Mazda RX8

The Mazda RX 8 is a sport utility car developed by Mazda Motor Corporation. It was first showcased at the 2001 at the North American International Auto Show. It is descendant of the RX-7, and is powered by an efficient rotary engine. In 2004, the Mazda RX 8 was introduced in the North American markets.

First Generation Mazda RX 8 (2003-2008)

The first edition of Mazda RX 8 was manufactured in 2003. At that time, with the help of RENESIS 13B-MSP Wankel rotary engine, it got enough power to move the car smoothly; thanks to its 1.3L engine that had displacement of 2×654 cc.

During its launch, the RENESIS existed in traditional and superior versions. The four-sport traditional RENESIS could develop 210 hp (160 kW) and the engine was connected with either five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. The engine was rated up to 250 hp (190 kW).

During its introduction, the Mazda RX 8 was produced in different editions in various markets throughout the world. Traditional models included:

• Six-speed manual ”High Power” by a claimed result of between 184 kW (250 PS; 247 hp) and 170 kW (231 PS; 228 hp) at 9,000 rpm. This version was comparable to the “Type S” trim level in Japan.

• Five-speed manual “Standard Power” adjusted to 141 kW (192 PS; 189 hp) by redline minimized to 7,500 rpm. This powertrain grouping was not produced in North America.

• Four-speed automatic adjusted to 141 kW (192 PS; 189 hp) in some other automobile markets, where in U.S it was delivered with 158 kW (215 PS; 212 hp).

• Six-speed automatic transmission delivering 159 lb-ft (216 N-m) of torque and 158 kW (215 PS; 212 hp) of power.

Second Generation (2009-Present)

For 2009 model, the Mazda engines upgraded the RX-8 body stiffness by the mixing the structural reinforcements, including a trapezoidal shaped strut tower bar and increasing the local stiffness of the front suspension tower areas.

The back suspension geometry is reconfigured for higher handling performance and for upgraded driveshaft rigidity, thus upgrading the overall performance, and lowering NVH levels.

The 2009 RX-8 is lighter in weight than the earlier RX-8 models. In addition to the light weight, the 2009 RX-8 has some other gearing ratio, which is lowered to 4.777 from 4.444 for upgraded off-the-line performance.

These performance modifications provide the 2009 RX-8 enhanced performance and acceleration along with superior responsiveness to work with accelerator pedal. The 2009 RX-8 is considerably faster car over the earlier model car because of

• low weight,
• improved suspension, and
• superior low range gearing.

The 2009 Mazda RX8 was incorporated with several design enhancements to enhance the appearance and performance. Refinements were restyled rear and front bumper along with a new styled fascia. It has superior quality finish, fresh rear and front headlights, as well as bigger exhaust pipes.