Mazda RX-8
| Mazda RX-8 | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Mazda |
| Production | 2003-2012 |
| Assembly | Hiroshima, Japan |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Sports car |
| Body style | 4-door quad coupé |
| Layout | FMR layout |
| Related | Mazda MX-5 (3rd generation) |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 1.3 L RENESIS (Wankel rotary) NA |
| Power output | 212-232 hp |
| Transmission | 4-speed automatic 6-speed automatic 5-speed manual 6-speed manual |
| Dimensions | |
| 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: 1,309–1,373 kg (2,886–3,027 lb) Auto: 1,384 kg (3,051 lb) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor |
Mazda RX-7 Mazda Cosmo |
| Successor | Mazda RX-9 |
The Mazda RX-8 is a sports car that was manufactured by Mazda between 2003 and 2012. It was first shown 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 Wankel engine. The RX-8 began North American sales in the 2004 model year.
Mazda announced on August 23, 2011, that the RX-8 was to be discontinued citing the 2011 model as the last line of production. The RX-8 was removed from the European market in 2010 after the car failed to meet emissions standards.
Without the volume sales from Europe coupled with rising Yen prices, Mazda could not justify the continued sale of the RX-8 in other markets.
Mazda introduced rotary engine vehicles in the US in 1971, beginning with the R100 and eventually introducing the RX-2, RX-3, RX-4, RX-5, and three generations of the RX-7 sports car. However, due the lack of conveniences and user-friendliness, coupled with the high price tag and declining interest in sports cars and coupés at the time, Mazda decided to withdraw the RX-7 from most major markets except Japan. After 1995, Mazda suffered from a relatively undistinguished and ordinary product line in the US except for the MX-5 Miata.
As popular interest in import tuning and performance cars resurged in the late-1990s due in part to various popular cultural influences, Japanese automakers waded back into the performance and sports car market in the US. In addition, Mazda endeavoured 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 compared to their competitors, beginning with the Mazda6 and followed by the Mazda3, paving the way for the arrival of Mazda's next-generation rotary sports car.
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