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Mazda RX-8

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Mazda RX-8
Mazda RX-8
Overview
ManufacturerMazda
Production2003–present
AssemblyNagasaki, Japan
Body and chassis
ClassSports car
Body style2+2 coupé
LayoutFMR layout
Powertrain
Engine1.3L Renesis NL
Transmission4- or 6-speed automatic and 5 or 6-speed manual
Dimensions
WheelbaseTemplate:Auto mm
LengthTemplate:Auto mm
WidthTemplate:Auto mm
HeightTemplate:Auto mm
Curb weightManual: 1309–1373 kg (2888–3029 lb)
Auto: 1384 kg (3053 lb)
Chronology
PredecessorMazda RX-7
Mazda Cosmo

The Mazda RX-8 is a sports car manufactured by Mazda Motor Corporation. It first appeared 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 rotary engine. The RX-8 began North American sales as 2004 model year car.

Design

The RX-8 was designed as a front mid-mounted, rear-wheel drive 2+2 coupé. The car has a near 50:50 weight distribution, achieved by mounting the engine behind the front axle and the fuel tank ahead of the rear axle. Weight is trimmed through the use of materials such as aluminium (hood & rear doors), and a carbon fiber composite driveshaft on the manual gearbox car; designed to reduce rotational mass (Moment of Inertia) connected to the engine. The rest of the body is steel, save for the plastic front and rear bumpers.

The car features a pair of rear-hinged "freestyle" doors (similar to suicide doors) in order to provide easier access to the rear seats. The RX-8 has no B-pillar between the front and rear doors, with the leading edge of the rear door acting as a "virtual pillar" to maintain structural rigidity. Because of the overlapping design, the rear doors can only be opened when the front doors are open.

First generation (SE)

SE
Mazda RX-8 SE
Overview
Production2004–2008

The First Version of the RX-8, the SE, produced from Model Years 2004 to 2008, is powered by the 13B-MSP Renesis rotary engine displacing 1.3 litres (twin 654cc rotors ) which, when coupled with a six speed manual transmission will typically produce 237 hp (177 kW) at 8200rpm and 211Nm (ECE) of torque at 5500 rpm.[1] The Renesis Multi Side Port engine shows greatly improved fuel efficiency and emission improvement over the RX-7's engine

The RX-8 is available in various models in different markets around the world. Standard models include:

  • 6-speed manual "High Power" with an output of between 170 kW (231 hp) and 177 kW (237 hp) and a 9,000 rpm redline. Japanese models produce 184 kW (247hp)(250 PS).
  • 5-speed manual "Standard Power" tuned to 141 kW (192 hp) with the redline reduced to 7,500 rpm.
  • 4-speed automatic tuned to 141 kW (189 hp) in some markets, while the U.S. automatic is stated to deliver 197 SAE net hp (158 kW).
  • 6-speed automatic (available in the U.S. market as of 2006) developing 212 hp (170 kW) and 159 lb-ft of torque with a redline at 7,500 rpm.[2]

Shinka / Evolve / Sports Prestige Limited / Mazdaspeed M'z Tune

Mazda introduced a special Shinka edition to the U.S. market in 2005, and to the UK market in 2006 where it was branded as the Evolve. Unique features include Shinka badges on the B-pillars, re-styled mirrors, alcantara-trimmed leather seats on the 2006 MY, stiffer chassis and suspension tuning, and polished wheels. For the 2005 MY, the Shinka was only available in Black Cherry Mica, and in 2006, it was available in Pearlescent White as well as some of the standard model colors. Power output remains unchanged from the standard models. This model is also offered in Japan as the Sports Prestige Limited RX-8. The Shinka option is not available for 2007. Mazda Japan is working on a Mazdaspeed version of the RX-8 dubbed the Mazdaspeed M'z Tune and will be released as a 2007 model.

PZ

In May 2006 Mazda released the RX-8 PZ for the UK market. The car was jointly developed with motorsports company Prodrive. Only available in six-speed manual, it featured custom 10-spoke alloy wheels supplied by Italian F1 team supplier OZ Racing in "Dark Silver" finish, mirrors developed to reduce drag, front and rear black mesh grilles, and a rear spoiler to provide more stability at higher speeds. Both the alloys and rear wing are badged in carbon fibre with "Prodrive". Significant revisions were also made to the suspension to improve the handling: dampers from Bilstein and coil springs from Eibach are used in addition to reducing the ride height by Template:Auto mm and an increase in spring rate of 60%. Finally the car is supplied with a unique upgraded twin exhaust system, with exhaust tailpipes branded "Prodrive". Only 800 were made at an MSRP of £25,995 ($51,990). It was available in two colours, Galaxy Grey (320) and Brilliant Black (480).

Hydrogen RE

At the 2004 North American International Auto Show, Mazda unveiled the RX-8 Hydrogen RE concept car, designed to run on either hydrogen or gasoline. In February 2006, Mazda revealed that it would start leasing a dual fuel RX-8 to commercial customers in Japan, and in March 2006 announced its first two customers, claiming the first fleet deliveries of a dual hydrogen/gasoline production car.

40th Anniversary

2007 saw the release of a special edition to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Mazda's rotary engine. Available in two colors: Crystal White Pearlescent or Metropolitan Grey Mica. Bespoke grey 18" alloy wheels, unique stainless-steel scuff plates with integrated Limited Edition numbering and an aerodynamically-proven rear spoiler. An exclusive black leather and stone Alcantara® seat trim blends perfectly with the black leather-wrapped steering wheel, gear knob and handbrake lever – all featuring colour-coordinated stone stitching. Even the luxury carpet mats are unique, with Mazda RX-8 40th Anniversary Limited Edition branding. Available from £24,595 in the UK, although some dealers are offering these with a £4000 to £5000 discount until the end of June 2008.

2009 Mazda RX-8

Overview
Productionstarting 2009

The new revision of the Mazda RX-8 debuted at the 2008 Detroit Motor Show, with production model year starting in 2009. Meaningful changes have been described by Autoblog as being:

Some additional chassis bracing increases rigidity, along with a trapezoidal strut tower brace and new suspension geometry that keep things planted out back.

Additionally some minor cosmetic changes have been made most notable in the front fascia, fenders, and tail lights. No changes to the engines power output have been made, though the manual transmission models will see a lower final drive ratio of 4.777 from the previous standard of 4.444.[3]

R3

At the 2008 Detroit Motor Show information was given regarding the optional R3 package.

This includes the rear spoiler, 19-inch forged aluminum wheels, side sills and fog lamps. The stock seats are swapped out for stunning thrones from Recaro and Bilstein was tapped by Mazda to provide the shocks.[4]

Warranty Extension Program

According to an article listed on Autoblog, Mazda of America has extended the warranty on the RX-8 for models built from 2004-2008 Renesis engine.[5]. An article found on RX8club.com displayed an actual letter from Mazda declaring exactly what was being covered and the extended warranty particulars.[6]

MS

Mazda RX-8 MS

Future revisions

  • Mazda had initially planned to release a two-seat coupé version of the RX-8, but the development costs were deemed too expensive and the model was canceled. A second generation Renesis engine is currently under development, with a planned release by 2010.[7]
  • 2007 / 2008 Mazda RX-8 Mazdaspeed M'z Tune [8]

Awards

As of October 2006 the RX-8 has won at least 37 international motoring awards including 2003 International Engine of the Year, the 2003 Japanese Car of the Year, Australia's Wheels magazine's Car of the Year for 2003, the 2004 Singapore Car of the Year, the 2004 U.S. Best Sports Car, and several UK Best Car Awards. It was named on Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for 2004, 2005, and 2006. It also took home 1st place on Car and Driver's "Four of a Kind" comparison test.[9] Winner of the 2006-2007 Golden Icon Award (presented by Travolta Family Entertainment) for "Best Sports Car".[10]

Motorsports

The RX-8 is currently in use in the KONI Challenge Series and the Rolex GT Series. The car is used in the Formula Woman racing series in the United Kingdom which started in 2004, Mazda uses one of its cars to compete in the Britcar championship. Drag racer Abel Ibarra uses a 4-rotor powered spaceframe version of the RX-8 to compete in the NHRA Sports Compact series and is used in drifting events by Kouichi Yamashita and Rod Millen for the D1 Grand Prix and Formula D series.

Notes

  1. ^ Renesis information.
  2. ^ MazdaUSA :: Mazda RX-8 Features and Specifications :: Sports Car
  3. ^ Detroit 2008: 2009 Mazda RX-8 - Autoblog
  4. ^ Detroit 2008: 2009 Mazda RX-8 - Autoblog
  5. ^ [1]
  6. ^ [2]
  7. ^ "Mazda to Introduce New Rotary Engine". Speedtv. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |accessmonthday= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  8. ^ http://www.rx-8.mazda.co.jp/mz_tune/
  9. ^ "Four of a Kind Comparison Test". Car and Driver. Retrieved 2008-06-05. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  10. ^ "Zack Snyder's Film "300" tops in Golden Icon Awards". Axcess News. 2007. Retrieved 2008-02-05. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)

References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Mazda RX-8.
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