The Mazda RX 8 is a four-door, four-seater sports coupethat was launched back in 2003. Since then it has won more 50 different awards and has sold over 167,000 units worldwide. The current model was launched back in 2009 with a refreshed exterior and interior design. It also features an optional R3 sports package that enhanced the overall looks and performance of the RX-8.
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| Mazda RX8 |
The exterior redesign gave the 2003 RX-8 restyledfront and rear bumpers and front fascia. It also gave it new front and rear headlamps and larger exhaust pipes. Its wheels have a symbolic and sporty design that feature a rotary engine design. At the side taut muscular lines give the RX-8 a wide and aggressive look.
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| Rear door nicely tucked in to give it a coupe look |
Although it has four doors, the rear doors have been neatly designed to give the side a coupe like profile. The rear-hinged rear doors provide a large door opening, allowing adult-sized passengers to easily enter and exit the vehicle. This design is also advantageous when securing a baby or a small child in the back seat. Its spacious rear seat area provides ample passenger room for four full-size adults and while the trunk has enough space for transportation of luggage.
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| Large front grill and restyled headlamps |
Under the bonnet it has an advanced RENESIS (Rotary Engine genesis – or rebirth of the rotary engine) engine. This makes it the only mass-produced rotary-powered passenger car in the world. The naturally aspirated 1.3 litre engine produces an impressive 232hp when fitted with a manual transmission, or a 212-horsepower model fitted with a six-speed Sport A/T automatic with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters for a Formula 1-style driving experience.
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| 1.3 litre RENESIS Rotary engine |
By turning a triangular rotor in a cocoon-shaped combustion chamber, the RX-8’s rotary engine efficiently performs the four processes of intake, compression, combustion and exhaust. It uses an aluminum double-wishbone front suspension that reduces unsprung weight compared to similar steel components. All corners are fitted with mono-tube gas-filled shock absorbers designed with large-diameter internal pistons and valving, which offer excellent road feedback and a smooth ride. An electric rack-and-pinion power-steering system transmits just the right amount of road information back to the driver.
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| light alloy wheels with rotary engine theme design |
Its extreme low cabin floor allows the seats to be mounted low in the chassis, which, along with a low instrument cluster and hood, allows a low center of gravity and allows outstanding occupant visibility. The shape of the front seat backs and the rear seat cushions ensure adequate rear-seat knee room. Front seat slide-rails are positioned to allow maximum leg room for rear-seat passengers. The seats have been designed to offer the best seating posture to reduce fatigue that results from long distance driving. The instrument cluster lights have also been developed to reduce eye fatigue and strain.
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| Enough room for four occupants |
Mazda RX-8 is available with various trims key among them being the R3 sports package. This adds a rear spoiler, side sills, fog lights and sporty front bumper. It also gives the R8 large 19-inch forged alloy wheels with high performance tires.
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| Driver focus cockpit |
Inside, the R3 adds a 300-watt Bose audio system with Centerpoint surround sound and AudioPilot noise compensation technology, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, front Recaro sport seats with leather side bolsters, leather-wrapped parking brake handle and Mazda advanced keyless entry and start system. Next on th trim list is the Sport trim, a Touring trim. Both add HID headlights, fog lamps, auto dimming mirror and 6-disc auto changer. With the Sport trim one gets extra features such as DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), 18-inch wheels, a limited-slip differential, sport-tuned suspension and larger front disc brakes, moonroof and Bose® audio system.
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| Stylish four door coupe |
The top of the range trim is the Grand Touring trim. This adds automatic air conditioner, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, Bose® audio system auto headlight, rain sensing wiper, power adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support and memory function to options offered in the Touring and Sport trim. The seats are also covered in leather and are also heated.
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| Rear design featuring the restyled rear lights and large exhausts |
The Mazda RX-8 comes fitted with front airbags, seat-mounted sideimpact airbags and side-curtain airbags. Additionally, the front end and engine bay have ample crumple zones, the front seats are designed to reduce whiplash injuries, the brake pedal is designed to break away in the event of a collision of sufficient force to protect feet and legs and all four seating positions are fitted with three-point seatbelts.