2004-2011 Mazda RX-8: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Mazda revived the rotary engine in a sports car it promoted as the spiritual successor to the famous RX-7. Last offered in 1995, the RX-7 was a 2-seat, 2-dr car. The RX-8 was a 4-passenger 4 dr. Its back doors were two rear-hinged panels that did not open independently of the front doors. Conventional engines use pistons that move up and down in cylinders. A rotary has triangular rotors that spin inside oval housings. The RX-8's rotary displaced 1.3 liters and had 197 hp when teamed with a 4-speed automatic transmission, 238 when linked with a 6-speed manual. The automatic included a manual-shift gate and steering wheel paddles. Manual-transmission RX-8s had 18-inch wheels, stiffer sport suspension, and a limited-slip differential. A Sport Package option for automatics replaced their 16-inch wheels with 18s and added the stiffer suspension. ABS, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags were standard. Options included leather upholstery, traction/antiskid control, and navigation system.