2007 Mazda RX-8 

A sports car like no other

" width="193" height="254" border="0" align="right" style="margin-left: 10px;"/>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.

An unprecedented four-door sports machine

" width="193" height="254" border="0" align="right" style="margin-left: 10px;"/>The RX-8’s spirited, athletic exterior styling confirms that it is an authentic incarnation of the Mazda brand. With unique freestyle doors to provide easy access to all four seating positions, the RX-8 keeps the overall dimensions of a sports car and still accommodates four adults comfortably.

Key highlights: 18” 5-spoke alloy wheels project an athletic image Bold front grille, prominent fender flares and a sleek, sculpted body complete the RX-8’s assertive good looks Unique complex curves and headlamp and tail lamp design is definitively Mazda Tight, uniform gaps between body panels reduce noise and show quality craftsmanship

The form of a genuine sports classic

" width="193" height="254" border="0" align="right" style="margin-left: 10px;"/>The exterior design theme was "Athletic Tension." This approach was used to convey a feeling of expectation or pent-up energy, ready to be released much like an athlete waiting for the sound of the starter's gun. The design team focused on weight reduction, aerodynamics and modern proportioning, while shaping the car to evoke three key attributes: dynamic form, stability and tension.

Low, dynamic front end

Aggressive lines extending from the air intake along the low hood that only a rotary engine with its compact design can make possible; a power bulge in the center of the hood with a rotor as the motif; a bumper fascia emphasizing the "cubic" effect; and short front overhang all combine to create a dynamic sports car image and emotional atmosphere, enhancing the car's Zoom-Zoom spirit. In addition, the front fender wheel arches stand high and clear of the low hood to visually manifest the RX-8's power and provide the driver a clear view of the front corners of the vehicle.

Rear view with emotional and cool styling cues

The rear view is designed to create a vivid impression as the car drives away an important consideration for a sports car. This is achieved in part by the RX-8's short rear overhang, combined with rear combination lamps exhibiting mechanical overtones through the addition of chrome accents and dual exhaust. Together, these elements create an impression that is simultaneously emotional and contemporary.

Emotion in motion

Mazda designers began by sculpting a body with a dynamic feeling of motion. The classic rear-wheel drive sports layout places visual emphasis on the rear tires. Short front and rear overhangs and pronounced fenders underline the vehicle’s look of stability. The styling is a classic statement of beauty in motion, reminiscent of a top athlete.

The most distinctive feature of the RX-8’s design is its dynamic body. This dynamism is expressed in 3-dimensional relief, starting at the front air intake, and extending through the body sides to the trunk lid. The effect of vitality and motion is achieved through the sculpted surfaces of the body rather than 2-dimensional character lines. From every angle, the RX-8 gives the impression of a high-performance car – aggressive, yet stylish and original.

The RX-8’s body shell features Mazda’s Freestyle door system, with the front and rear doors opening from the centre. The front doors fully open to a hinge angle of 67 degrees while the rear doors swing open to 80 degrees. The absence of center pillars provides a large door opening, making entry and exit supremely easy.

The Freestyle door system, along with the advanced front midship powertrain layout, is a key technology in the creation of the RX-8’s unprecedented sports car values. Since the body shell eliminates centre pillars, the cabin design could be optimized to create a compact look, an important styling element of a sports car.

Next-generation craftsmanship with an accent on driver delight

Mazda sets a unique standard of craftsmanship to build vehicles with a high level of quality that discerning customers instantly recognize. It starts with the basic build quality where, for example, the gaps between parts in both the interior and exterior are narrowed to achieve precise fit and exceptionally high-quality finish.

With the RX-8, Mazda ventured into another area of craftsmanship: “Driver Delight.” With this element of build quality, Mazda sought to provide pure enjoyment for drivers and passengers. In concrete terms, this extends to features such as the steering wheel paddle shift levers for the Sport Mode automatic transmission, the use of innovative interior lighting logic, and controls with a solid, metallic feel.

Simple, functional interior enhances driving pleasure

The interior of the RX-8 is fashioned in true sports car style, with a functional cockpit and luxury touches that include available leather-trimmed seating surfaces and an auto-dimming rearview mirror with Homelink capability. Even the interior showcases the unique design of the rotary engine, with the rotor motif evident in the seatbacks and the manual shift knob. Mazda has broken the notion of sports cars as cramped coupes by effectively demonstrating that a true sports car does not need to sacrifice space or convenience.

• Key interior design elements include:
• Sports car gauges with prominent tachometer that registers up to 10,000 rpm on 6-speed models
• Four sculpted bucket seats
• Rotor-shaped aluminum seat bezel motif
• Rotor-shaped manual transmission shift knob
• Premium Bose® audio system and with 6-disc in-dash CD changer, nine speakers and steering wheel mounted controls
• Available two-tone leather-trimmed seating completes the sporty interior design

The cockpit follows Mazda's traditional sports spirit, giving a feeling of urgent expectancy as soon as you open the door. One of the most striking features of the interior is the dynamic backbone extending from the central section of the instrument panel, through the center console, and on to the rear parcel shelf. The spacious cabin, viewed from four opened doors, conveys a look of vitality and comfort and compliments the emotional impact of the car's exterior. All in all, the RX-8 cabin provides a pleasingly snug feeling and a sense of anticipation.

Refined, high quality sports controls

The instrument panel is split into three sections: left, center, and right. Each section is cast with textures, colour accents, and soft materials selected according to purpose, expressing a modern, comfortable ambience and refined quality. The centrally located tachometer registers up to 10,000 RPM, hinting at the high performance offered by Mazda's next-generation RENESIS rotary engine.

Ergonomics

Designed for comfort and ease of use

Mazda's designers employed numerous techniques to provide a comfortable interior for four adults. The overall packaging ensures practicality and brings the appeal of a Mazda sports car to a wider group of motoring enthusiasts.

• Lowering the cabin floor to increase headroom
• Lowering hood and instrument panel for a less obstructed view and lower seating position
• Deep, comfortable seats
• Sculpted shape of the front seat backs to increase knee clearance for back seat passengers
• Freestyle door system provides a large opening, making entry and exit supremely easy

For your listening pleasure

A first-class, 9 speaker Bose® audio system is standard on both the GS and GT models, and includes AM/FM stereo w/ 6-disc in-dash CD changer, clock w/ built in audio display. The system also features an auto-leveling control to automatically adjust volume according to vehicle speed.

• 2-inch tweeters (x2)
• 80mm front tweeter (x1)
• 2-inch rear tweeters (x2)
• 6x9-inch mid-range speakers (x2)

The Bose® music system also includes an AUDIOPILOT® automatic sound field compensator that compensates for noise in the cabin.

The RX-8 is first and foremost a sports car, with the performance to match its aggressive street presence. The smooth power provided by the RENESIS rotary engine works in harmony with the RX-8’s advanced suspension and chassis design to deliver an exhilarating driving experience that’s sure to impress the driving enthusiast. Rear wheel drive and a near perfect 50/50 weight distribution complete the RX-8’s incredible performance package.

• Two versions of the RENESIS rotary engine provide 212 hp and 232 hp for impressive performance.
• 6-speed manual transmission for ultimate driver control.
• Optional 6-speed Sport mode automatic transmission provides steering wheel mounted paddle shifters to combine the convenience of an automatic with an interactive driving experience.
• Electric-assist rack and pinion power-steering system transmits just the right amount of road information back to the driver.
• Available Dynamic Stability Control with traction control works with ABS to provide improved handling in the widest variety of driving (and stopping) situations.
• Newly developed aluminum double wishbone front suspension and rear multi-link suspension with front and rear stabilizer bars deliver both sports car driving dynamics and a comfortable ride.

Comfort and style for four adults

The objective was clear: create a four-door, four seat sports car. The innovative packaging of the Mazda RX-8 offers unprecedented values in a sports car: the excitement of spirited performance and sports styling combined with the flexibility of having sufficient space for four adults and luggage.

Highly efficient packaging is made possible by the compact, lightweight RENESIS rotary engine, and a host of other innovative Mazda technologies. In particular, the newly developed center-opening Freestyle door system is a key technology, allowing a compact-looking, sports-style cabin combined with the convenience of easy entry and exit. Trunk space is more than adequate for everyday needs as well as for short trips.

This original four-door, four-seater packaging produces a sports car that offers supreme driving enjoyment along with exceptional functionality, assuring broad appeal to a wide array of motoring enthusiasts.

Next-generation RENESIS rotary engine for a whole new level of driving excitement

The RENESIS engine, powering the Mazda RX-8 has its origins in the MSP-RE that was unveiled at the 1995 Tokyo Motor Show as the power unit for the RX-01 concept sports car. The name RENESIS was given to the engine in the 1999 iteration of the RX-EVOLV. Thereafter, RENESIS, which stands for "the rotary engine's GENESIS," was carefully prepared for production as the powerplant for the RX-8. By capitalizing on the intrinsic benefits of the RENESIS rotary engine - namely, low weight, compact size and high performance - Mazda succeeded in developing the RX-8, a wholly new four-door, four-seater, and a genuine sports car.

RENESIS is a 654 cc x two rotor engine that generates 238 HP at 8500 rpm and 159 lb. ft. maximum torque at 5500 rpm with 6 speed manual and 197 HP at 7200 rpm and 164 lb. ft. torque at 5500 rpm when equipped with automatic transmission*. RENESIS shows substantial improvement over the engine installed in the previous RX-7 in terms of fuel-efficiency and emissions.

A key technology of RENESIS is its side exhaust port configuration, with the exhaust ports relocated to the rotary chamber side housing, where the intake ports are also located.

Other key technologies resulting in improved performance over the previous rotary engine include:

• Synthetic intake system for variable valves: the RENESIS engine has almost 30% more cross-sectional intake port area than the previous engine. Additionally, the intake port close timing has been extended, resulting in increased charging volume and more power.
• Variable fresh air duct: in addition to a large, low resistance air cleaner, a shutter valve opens to shorten the intake manifold upstream of the air cleaner. The shutter valve works in tandem with the variable intake valve to boost torque and power at high engine speeds. The fresh air duct is partially inserted into the air cleaner and enables an optimal length intake system through opening and closing of the valve.
• Lightweight rotor: 11% reduction in rotor weight and 20% reduction in flywheel weight compared with the previous 13B REW engine.
• Three injectors per rotor.
• Long-span engine mount (Long members extending laterally from the rotors' center of rotation suppress engine vibration and allow greater direct transmission of power to the drivetrain.
• Dynamically balanced rotors, resulting in low vibration and distinctive rotary engine sound.
• More stable and efficient fuel combustion achieved by side exhaust port location allowing elimination of port overlap and retained exhaust gasses Newly designed seals: a cut-off seal located between the rotor's dual oil seals and side seal eliminates carry-over of exhaust gas to the next intake cycle.

Newly developed double wishbone suspension

The low hood design enabled by the advanced front midship powertrain layout allows the use of Mazda's newly developed in-wheel type double wishbone front suspension. Upper and lower arms are mounted on a highly rigid sub-frame, and the long arms ensure linear alignment changes during jounce and rebound of the front wheels.

To obtain linear compliance in response to external forces, upper and lower arm bushings have been given a new zero stopper clearance structure.

Additionally, the front suspension employs monotube gas-filled dampers with large diameter pistons, and the damper lever ratio has been raised to improve damping efficiency. These measures assure sufficient damping force even with slight piston strokes and help realize closer compliance with the road surface over a wide range of conditions.

Newly developed multi-link rear suspension features:

• Multi-link (five links per side)
• Links have extended length and optimal arrangement to ensure stability, superior handling, ride comfort, and low road noise.
• Damper lever ratio of almost 1.0 to ensure compliance with all kinds of road surface.
• Gas-filled monotube shocks with large diameter piston.
• Six point rubber mount system assures rigid support for the links as well as a more comfortable ride.

The RX-8 inherits the same brake system design concept as introduced on the Mazda6, with additional sports tuning for higher performance driving. The system features 4-wheel ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) and EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution). Dynamic stability control (DSC) is standard on the GT model.

• 323mm ventilated discs, assuring plenty of active disc diameter
• 24mm disc thickness
• 54 ventilation ribs

• 302mm ventilated discs
• 18mm disc thickness
• 60 ventilation ribs
• calipers equipped with over-adjust prevention mechanism that deactivates the brake pad adjustment function when brake pressure exceeds a set level.
• Rack drive electric power steering

The RX-8's power steering, which conveys extremely accurate feedback on road surface conditions, incorporates a torque sensor on the pinion shaft and operates by an electric motor on the rack. The power assisted steering is speed-sensitive and computer controlled.

The RX-8 is available in both a 6-speed manual overdrive transmission (6MT) with short throw shifter, and a 6-speed Sport mode automatic transmission (6AT) with paddle shifters - available at no additional charge. The 6-speed manual gearbox has a rotor-shaped shift knob. The Sport mode 6-speed automatic transmission has a gate-type shift pattern and comes with paddle shift levers on the steering wheel for easy finger and thumb operation.

To allow a completely new kind of driving excitement – one that combines genuine sports car styling and performance with the practicality and functionality to accommodate four adults – Mazda developed a body structure without center pillars that incorporates a center-opening Freestyle door configuration.

Essential to Mazda's Freestyle door system is a standard of side impact safety comparable with the typical four-door sedan that includes conventional center pillars as part of its body structure. The Mazda RX-8 unquestionably achieves this goal with world-class passive safety performance through extensive reinforcement of the inside of the rear doors and significantly improved body side strength. This reinforcement creates a virtual centre pillar system.

• Intrusion-minimizing brake pedal to help reduce foot and leg injuries in a frontal collision.
• Triple-H cabin construction resists deformation during a crash. Three H shaped beams reinforce the floor, sides and roof.
• Soft, impact-absorbing interior.
• Wheel stopper reinforcements to prevent the front wheels from impacting the cabin during a frontal crash.
• Along with side impact bars inside the doors, high-strength, vertical steel pipes reinforce the rear doors and suppresses cabin deformation during a side impact. Additionally, to channel impact energy on the doors through the side sills, front and rear doors are equipped with catch pins in three locations along their bottom edges.
• Load-limiter mechanism on front seatbelts: during a collision, if the seat belt load exceeds a predetermined value, the load limiter releases the seatbelt in a controlled manner to reduce pressure on the chest and minimize the probability of seatbelt-induced injury.
• ISO-FIX child seat anchors with top tether in rear seat position.
• Cone-type construction of aluminum hood helps reduce injury to pedestrians in the event of a collision.