Mazda RX8 For Sale

Skip to main content Site Map Primary navigation: Home New Mazdas Upgraded Mazda2 Mazda3 Mazda3 MPS New Mazda5 Mazda6 Mazda MX-5 Mazda RX-8 Mazda CX-7 Mazda Takuyas Configurator Offers Offers Used Mazdas Used car locator Why choose a Mazda Approved Used Car? Approved used range Buying a Mazda Finance & Insurance Offers Warranties Tax free sales Mazda Motability Find a dealer Configurator Mazda Fleet Owning a Mazda Owner Benefits Service and Maintenance Mazda Warranties Accessories 3-Year Plus Your Local Mazda Dealer FAQ's Mazda Parts Mazda Winter Offers Green Driving Tips Merchandise About Mazda All about Mazda Mazda Videos Mazda Careers Mazda & The Environment Latest Mazda News Overview Offers Mazda RX-8 R3 Specs & prices Johnny Herbert Test Drive The Rotary Engine Gallery Video gallery Reviews Accessories Mazda RX-8 With its award-winning RENESIS rotary engine A design classic The Mazda RX-8 exudes Japanese sports performance car and is the perfect definition of Zoom-Zoom. It's a true performance car you just want to drive. Its incredible power is matched with style, practicality and comfort to provide you with the complete driving experience. At the heart of the Mazda RX-8 is the multi award-winning RENESIS rotary engine. We've invested over 40 years of development in this ingenious technology. The result: an absolutely smooth drive, even at the highest revs. Your unique driving experience is also supported by the perfect 50:50 weight distribution and the aerodynamics of a low-drag body shape. Frankly, nothing will hold you back once inside. Much more comfortable and roomy than you might expect from a sports coupé, there's easy access and plenty of space for four adults. For this you can thank the ingenious Freestyle door system and the creativity of our engineers. It all adds up to a sports car which feels like a proper performance car. And it is. The Mazda RX-8 is not a pretender - this is the real deal. No wonder then that the Mazda RX-8 has won 'Engine of the Year' twice and What Car's Coupe of the year two years running. Support navigation: Terms & conditions Contact us Site map CO2 emissions Get specs & prices Brochure request Find your dealer Request a test drive Car Configurator Back to top '); || Skip to main content Site Map Primary navigation: Home New Mazdas Upgraded Mazda2 Mazda3 Mazda3 MPS New Mazda5 Mazda6 Mazda MX-5 Mazda RX-8 Mazda CX-7 Mazda Takuyas Configurator Offers Offers Used Mazdas Used car locator Why choose a Mazda Approved Used Car? Approved used range Buying a Mazda Finance & Insurance Offers Warranties Tax free sales Mazda Motability Find a dealer Configurator Mazda Fleet Owning a Mazda Owner Benefits Service and Maintenance Mazda Warranties Accessories 3-Year Plus Your Local Mazda Dealer FAQ's Mazda Parts Mazda Winter Offers Green Driving Tips Merchandise About Mazda All about Mazda Mazda Videos Mazda Careers Mazda & The Environment Latest Mazda News This site uses Macromedia Flash software. You do not need Flash to use the site, but to experience it the way we intended, you need Macromedia Flash Player 8 or higher. Download Adobe Flash Player Please note: Some images are for illustration purposes only and may not be to UK specification or may contain extras available at an additional cost. Upgraded Mazda2 Configurator Request a brochure Request a test drive Mazda3 Configurator Request a brochure Request a test drive New Mazda5 Configurator Request a brochure Request a test drive Mazda6 Configurator Request a brochure Request a test drive Mazda MX-5 Configurator Request a brochure Request a test drive Mazda RX-8 Request a brochure Request a test drive Mazda CX-7 Configurator Request a brochure Request a test drive Support navigation: Terms & conditions Contact us Site map CO2 emissions Get specs & prices Brochure request Find your dealer Request a test drive Car Configurator Back to top '); || Mazda RX-8 From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search Mazda RX-8 Manufacturer Mazda Production 2003–present Assembly Hiroshima, Japan Pretoria, South Africa[1] Predecessor Mazda RX-7 Mazda Cosmo Class Sports car Body style(s) 4-door quad coupé Layout FMR layout Engine(s) 1.3L RENESIS (Wankel) NA Transmission(s) 4-speed automatic 6-speed automatic 5-speed manual 6-speed manual Wheelbase 2,703 mm (106.4 in) Length 2004-08: 4,425 mm (174.2 in) 2009-: 4,470 mm (176.0 in) Width 1,770 mm (69.7 in) Height 1,340 mm (52.8 in) Curb weight Manual: 1309–1373 kg (2888–3029 lb) Auto: 1384 kg (3053 lb) 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 in the 2004 model year. Contents 1 Background 2 Development and design 3 (SE3P) 2003 - 2008 3.1 Shinka 3.2 Evolve 3.3 PZ 3.4 Nemesis 3.5 Kuro 3.6 40th Anniversary 3.7 True Red Style 3.8 Mazdaspeed Version 3.9 NR-A 3.10 Hydrogen RE 4 2009 - 2011 4.1 R3 4.2 Circuit Trial Edition 5 Warranty extension program 6 MAZDASPEED 7 Racing 8 Future revisions 9 Awards 10 References 11 External links [edit] Background Mazda introduced rotary engine vehicles in the US in 1971, beginning with the R100, followed by RX-2, RX-3, RX-4, RX-5, and finally three generations of the RX-7 sports car. However, the lack of creature comfort and user-friendliness, coupled with the high price tag and declining interest in sports cars and coupes at this time, led Mazda to pull the RX-7 from most major markets except Japan. After 1995, Mazda suffered from a relatively undistinguished product line in the US save the MX-5 Miata. As popular interest in import tuning and performance cars resurged in the late-1990s, thanks in part to various popular cultural influences such as the Sony PlayStation video game Gran Turismo[citation needed], Japanese automakers waded back into the performance and sports car market in the US. In addition, Mazda endeavored to rejuvenate itself around this time, partially with financial and management assistance from Ford, and successfully developed a new product line of high quality cars with desirable styling and superior driving dynamics, beginning with the Mazda6 and followed by the Mazda3, paving way for the arrival for Mazda's next-generation rotary sports car. [edit] Development and design Development of the RX-8 can be traced to as far back as the 1995 Mazda RX-01 concept car, which featured an early iteration of the 13B-MSP engine. Naturally aspirated with side exhaust ports, this engine produced 220 hp (160 kW). As prohibited by Mazda's financial state at the time and the growing market interest in SUVs, the RX-01 never saw further development or production. However, a "skunkworks project" engineering team within Mazda kept the development of the 13B-MSP alive using MX-5 Miata chassis, eventually catching the attention of management, which at this time had come under heavy influence from Ford. Development of the 13B-MSP advanced and eventually led to the RENESIS moniker debuting along with the RX-EVOLV concept car which began to bear semblance to the production RX-8 with the "freestyle" rear suicide doors. Styling was developed via design competitions in Mazda tradition among its design studios in Japan, the US, and Europe. The project obtained official approval from management, and eventually the RX-8 concept car (design/engineering model) was produced and shown in 2001, closer resembling the production version. A near-production "reference exhibit" RX-8 was shown shortly thereafter at the 2001 Tokyo Motor Show, pending final approval for production. Production RX-8 closely resembles this vehicle save for minor trim details, and "job 1" began in February 2003 at Mazda's Hiroshima plant in Japan. The RX-8 was designed as a front mid-engine, rear-wheel drive four-seat four-door coupé. The car has 52:48 front-rear weight distribution, and a low Polar Moment that is achieved by mounting the engine behind the front axle and the fuel tank ahead of the rear axle. The front wheels feature classic independent double wishbone suspension, while the rear are independent multi-link. Weight is trimmed through the use of materials such as aluminium and plastic for several body panels. The rest of the body is steel, save for the plastic front and rear bumpers. The manual gearbox model uses a carbon fiber composite driveshaft to reduce the rotational mass (moment of inertia) connected to the engine. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a Torsen limited slip differential for improved handling. While its not quite in the league as the last RX-7 in terms of raw performance, the RX-8 is considered its successor as Mazda's rotary engine sports car. Its layout and clever engineering, along with typical Mazda suspension tuning, have endowed it with excellent driving dynamics which have garnered much praise and numerous awards. It has also proven popular in Japan among car enthusiasts as well as aftermarket equipment manufacturers and professional tuners. A prominent feature of the RX-8 is 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 be opened only when the front doors are open. Although by no means expansive, the RX-8's cabin was meticulously designed to boast enough room to house four adults, making it a genuine 4-seater rather than a 2+2. [edit] (SE3P) 2003 - 2008 RX-8 rear The first version of the RX-8, chassis code SE3P, was produced from model year 2003. It is powered by the RENESIS 13B-MSP (multi side port) Wankel rotary engine displacing 1.3 litres (2x654 cc). At launch, the RENESIS was available in standard and high power versions. The 4-port standard RENESIS produced 210 hp (160 kW) and was coupled with either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. The 6-port high power RENESIS was only available with a six-speed manual transmission and was rated at 250 hp (190 kW). For the North American market, Mazda revised the reported output rating of the standard and high power RENESIS soon after launch to 197 hp (147 kW) and 238 hp (177 kW), respectively.[2] With exhaust ports now located in the side housing, the RENESIS boasted improved fuel efficiency and emissions rating over the 13B-REW employed by the last RX-7, thereby making it possible to be sold in North America. At launch, the RX-8 was available in various models in different markets around the world. Standard models include: 6-speed manual "High Power" with a claimed output of 184 kW (250 PS; 247 hp) and a 9,000 rpm redline. This model was equivalent to the "Type S" trim in Japan. 5-speed manual "Standard Power" tuned to 141 kW (192 PS; 189 hp) with the redline reduced to 7,500 rpm. This powertrain combination was not available in North America. 4-speed automatic tuned to 141 kW (192 PS; 189 hp) in some markets, while the U.S. automatic is stated to deliver 158 kW (215 PS; 212 hp) . 6-speed automatic (available in the U.S. market after 2006) developing 158 kW (215 PS; 212 hp) and 159 lb·ft (216 N·m) of torque with a redline at 7,500 rpm.[3] This was the revised standard RENESIS, now with two extra intake ports like the high power version. [edit] Shinka In 2005, Mazda introduced the first special edition RX-8 called "Sports Prestige Limited" in Japan and "Shinka" in North America. Billed as a more luxurious grand touring model, this Shinka came with Black Cherry exterior color and Parchment leather interior along with subtly chromed 18" wheels. Only 1357 were made in the 2005 model year (though 2150 were scheduled, production never reached that amount). The most significant mechanical change were slightly revised Bilstein shocks and suspension cross member injected with urethane foam to improve ride quality. Shinka returned for 2006 as a production trim package, now available in Copper Red, Galaxy Grey, and Whitewater Pearl. Only 1500 were made in 2006. [edit] Evolve Launched in 2006 the ‘Evolve’ was the first special edition for the UK. The new model was named after the original Mazda concept car seen in Detroit in 2000 and was limited to a production run of just 500. Based on the 231ps high-power version,it had several unique exterior features. These include a choice of two exclusive colours (Copper Red Mica 400 and Phantom Blue Mica 100), unique dark silver 18 x 8J alloy wheels, a polished aluminium Rotary crest on the front air dam, dark silver bezel headlamps, sports door mirrors, polished aluminium side air outlet fins, Rotary branded B-pillar trims, chrome exhaust surrounds. Inside, the Evolve features unique stone leather and Alcantara® sporty seat trim, plus black leather-wrapped steering wheel, gear knob and hand-brake lever. The Evolve Special Edition with its enhanced specification was great value for money the same price as a standard RX-8 231ps model with leather trim. [edit] PZ 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 of £25,995 ($51,990). It was available in two colours, Galaxy Grey (320) and Brilliant Black (480). [edit] Nemesis The 'Nemesis' model is the 3rd special edition model launched in the UK and is a UK exclusive. It was launched in 2006, although some cars were registered in 2007 due to stock runoff. The ‘Nemesis’ features unique paint colours and interior trim, plus an exclusive accessory package, at a cost that was at the time £330 less than the model on which it is based - when similarly specified. Based on the standard 192ps (141 kW) version of the Mazda RX-8, it included a unique stone leather seat trim interior and came with a five-speed manual transmission. The Nemesis has several other unique exterior and interior features. Two exclusive colours were available, Copper Red Mica and Stormy Blue Mica, each Nemesis also comes with a polished aluminium Rotary crest on the front air dam, polished aluminium side air-outlet trims behind the front wheel arches, special B-pillar trims with a Rotary crest and ‘Nemesis’ badging. Inside these special edition models also featured Nemesis branded luxury carpet mats and Mazda RX-8 branded aluminium door scuff plates. Like other standard 192ps RX-8s, the Nemesis has front fog lights, heated front seats, electrically-operated driver’s seat, climate control air-conditioning, nine-speaker BOSE premium audio system with 6-CD auto-changer, plus a black leather-wrapped steering wheel, gear knob and hand-brake lever. The Nemesis has a top speed of 139 mph and accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds. Each Nemesis buyer also qualified for a complimentary Prodrive experience day. Just 350 examples where commissioned, 200 in Copper Red and 150 in Stormy Blue. [edit] Kuro In 2007 Mazda released a UK-only limited edition known as the Kuro (Japanese for Black). While the drivetrain remains the same as standard models, it did receive a revised interior as well as minor changes to its head and tail lights. It was only available with a light grey leather interior and Sparkling Black Mica exterior paint. The car was limited to 500, with a scuff plate denoting the serial number out of 500. [edit] 40th Anniversary 2007 saw the release of a special edition to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Mazda's rotary engine. The 40th Anniversary special editions were different in the Japan and North American markets. The Japanese version came in Crystal White as an homage to the Mazda Cosmo Sport, which was initially only available in white. The North American version came in Metropolitan Grey Mica exterior with the interior clad in special Cosmo Red leather. It also had wheels of a new design later incorporated in the 2009 facelift, as well as an exclusive sport-tuned suspension with Bilstein dampers. Further upgrades included an enhanced urethane foam injected front cross member intended to improve steering feel.[4] In North America, this special edition was available only in 2008. [edit] True Red Style During the 2004 model year, Mazda released a "True Red Style" special edition RX-8 in Japan. It came in exclusive True Red exterior color with black leather interior and minor trim variations. [edit] Mazdaspeed Version After initial launch in 2003, Mazda released a limited run of RX-8 dubbed "Mazdaspeed Version" boasting various Mazdaspeed accessories as well as a slightly tuned ECU. This special edition was available in Strato Blue Mica or Sunlight Silver. Only 300 were produced. In 2004, Mazda followed up with a "Mazdaspeed Version II," this time available only in Strato Blue and with slightly up-rated equipment. Only 300 were produced as before. [edit] NR-A Following suit with the Roadster, Mazda introduced the NR-A/Party Race program for RX-8 in Japan in 2004. The NR-A kit, sold through Mazda dealers, brings the RX-8 up to spec in terms of eligibility for participation in the one-make Party Race sanctioned by the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF). The kit includes roll bar, sports radiator, oil cooler kit, tow hooks, and racing brake pads, and was only available for the Type S (high power) model. [edit] 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] 2009 - 2011 For 2009, Mazda engineers improved the RX-8 body rigidity through the addition of structural reinforcements, by adding a trapezoidal strut tower bar and enhancing the local rigidity of the front suspension tower areas. Also, the rear suspension geometry has been reconfigured for better handling performance and for improved driveshaft rigidity, lowering NVH levels and improving overall performance. The 09 RX-8 is also (90 lbs) lighter than the previous RX-8 models. 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, Grand Touring, and R3. [edit] R3 2010 Mazda RX-8 R3 (US) The R3 version was introduced for the 2009 year model. The R3 package adds slightly improved suspension over the base model by adding Bilstein shock absorbers and a foam filled front crossmember to improve rigidity. The R3 also comes with 19-inch BBS-forged aluminum-alloy wheels and high performance tires. On the exterior, the R3 has a different, lower front bumper sporting a splitter, lower side sills, and a standard rear spoiler. There is a pair of special Recaro seats up front, along with the same 300-watt Bose audio system, Bluetooth, and Mazda advanced keyless entry and start system. [edit] Circuit Trial Edition At the 2009 Tokyo Auto Salon, Mazda displayed the Mazdaspeed RX-8 Circuit Trial Edition, essentially a track-ready model put together using available off-the-shelf accessories from Mazdaspeed and other aftermarket manufacturers. It sported the Mazdaspeed body kit for the face-lifted RX-8, upgraded brakes and suspension, and larger aluminum wheels clad in Yokohama Advan AD08 tires[5] [edit] Warranty extension program Mazda North American Operations extended the engine warranty on RX-8s built between 2004 and 2008 to 8 years or 100,000 miles. The warranty extension covers the engine core which consists of the rotor housing and internal parts as well as the seals and gaskets. A copy of the extended warranty can be found at Racing Beat's website.[6] [edit] MAZDASPEED Mazda RX-8 MS Mazdaspeed, Mazda's in-house tuning and high-performance arm, has produced various after-sale parts and accessories for the RX-8, including full body kits, suspension upgrades, engine upgrades (such as cold air intake kit and catback exhausts), and various interior accessories. In addition, Mazdaspeed has also produced several series of showroom-ready limited-production RX-8s in Japan featuring some of these parts and accessories. To date, however, there has not yet been a full Mazdaspeed-tuned RX-8 along the same line as the Mazdaspeed6 or Mazdaspeed3. [edit] Racing RX-8 competing in a Grand-Am Cup race in 2006 The RX-8 has been campaigned and used in various racing series by privateers. It has seen a considerable amount of success, the most prominent of which being the 2008 and 2010 24 Hours of Daytona GT-class wins campaigned by SpeedSource Race Engineering. This victory also marks the 23rd endurance race win at Daytona by Mazda rotary-powered race car. While the cars are powered by the 20B rotary engines, the car is in fact built on a tube frame chassis and not on the production car.[7] Ryan Eversley won both races of the 2010 SCCA World Challenge Mid-Ohio Grand Prix in the touring car class. Other racing series include the KONI Challenge Series in the Street Tuner class. In the UK, the RX8 featured in the Mazda sponsored "Formula Women" series (2004), which involved all women drivers with slightly modified RX8s, and the RX8 was also run successfully in Britcar series endurance races (2005 / 2006) In Belgium, Mazda are currently sponsoring an RX8 silhouette racer in the GT series. [edit] Future revisions The next generation rotary engine, dubbed "16X," is currently under development.[8] Rumours also suggest that the RX-8 may be replaced by a new smaller, lighter, simpler rotary engine sports car similar in spirit to the original RX-7 and set to compete with the likes of the upcoming Toyota FT-86. Some sources would think the redesigned next generation model will replace it. [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.[9] 2010 RX-8 R3 edition placed 3rd out of 7 on Car and Driver's The Best-Handling Car in America for Less Than $100,000.[10] [edit] References ^ "Ford Facilities : Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa Assembly Plant Pretoria". Ford Motor Company. http://media.ford.com/plant_display.cfm?plant_id=64. Retrieved 2010-08-09.  ^ "Renesis information". Rotaryengineillustrated.com. 2005-11-25. http://www.rotaryengineillustrated.com/how-a-rotary-engine-works/rx-8-renesis-engine-2.html. Retrieved 2010-12-06.  ^ "Mazda RX-8 Features and Specifications". MazdaUSA. http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/displayPage.action?pageParameter=modelsSpecs&vehicleCode=RX8. Retrieved 2010-12-06.  ^ "2008 Mazda RX-8 40th Anniversary Edition". http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/displayPage.action?pageParameter=rx8SE&vehicleCode=RX8. Retrieved January 22, 2010.  ^ "2009 Tokyo Auto Salon - Circuit Trial Edition RX-8". RotaryNews.com. http://rotarynews.com/node/view/1007. Retrieved 2010-12-06.  ^ Mazda Extends Warranty Coverage On The RX-8. 2009 and later models come with the same warranty standard ^ "SpeedSource Inc.; MAZDASPEED, SpeedSource, and Riley Combine For RX-8 GT Development". Speedsourceinc.com. 2005-11-18. http://www.speedsourceinc.com/index.cfm?template=news&news_id=2248. Retrieved 2010-12-06.  ^ "Next Generation Renesis (Rotary Engine 16X)". Mazda. http://www.mazda.com/mazdaspirit/rotary/16x/. Retrieved April 14, 2010.  ^ "Four of a Kind Comparison Test". Car and Driver. http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/hot_lists/high_performance/sports_car_central/four_of_a_kind_comparison_test/(page)/1. Retrieved 2008-06-05.  ^ "The Best-Handling Car in America for Less Than $100,000 - Video - Auto Reviews". Car and Driver. http://www.caranddriver.com/features/10q3/the_best-handling_car_in_america_for_less_than_100_000-video. Retrieved 2010-12-06.  "2009 MAZDA RX-8: Further Evolution for the Rotary Revolution". Mazda USA. http://media.ford.com/mazda/article_display.cfm?article_id=27484&make_id=227.  "2006 RX-8". Mazda USA. http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/displayPage.action?pageParameter=modelsMain&vehicleCode=RX8&bhcp=1. Retrieved May 23, 2006.  "Mazda RX-8". Mazda UK. http://www.mazda.co.uk/Showroom/RX-8/. Retrieved May 23, 2006.  "RX-8 Overview". Mazda Australia. http://www.mazda.com.au/rx8/. Retrieved May 23, 2006.  "Mazda RX-8 Hydrogen rotary engine". Ford Media. Archived from the original on April 25, 2006. http://web.archive.org/web/20060425124254/http://media.ford.com/mazda/article_display.cfm?article_id=17134&make_id=227. Retrieved May 23, 2006.  "Mazda Adds 6-Speed Automatic and New Shinka Package for 2006 RX-8". Fast-Autos.net. Archived from the original on August 22, 2006. http://web.archive.org/web/20060822162635/http://www.fast-autos.net/news/15/. Retrieved September 8, 2006.  "Future Products - Mazda". AutoWeek. http://autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060816/FREE/60814021/1024/LATESTNEWS. Retrieved August 16, 2006.  "Design awards and honours". Mazda Australia. Archived from the original on May 22, 2006. http://web.archive.org/web/20060522030859/http://www.mazda.com.au/articleZone5.asp?articleZoneID=4485. Retrieved July 31, 2006.  "Mazda Extends Warranty Coverage On The RX-8". Racing Beat. http://racingbeat.com/FRmazda4.htm. Retrieved May 11, 2009.  [edit] External links Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Mazda RX-8 Mazda RX-8 Specs and Pricing Mazda RX-8 New Owners Frequently Asked Questions v • d • e Mazda Wankel rotary timeline Type 1960s 1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Compact Familia/R100 R100 Mid-size Capella/RX-2 RX-2 Luce/RX-4 R130 RX-4 Legato HB HC Full-size Roadpacer RP GT Cosmo/RX-5 L10A L10B CD HB JC Sports Savanna/RX-3/RX-7/RX-8 RX-3 SA FB FC FD SE Pickup Proceed/REPU REPU v • d • e « previous — Mazda road car timeline, 1990s–present Type 1990s 2000s 2010s 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 Kei car Carol Carol Carol Carol AZ-Wagon AZ-Wagon AZ-Wagon AZ-Wagon AZ-Offroad Spiano Scrum Scrum/Scrum Wagon Scrum/Scrum Wagon Subcompact Revue/121 Demio/121 Demio/Mazda2 Demio/Mazda2 Verisa Compact Familia/323/Protegé Familia/323/Protegé Familia/323/Protegé Axela/Mazda3 Axela/Mazda3 Familia Van Familia Van Familia Van Mid-size Capella/626 Capella Capella/626 Atenza/Mazda6 Atenza/Mazda6 Cronos/626/Xedos 6/Eunos 500 Eunos 800/Xedos 9/Millenia Mazda6(N.America) Full-size Sentia/929/Efini MS-8 Sentia Sports car AZ-1 MX-3 Precidia Roadster/MX-5/Miata Roadster/MX-5/Miata Roadster/MX-5 MX-6/Mystère MX-6/Mystère/Efini MS-6 RX-7 Efini RX-7/RX-7 Cosmo RX-8 Minivan Premacy Premacy/Mazda5 Bongo Friendee Biante Efini MPV/MPV MPV MPV/Mazda8 Crossover CX-7 CX-9 SUV Navajo Tribute Tribute Pickup B-Series B-Series B-Series BT-50 Van Bongo Bongo v • d • e Mazda automobile timeline, North American market, 1980s–present Type 1980s 1990s 2000s 2010s Model year 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 Subcompact GLC GLC Mazda2 323 323/Protegé Compact Protegé Protegé Mazda3 Mazda3 626 626 626 Mid-size 626 626 Mazda6 Mazda6 Millenia Full-size 929 929 Sport compact MX-3 MX-6 MX-6 Sports MX-5 Miata MX-5 Miata MX-5 RX-7 RX-7 RX-7 RX-8 Minivan Mazda5 MPV MPV Mid-size crossover CX-7 Full-size crossover CX-9 SUV Navajo Tribute Tribute Pickup B-Series B-Series B-Series B-Series || || Get AOL Toolbar MAIL Product Central MAKE THIS MY HOMEPAGE WALLETPOP ASYLUM DAILYFINANCE SPORT Autoblog UK Autoblog Web Classifieds Local Send us a tip | Send Us Feedback | Advertise | Corrections/Problems? | Subscribe (RSS) Car News Car Shows Makes & Models Buying & Selling Formula 1 Motorsport Videos Photo Galleries The departure of the Mazda RX8 - a fond farewell, or good riddance?Posted 6th Oct 2010 by Tom WebsterFiled under: Sports/GTs, First Drive, Opinion/Editorial, Mazda When Mazda announced in April that the RX8 was being dropped from the UK line-up, there is likely to have been a mixed reaction from the nation's car enthusiasts. As a rotary-engined sports car, the suicide-door oddity was one of the few cars to offer buyers something genuinely different to the industry's standard interpretation of what a sports car should be. Of course this individuality came at a price. The RX8 has an unwelcome reputation as a drinker, not just of petrol, but also of the oil that is critical to maintaining that high-revving Wankel engine. In order to work out whether we'd miss Mazda's unlikely creation, we spent the last week in the company of one of the final top-spec R3 RX8s. Even on first encountering the car, it is clear that the RX8 is littered with little quirks designed to distinguish the model from the rest of Mazda's range. The triangular theme that begins at the R8's distinctive exhaust is repeated throughout the car, including a novel triangular-handled handbrake. The suicide doors are another of the oft-discussed features of the sports car, but any notion that this turns the RX8 into a practical coupe are rapidly dispelled. Parking, for example, is a nightmare thanks to the poor visibility. While the MX5 convertible is no better in terms of the visibility over your shoulder, at least there you can whip the roof off for a better view while in this hardtop you are left with an element of guesswork as to where you are going. Still, we doubt anyone would have considered buying the RX8 on the basis of its capacious practicality, and it is on the road where we realised just why there will be many people sad to see it go. One of the first things you notice is the rev counter. While many cars stop at around 5,000 or 6,000rpm, here the dial goes all the way up to 9,000rpm, and that is no idle threat. If selecting a low gear and holding on for dear life is your preferred game, this car is well up to the task. The 228bhp, 1.3-litre engine takes it to 62mph in just 6.4 seconds, and it keeps going to 146mph. The gearchange helps this – it is classically Mazda in that it uses a short gearlever so has little distance to travel and is cleanly precise and satisfying. It feels most comfortable when being given some revs between each change though – slow speed changes into third are at times a little jerky. But that is about all that is jerky about this car; it pulls beautifully smoothly all the way through from low revs, and sounds fantastic while doing it. The rotary engine noise is pleasingly different to a conventional unit – changing tone three or four times in its long rev range as it delivers a growling sci-fi howl before the RX8 warns you to change up. The car is also blessed with responsive steering and a surprisingly stiff chassis (considering Mazda sold the car partly on its ability to swallow rear passengers) but it must have been difficult for prospective customers to get away from the fact they were parting with over £25k for a car that could only offer 24.6mpg if you drove with the patience of a saint. It is a measure of just how unlikely that figure is that the official RX8 owners' club forum has a section dedicated to members of the 300 club – owners who have managed to go 300 miles on one tank of petrol. It is a small group. Another factor to consider if you chose to pick up one of the last 100 RX8s is that you will never see anything like the £25,540 you paid for it ever again – the car sheds value almost as fast as it drinks petrol. But the benefit of this is that used examples are looking like a great bargain, with prices starting from just over £3,000 for early models. So long as you factor running costs into your budget, a second-hand RX8 could be a performance bargain for those who like their cars from the left field. Tags: featured, mazda, Mazda RX8, MazdaRx8Print thisPermalinkEmail thisTweet this! 6 Comments Related Articles From Autoblog UKHow to cut the cost of car ownership19 days agoFisker unveils production Karma at LA Auto Show23 days agoBMW reveals new 6-series convertible24 days ago Related Articles From Our NetworkSpy Shots: Mazda prepping smaller CX-5 crossover?3 days agoMazda celebrates turning 90, looks back at logos10 days agoNext Green Car launches "Approved" vehicle list20 days ago Subscribe to these commentsReader Comments (Page 1 of 1) NeutralPaula @ 8th Oct 2010I will be sad to see it go but my 1997 Mazda MX-6 is in many ways a superior car.The 2.5lite V6 that powers my car is one of the smoothest and most responsive engines ever made.It is good for 250K miles if you change the oil every 4000 miles and the looks are classic sports coupe like the Jaguar XK8.I also get 32 mpg on a long run and the engine never uses oil between changes. Reply NeutralLegend @ 12th Oct 2010yes but in terms of performance the rx-8 wipes its arse on the mx-6, i know just traded one in for a 370z which spanks em both by a long long way!!! NeutralPaula @ 12th Oct 2010Hi Legend,A 370Z.Now that's awesome.EnjoyTake care and have fun.Reply NeutralJo @ 18th Oct 2010Got a new rx8 3 weeks ago I think it's fantastic. Response amazing, looks great, so what is thirsty worth every penny!! Reply NeutralPaul & Trish @ 26th Nov 2010Had an RX8 which we loved to bits, traded her in for an MX5 coupe and now want the RX8 back so are looking :-)Reply NeutralCarol @ 26th Nov 2010Just has to be one of the prettiest cars ever made - I say prettiest but it also looks so mean!!Reply Add your comments New Readers Returning First time? A confirmation email will be sent to you after submitting. Name: E-mail: Members enter your username and password. E-mail: Password: Enter your AOL or AIM screenname and password. Your comments: Remember me E-Mail me when someone replies to this comment Please keep your comments relevant to this blog entry. Email addresses are never displayed, but they are required to confirm your comments. When you enter your name and email address, you'll be sent a link to confirm your comment, and a password. To leave another comment, just use that password. To create a live link, simply type the URL (including http://) or email address and we will make it a live link for you. You can put up to 3 URLs in your comments. Line breaks and paragraphs are automatically converted — no need to use <p> or <br /> tags. Breaking NewsBMW 1 Series M Coupe finally unveiledElectric and hybrid vehicles expected to replace normal carsJudge slams police force that let superintendant do 79mph in 50 zoneParking warden tickets car with dead driver in the back seatThe Lamborghini supertaxi Featured StoriesFirst drive: Subaru WRX STIDriving with the star - stunt driving with Russ SwiftChevrolet Orlando meets the competitionAn ode to the 4X4First drive: Gran Turismo 5 Car & Bike Search POWERED BY Search for a used car below or for a new car | bike Make Model Min Price Max Price Distance Post Code Place an ad Featured Galleries Driving Directions Use our maps and route planners to make sure you stay on the right road Autoblog Tags FelipeMassa hyundai Formula1 Japan mercedes-benz LamborghiniGallardo FormulaOne mini F1 LandRover McLaren Button ParisMotorShow Suzuka LewisHamilton RangeRover Ferrari featured toyota JensonButton Lotus police MarkWebber SebastianVettel Porsche911 Ecclestone FernandoAlonso GranTurismo5 RedBullRacing KoreanGrandPrix FirstDrive RedBull Infiniti breaking Webber Vettel TopGear audi MichaelSchumacher porsche volkswagen Alonso gossip Paris2010 snow bmw Lexus Hamilton ParkingTicket Mercedes Most Commented On (30 days)Turf war as pensioner filmed shunting car blocking his garage (273)Oxfordshire speed cameras set to return in April (124)Bernie Ecclestone mugged for jewellery worth £200,000 (68)Clampers target AA van attending breakdown (68)Local authorities push for huge parking fine increase (63)New drugalsyer could be the roadside weapon police have been waiting for (45)Top Gear takes to the Middle East in Christmas special (38)Free AK-47 with every truck sold (36)Snowed in: Five budget 4X4s to beat the freeze with (36)Jailed girl racer tells police they were 'too slow' (34) Recent Commentsjoe on Looking for something special? Try left-hand driveJon on Parking warden tickets car with dead driver in the back seatpuredrinks on Judge slams police force that let superintendant do 79mph in 50 zoneK L Simpson on Judge slams police force that let superintendant do 79mph in 50 zonetrigger79 on First drive: Gran Turismo 5Bob on An ode to the 4X4Swiftcruiser27\'talktalk.net on Women should kick men out of the driver's seat more oftenBranndog on Video: How to powerslide up a mountainRodders on Fisker gets hot with KarmaBuzz Lightyear on Video: How to powerslide up a mountain AsylumFeckless fire-starters and parliamentary punch-ups, just another week at AsylumDogs get more christmas gifts than cats18 of the coolest mice ever double-clickedEveryone wants the street-legal Tron lightcycle -- here's how to get itAccessories to attract your ideal woman WalletPopBritons putting families at risk by failing to take out life coverDon't let burglars ruin your Christmas!Three Christmas rip-offs to avoidPrepare your christmas fallbacksAround the world in tipping etiquette Wowziograb this · see more AOL ProductsAIMAOL BroadbandLocal SearchOnline SecurityParental ControlsTruveoWinampHelp LinksSitemapJoin AOLContactAOL HelpAffiliate ProgrammeAdvertising ContactAbout AOLMore on AOLAsylumCelebrityMoneyNewsSearchSportWomenMore on AutosBuying AdviceCar NewsCar ShowsDirectionsFormula OneMarques & ModelsQuick LinksAudiBMWFiatMiniPorscheVolkswagen AOL International | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Copyright © AOL (UK) Limited its affiliates and licensors Autoblog Web Classifieds Local