The Mazda RX-8 is a true original – from how it looks to how it performs. For starters, it has four doors and accommodations for four passengers. Plus an award-winning, 232-hp RENESIS rotary engine teamed with a manual transmission that redlines at a stratospheric 9,000 rpm.* And rockets from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.0 seconds. Equally impressive, the same rotary engine found in every RX-8 also powers every Star Mazda Racing Series competitor. One drive and the way you think about sports cars will never be the same.
The RX-8’s striking array of innovations is also reflected in its versatility and safety. Its “freestyle” door system, for example, does away with the centre pillar to grant four adults unrestricted access to first-class seating. While its comprehensive matrix of safety features includes both proactive and passive systems. Most notable are the RX-8’s massive four-wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock Brake System (ABS). Its rack-and-pinion steering with a speed-sensitive electric boost for precise directional control. A full complement of air bags and air curtains. Unencumbered by the tradeoffs typical of traditional sports cars, the RX-8 redefines the sports car for future generations.
*A 212-hp (7,500-rpm) RENESIS rotary engine paired with a 6-speed Sport mode automatic transmission is also available.
Canada
1) Best New Sports/Performance Vehicle (Canadian Car of the Year) - AJAC (Automobile Journalists Association of Canada) --- Dec. 2003
USA
1) 10 Best Engine - Ward's Auto World and Ward's Engine and Vehicle Technology Update Magazine --- Dec. 2003
2) 10 BEST CARS 2006 (BEST SPORTS COUPE) - CAR AND DRIVER Magazine --- Dec. 2005
3) 10 BEST CARS 2005 (BEST SPORTS COUPE) - CAR AND DRIVER Magazine --- Dec. 2004
4) Consumers' Most Wanted Vehicles 2004:Most Significant Vehicle of the Year (2nd Place) - Edmunds.com Website --- Jun. 2004
5) All Star, Best Coupe - Automobile Magazine --- Feb. 2004
6) Best Sports Car - CNN money Website --- Feb. 2004
7) 10 Best Cars 2004 - CAR AND DRIVER Magazine --- Dec. 2003