New Mazda RX-8: Evolution of the Rotary Revolution - (Australia)

The Mazda RX-8, the world's most successful rotary-powered sports car, has evolved, bringing a heightened blend of real-world performance, visual appeal and 2+2 practicality to the Australian sports car market.

• New Mazda RX-8 evolves the revolutionary original, launched July 2003
• RX-8 is the only mass production car with a rotary engine
• RX-8 is the only sports car with rear-hinged rear doors
• Mazda RX-8 has no direct four-seat sports coupe competitor
• Almost 5,400 Mazda RX-8s have been sold in Australia since 2003
• Worldwide sales of the RX-8 topped 170,000 in April 2008
• Mazda has produced 1,981,283 rotary engines from the first in 1967 to March 2008

Positioning

• Sharper exterior styling heightens RX-8's visual appeal
• Interior changes improve useability and refinement
• Engine modified to bolster low- to mid-range response and high-end thrills
• Suspension modifications hone RX-8's impressive handling and balance
• New Mazda RX-8 is available in three models: RX-8, RX-8 Luxury and RX-8 GT
• RX-8 $49,720, RX-8 Luxury $55,520 (6AT + $1,645), RX-8 GT $57,625
• GT handling upgrades and interior make it the driver's choice
• Luxury model adds sunroof, Bose® sound system, leather trim and more
• Luxury's premium sound system jointly developed by Mazda and Bose®

Mechanical

• Major engine modifications improve low-end pulling power and smoothness
• RENESIS 1.308-litre rotary engine produces:
• 170 kW @ 8,200 rpm with 6-speed manual (unchanged)
• 158 kW @ 7,500 rpm with 6-speed Activematic (up 17 kW)
• 211 Nm @ 5,500 rpm on both versions (4AT was 220Nm @ 5,000rpm)
• Six-speed manual adopted from MX-5 is standard on all models
• Unique 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 ratios better suit engine characteristics
• Final drive shorter, now 4.777:1 (up from 4.444:1)
• New 6-speed Aisin Activematic is optional on Luxury
• Suspension revisions sharpen RX-8's reflexes and deliver more compliant ride
• External dimensions, interior space and comfort essentially unchanged
• More aerodynamic: Coefficient of drag now 0.30 (was 0.31)
• Fuel tank increases 4 litres to 65 litres for greater touring range

2008 RX-8 Pricing: