New RX-8

Overview

With outstanding performance from its high-revving rotary engine, the Mazda RX-8 delivers a unique sports car driving experience. The naturally aspirated water-cooled twin-rotor powerplant produces an exhilarating 170kW of power and 211Nm of torque when mated to the slick shifting six-speed manual transmission.

While still maintaining the sports coupe fee, the RX-8's unique Freestyle Door System does away with the need for centre pillars. In addition to this, the Freestyle Door System provides easy access for passengers into the rear, enabling you to share the Zoom-Zoom experience.

Exterior

Exterior lamps

The headlamp units of the RX-8 have been made wider, and revised shapes and materials for their internal parts yield a shinier, more eye catching look. Now with four lamps with light-emitting diodes (LEDs), the new rear lamp design combines good visibility with a sportier, more refined look.

Alloy wheels

The Mazda RX-8 Luxury features eye-catching, rotary-inspired 18-inch alloys for a sporty yet luxurious touch. The RX-8 GT is equipped with lightweight 19-inch forged aluminium wheels that confirm it as the ultimate performance machine.

Freestyle door system

Whilst still maintaining the sports coupe feel, the RX-8's unique Freestyle Door System takes away the need for centre pillars. In addition to this, the Freestyle Door System provides easy access for passengers into the rear, so you can share the Zoom-Zoom experience.

GT aero styling

The extra sporty RX-8 GT comes with 19-inch gunmetal forged wheels, as well as front and rear aero spoilers and side skirts - all designed specifically for those who demand the ultimate in performance car looks. For truly focused sports car handling, the RX-8 GT comes equipped with specially developed Bilstein dampers as well as modified urethane foam filled front suspension crossmembers.

Interior

Power adjustable driver’s seat

Adding further to the luxurious complexion of the vehicle, the driver’s seat in the RX-8 Luxury comes equipped with 8-way power adjustment with a 3-position memory function and electric folding driver’s seat for easy access to the rear.

Premium Bose® audio

The RX-8 Luxury is equipped with a premium-grade 9-speaker Bose® system. With advanced technologies such as AudioPilot® noise-compensation and Bose® Centerpoint™ signal processing technology, the RX-8 Luxury truly delivers the ultimate in music listening experience.

RECARO seat

Ergonomically designed RECARO sports seats provide all the support you need when exploring the RX-8 GT’s handling performance. Reflecting the latest in European design, the special seat cushioning shoulder and side bolsters keep your body firmly supported.

GT interior trim

With the RECARO seats centre fabric sections (black and grey combination) and black leather side supports accentuated with red stitching, there is no mistaking the sports car heritage of the RX-8 GT. Continuing the sports car theme throughout the cabin, the steering wheel, shift lever and hand brake, all with red stitching detail, attractively finish off this stunningly sporty vehicle interior.

Performance

RENESIS Rotary Engine

With outstanding performance, fuel efficiency and emissions, the RX-8’s rotary engine delivers the kind of performance truly unique only to Mazda’s flagship sports car. The naturally aspirated, water-cooled, two-rotor unit produces an exhilarating 170kW of power and 211Nm of torque (6-speed manual). Newly adopting an Electric Metering Oil Pump (E-MOP) system, higher precision oil supply heightens overall engine performance and durability.

Variable red zone system

This feature allows the tachometer’s red zone to move in three stages according to the temperature of the engine. This results in improved durability because the engine is prevented from over-revving immediately after a cold start-up.

Transmission

With both the 6-speed manual and all-new 6-speed Activematic systems (formerly 4-speed), there is an RX-8 just right for everyone. The gear ratios in the upgraded 6-speed manual transmission have been lowered to improve off-the-line acceleration. The Activematic transmission delivers more brisk shift response, essential for sports car driving.

Suspension

Double-wishbone front suspension and long-link, multi-link rear suspension, realise ideal geometry that translates into a quiet, comfortable ride, with superior road holding, controllability, and handling stability.

GT tuned chassis

For the ultimate in sports handling performance, the RX-8 GT comes equipped with specially developed Bilstein dampers well as modified urethane foam filled front suspension cross members. The RX-8 GT will have you cornering like you’re on rails.

Safety

Airbags

The RX-8 is equipped with SRS airbags on both the driver's and passenger's side. In addition, SRS curtain airbags and side airbags are also provided. The curtain airbags deploy over the front and rear side windows to reduce the risk of head injuries in the event of a collision.

Anti-lock brakes (ABS)

To ensure optimal vehicle control and minimal braking distances irrespective of road-surface conditions and load being carried, the Mazda RX-89 has a four-wheel antilock braking system (ABS) and an electronic brake-force distribution system (EBD). The RX-8 has confidence-inspiring stopping power that enhances its sports car abilities.

Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)

The Mazda RX-8's DSC system inspires confidence in the driver by effectively suppressing sideways skidding while enabling smooth steering. What's more, it is a switchable system that can be shut off to enable advanced driving techniques when conditions are suitable.

RX-8 pillar structure

Crash worthiness is particularly sound at the vehicle's sides, which, in spite of the absence of centre 'B' pillars, exhibit crash safety on a par with traditional four-door sedans. This is achieved with innovative door reinforcements and locking mechanisms that form built-in pillars when the doors are locked in position.

Shock Cone Aluminium Bonnet

When designing the Mazda RX-8, a lot of thought not only went into the safety of those within the vehicle, but also for those outside. The bonnet of the RX-8 features an inner panel of multiple shock-absorbing cones, to reduce the risk of head injury to pedestrians.