RX-8

Mazda’s uncompromising pursuit of driving enjoyment has resulted in the development of the exhilarating new-look Mazda RX-8. With a combination of inimitably appealing sports-car styling whilst comfortably accommodating four adults thanks to a user-friendly four-door four-seat layout, the RX-8 not only delivers but surpasses all expectations.

Powered by the breathtaking RENESIS rotary engine, this light, compact, naturally aspirated twin-rotor unit screams ‘Zoom-Zoom’. Matched to a revised 6-speed manual or new 6-speed Activematic transmission (RX-8 Luxury), the RX-8’s responsiveness can only be described as outstanding. Handling precision is assured with its advanced front-midship layout; long wheelbase; a light, rigid body structure and revised suspension system.

Available in three variants; RX-8, RX-8 Luxury or the leaner, meaner, performance focused RX-8 GT.

• 4-door coupe
• Front-midship Renesis - 2 rotors in-line, naturally aspirated, multi-sideport
• 6 speed manual or 6 speed Activematic

Key Features:

18 inch alloy wheels
Freestyle door system
Air-conditioning (climate control)
Cruise control
Cloth seat trim
AM/FM tuner with CD Player, in-dash 6-disc (MP3 compatible) and 6 speakers
Auxiliary input (3.5mm MP3 player compatible)
Airbags SRS: front, side & curtain
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
Torque-sensing Super Limited Slip Differential

Exterior

Refreshed exterior design

Whilst maintaining the original distinctive sports car proportions, the new RX-8 range benefits from a fresher looking exterior, producing better aerodynamics and cooling performance. Specifically, enlarged central and side air intakes in the front bumper provide improved engine cooling and emphasise the athletic styling.

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

Standard on both the RX-8 and RX-8 Luxury, 18 inch alloys add a finishing sporty yet luxurious touch. On the GT model however, light-weight; 19-inch forged-aluminium wheels confirm the RX-8 GT as being the ultimate Mazda sports performer.

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.

Refined rear view

The new rear bumper and rear LED lamps elevate the sense of sporty quality, whilst the enlarged dual exhaust pipes express high power and performance.

GT aero styling

The extra sporty RX-8 GT comes with 19 inch gunmetal forged wheels, front, under side and rear aero spoilers, all designed specifically for those who demand the ultimate in sporty looks. Not only do they look amazing, but the aero kit provides significantly better front and rear lift and  as a result,  superior high-speed stability.

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 new feature allows the tachometer’s red zone to move in 3-stages in accordance with the temperature of the engine. Preventing over-revving immediately after start up when the engine is cold, the end result is improved engine durability.

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.

New Activematic function - Direct Mode

The Activematic transmission benefits from the inclusion of a newly developed ‘Direct Mode’ that allows the driver the shift down using the steering-wheel controls while driving in the “D” range. Employed to enable quick down-shifts, the Direct Mode technology aids in decelerating on downhill roads, accelerating after decelerating through a corner and overtaking other vehicles.

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 as well as modified urethane foam filled front suspension cross members. The RX-8 GT will have you cornering like you’re on rails.

Interior

Refined interior design

Detailed interior refinements provide a refreshing new look and feel to the RX-8 cabin. Never compromising on quality, the new look RX-8’s interior not only maintains the integrity of the RX-8’s iconic sports car design, but also satisfies the practical needs of everyday driving. With a new design to the centre instrument panel and white illumination on the instrument cluster, the end result is better visibility and functionality.

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.

Interior upholstery

Standard on the RX-8, densely woven black fabric covers the seats, whilst on the luxury model finely perforated leather centre sections in black or red further emphasize the sporty-luxurious nature of the vehicle.

Premium Bose® audio system

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 sports 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 stiching, 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.

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 controllability and minimal braking distances, irrespective of road-surface conditions and load, the Mazda RX-8 has a four-wheel antilock braking system (ABS) and electronic brake-force distribution system (EBD). Designed to promote sports-car driving pleasure, the confidence-inspiring stopping power is extremely efficient.

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 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.

Seats

The front seats of the Mazda RX-8 are equipped with seatbelt pretensioners & load-limiters. In addition to these, front seats are also designed with anti-whiplash headrests adding further protection against injury in the event of an accident.

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.