The Mazda RX-8 is an exciting all-around sports car that has features gearheads are already missing today. It's no secret that Mazda has a reputation for defying convention with its sports cars. Throughout its history, Only a few have been as fascinating as the Mazda RX-8. Taking over from the RX-7, Mazda unveiled the RX-8 at the 2001 North American International Auto Show. Like its predecessor, the RX-8 was powered by the unique Wankel rotary engine. Going against cars like the Nissan 350Z and the Honda S2000, it also came equipped with a proper rear-wheel drive system and a choice of an automatic or manual transmission.
The Mazda RX-8 was introduced to the North American market in 2003, but only eight years later, Mazda stopped producing the model, removing it from the European market in 2010 since it did not fulfill the region's pollution regulations. Again, due to the rising Yen prices and falling sales, Mazda failed to justify the ongoing sale of the car in other markets. The RX-8 was discontinued in 2012, having sold over 192,094 units since 2003.
Even with its sleek body style, superb driving dynamics, and distinctive engine, the RX-8 is still surprisingly underrated. But here are 10 reasons why the Mazda RX-8 deserves more love.
10 The Last Wankel (Rotary) Engine Mazda
While other brands steered clear of the rotary engine, the RX-8 adopted the Renesis – an evolved version of 13B last used in the Mazda RX-7 (discontinued in 2002). Only this time, it was naturally aspirated. It also featured exhaust ports at the edge of each rotor rather than on the engine's periphery.
Even in its natural form, the RX-7's 1.3-liter rotary engine produced between 192 hp to 232 hp, depending on the trim version. On paper, the RX-8's power looked close to its predecessor's, but its paltry 159 lb-ft of torque was no match for the RX-7. The RX-8 was discontinued in 2012, taking with it the 13B-MSP Renesis engine.
9 A Tuner’s Dream
Rotary engines are some of the best engines for tuning due to their high revving nature and massive power output potential. As it consists of fewer moving parts than its piston counterpart, the rotary engine is popular in the tuning scene. And like its predecessor, the RX-8 features a near-perfect weight distribution and low center of gravity – another ideal starting point for tuning and modification.
Popular customizations for the RX-8 include suspension, brake upgrades, ECU remapping, and intake and exhaust mods. But unlike the 13-B REW, the 13-B Renesis wasn't turbocharged, and mods could only give it a negligable power boost.
8 The Unique Suicide-Doored Body Style
We have encountered some weird door styles, and suicide doors are one of them. When the RX-8 was launched in 2003, the rakish coupe caused a stir with its Freestyle door system. This unique style consists of two conventional front doors and two rear-hinged doors that open by swinging out 80 degrees to create a cutaway interior-like opening.
However, the RX-8's suicide doors begged the question of their safety in the event of side impact as they lacked a fixed center B-pillar. But to everyone's relief, Mazda incorporated an exceptionally rigid body and steel-made "virtual B-pillar" in the rear aluminum doors. There are additional internal side beams and locking pins along the roof and floor of the car.
7 Surprisingly Practical Sports Car
Given the RX-8's sleek coupe body, there is a surprisingly vast amount of cabin space. There are two front and two rear seats featuring decent head and legroom. The unusual rear-hinged suicide doors provide a wide door opening, giving the rear passengers an easy entry and exit.
The rear seats are comfortable and spacious for adult-sized passengers. The design is also ideal for securing babies or small kids. The 215-liter trunk space is also big enough for a weekend's worth of bags, adding to the car's uncompromised versatility.
6 Its Motorsport Success And Accolades
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The RX-8 was entered in several racing events by privateers and experienced significant success. The most notable ones included victory at the 2008 and 2010 24 Hours of Daytona (marked the 23rd win in the endurance race by a Wankel-powered race car) and the SCCA World Challenge (Street Tuner class).
Away from motorsport, the RX-8 has received more than 48 global car awards since 2003. They include 2003 International Engine of the Year, Australia's Wheels magazine's Car of the Year for 2003, 2003 Japanese Car of the Year, U.K. Car of the Year 2004, 2004 U.S. Best Sports Car, and 2004 Singapore Car of the Year.
5 Outstanding Performance & Driving Dynamics
With its traditional rear-wheel-drive chassis, the RX-8 boasts an entertaining drive that only a few in its class can match. The car features a near 50:50 weight distribution and a low center of gravity, thanks to the engine mounted behind the front axle and the tank positioned in front of the rear axle.
The curb weight of fewer than 3050 pounds and the car's direct steering make the RX-8 a delight on twisty roads. Elsewhere, the range-topping R3's Bilstein suspension further sharpens the car's handling. Everything considered the RX-8 is a comfortable long-distance coupe.
4 Spectacularly Affordable Even Today
Among the several areas where the RX-8 stands out, pricing is one of them. The RX-8 is among the most affordable cars, even for a sporty car. However, following its discontinuation, you cannot find a new model today. In 2012, the standard model was priced at about $26,495, while the top trim R3 cost $31,990.
Today, the newest units are at least ten years old. But even in its rare form, prices remain reasonable. A unit that has clocked about 100,000 miles can fetch you under $10,000, while the low milage ones go for about $20,000.
3 The Sporty Exterior & Interior
The RX-8 was a head-turner for its distinctive design when it was unveiled in 2003. The futuristic style still looks fresh even today. The exterior featured a compact appeal with key design elements such as sporty, high-quality headlights and taillights, plus aggressive bumpers and fascia. The sporty wheels featured the rotary design element.The interior boasts a comfortable cabin highlighted by sporty front and rear seats, an athletic steering wheel, a navigation system, Bose hi-fi system, and climate control. The stylish cabin oozes luxury and high-end quality. The rotor motif is integrated on the shift knob, center console, emergency brake, and on the headrests of the bucket seats. The R3 trim gets Xen0n headlights and leather-trimmed Recaro seats.
2 Multiple Striking Versions
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Since the RX-8's introduction in 2003, the first significant update was received in 2008 when it received a mid-cycle facelift. The body rigidity was upgraded via the addition of structural reinforcements. The rear suspension was also updated for better handling. And to improve the car's off-the-line speed, the final-drive-gear ratio was shortened on the manual transmission.
The result was an increase in performance and acceleration. It also received design enhancements to freshen the car's styling. Some refinements included a more aggressive front and rear bumper and a restyled front fascia. The 2009 model received sporty headlights, a larger exhaust pipe, and a new five-spoke wheel design. Mazda added three trims for the 2009-2012 models (Sport, Grand Touring, and R3), which came with an optional rear spoiler.
1 A Revving Masterpiece
We all love low-end torque. True, the RX-8 won't give you that super-torquey feel, but the 13B Renesis under the hood screams like a race car. Power swells relative to rpm increase. The RX-8 is not only one of the best rev-happiest production cars but also the cheapest. At idle, the 2-rotor engine emits a limp-wristed murmur and comes alive with an intoxicating sound as the tach needle soars to the 9,000 rpm redline before hitting the 9,500-rpm limiter. Surprisingly, the engine is smooth and near-vibrationless, even at the redline. Like the Honda S2000, the RX-8's high revs leave you with nothing but a truly engaging driving experience.