2004 Mazda RX-8

Inside, quality materials, intelligent space utilization and intuitive controls give concrete form to Mazda's desire to create a sports car with entirely new values.

Key to exceptional dynamics is the vehicle's highly rigid yet lightweight body. The design incorporates a high-mount backbone frame in the upper part of the transmission tunnel as well as numerous cabin reinforcements. Overall, Mazda was able to achieve greater body stiffness than comparable sports cars with the same wheelbase (106.1-inches). And, all of this is put into a body that features four doors—two that open normally and two that open toward the rear of the vehicle in what Mazda calls a Freestyle Door System. The front doors open to a hinge angle of 67 degrees, while the rear doors swing open to 80 degrees. The absence of center door pillars provided the expected large door opening, making entry and exit relatively easy.


The overriding exterior design theme was what Mazda calls "Athletic Tension." This approach was used to convey a feeling of expectation or pent-up energy ready to be released, much like a sprinter waiting for the starter's gun. The design team focused on weight reduction, aerodynamics and modern proportioning, while shaping the car to evoke dynamic form, stability and tension.


Inside, quality materials, intelligent space utilization, intuitive controls and an overall feeling that is comfortably snug give concrete form to Mazda's desire to create a sports car with entirely new values. To assure sufficient headroom, the floor pan has been placed as low as possible by carefully considering the location of the exhaust and other undercar components. The hood and instrument panel are also lowered as much as possible for a less obstructed view and a lower seating position which helps keep the center of gravity low. To ensure adequate knee clearance for rear-seat passengers, designers also concentrated on the shape of the front seat backs, reducing cushion thickness and sculpting a form that provides both comfortable seating and firm lateral support. The cabin also features a number of innovative storage solutions. Cup holders in the console boxes, large door pockets and other convenient storage receptacles are placed throughout

RENESIS, which stands for "the rotary engine's GENESIS," is a 1.3-liter, 2-rotor naturally aspirated engine that comes in a 250-hp 6-port or a 210-hp 4-port model.

With safety in mind, the RX-8 is equipped with a dual-stage airbag on the driver's side and standard airbag on the passenger's side. In addition, curtain airbags and side airbags are also standard. The front seats are equipped with a whiplash restraining mechanism to minimize the chance of neck injury in a rear-end collision. To reduce the potential for foot and leg injury to the driver during a frontal collision, the RX-8 is equipped with an intrusion-minimizing brake pedal.


On the road, double wishbone front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension delivers exceptional tracking accuracy, controllability and reassuring stability on a variety of road surfaces. In addition, RX-8 employs electric-motor assist for the rack-and pinion power steering, a first for Mazda. The system delivers essential feedback of road information to the driver. Braking is handled by ventilated disks, while anti-lock brake and electronic brake force distribution systems help maximize stopping performance. Additionally, Dynamic Stability Control is available on all models and can be turned off to enable performance driving when the conditions allow.