler with catalyst, upgraded spark plugs, re-balancing for the eccentric shaft, upgraded high-performance suspension kit includes height- and damping force-adjustable shock absorbers and sports spring set, Mazdaspeed ornament.
Existing Mazdaspeed tune-up parts : Oil cooler, light-weight flywheel, brake pad set, front/rear strut tower bar and performance bar set, large front/rear stabilizer, front nose, rear under skirt, side skirt set and rear wing, earthing kit.
New standard equipment on all Mazda RX-8 models includes an anti-theft immobilizer and a stylish retractable-type key.
2004. 11 : The RX-8 Sport Prestige Limited was introduced. The features of the Sport Prestige Limited includes beige leather seats trimmed with double stitches, door trims matched with the seat color, semi-gloss bezels for the headlamps and rear combination lamps, and dark-silver gloss aluminum wheels. The body color lineup includes exclusive Radiant Ebony Mica color.
In May 2006, the Mazda released the RX-8 PZ for the UK market. This 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£25,995 ($51,990). It was available in two colours, Galaxy Grey (320) and Brilliant Black (480). of
2009-2011
In addition to being lighter, the 09 RX-8 has a different gearing ratio (on manual transmission-equipped cars) that is lowered from 4.444 to 4.777 for improved off-the-line performance. While minimal, these performance changes give the 2009 RX-8 increased acceleration and performance, as well as even greater responsiveness to the accelerator pedal. Mazda claims that the 09 RX-8 is a significantly faster car than the previous (2003–2008) model car due to the lighter weight, lowered gearing, and improved suspension.
The 2009 RX-8 also receives design enhancements that are meant to freshen the styling and give the RX-8 a new look, without impairing the basic design theme. Refinements for the 2009 model year include a more aggressive restyled front and rear bumper as well as a new front fascia. The 09 RX-8 also comes with sporty, high-quality finish front and rear headlamps as well as larger exhaust pipes (now measuring 90 mm across). The 2009 RX-8 also offers a new five-spoke wheel design featuring a symbolic and sporty design reminiscent of the rotary engine, with different arrangements for each wheel size. There are currently three trims available to consumers: Sport (Base Model), Grand Touring, and R3.
