Overview DRIVETRAIN INTERIOR HANDLING SAFETY     COLORS    
Drivetrain REAR DIFFERENTIAL MILES PER GALLON RENESIS ROTARY ENGINE TRANSMISSION POWERPLANT FRAME
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LIMITED-SLIP DIFFERENTIAL

Intelligent technology designed to improve the visceral rush of driving – the limited-slip differential of the RX-8 works to power through even the trickiest turns.
  • Tochigi Fuji torque-sensing limited-slip differential technology provides more engine power on-the-fly to wheels with the most traction.
  • Creates a firmer, surer grip on the road and ensures power is allocated where it's needed.
  • Own the turns and curves of the road, with tight grip and split-second responses.
NEXT: Miles Per Gallon
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MILES PER GALLON

Trans City Highway
MT* 16 22
AT* 16 23

A vehicle of this caliber has high standards at the pump too. Fuel efficient, without sacrificing Zoom-Zoom.

*These estimates reflect new EPA methods beginning with 2008 models. Actual mileage may vary.

NEXT: Renesis Rotary Engine
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RENESIS ROTARY ENGINE

The RENESIS rotary engine is what gives the Mazda RX-8 the power to own the road.
  • Forget everything you know about engines: this revolutionary design has no pistons, valves or reciprocating parts of any kind.
  • The new standard for efficiency: the RX-8 features a powerful 232-horsepower with a 6-speed MT (212-hp with a 6-speed Sport AT) engine, fit into an incredibly nimble and athletic frame.
  • Acceleration that leaves others in the dust, thanks to the high torque levels across the rev range.
  • Boasts a stunning 9000-rpm redline.
  • Celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Mazda rotary engine by experiencing the latest evolution of its groundbreaking technology, the RENESIS rotary engine.
NEXT: Transmission
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PERFORMANCE TRANSMISSION

Harbor control over the RX-8 with its precise and smooth transmission.
  • Short-throw shifter positioned directly above the transmission creates a quick, smooth motion when shifting gears.
  • Standard 6-speed manual transmission puts the essential Zoom-Zoom feeling in your hand, with direct shifting action.
  • Available 6-speed Sport AT enables both fully automatic shifting and manual gear selection when you want it.
  • Steering wheel-mounted, shifting paddles put the fast lane at your fingertips.
NEXT: Powerplant Frame
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POWERPLANT FRAME

A great sports car builds its speed and handling on a solid foundation – and the consolidated powerplant frame of the RX-8 is a perfect example.
  • Unified frame melds the entire powertrain, including the engine, transmission and final drive assembly.
  • Reduces drivetrain twisting, resulting in less energy waste and maximum responsiveness.
NEXT: Limited-Slip Differential
Interior "FREESTYLE" DOORS NAVIGATION SYSTEM SEATING       INSTRUMENT PANEL BOSE® AUDIO    
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"FREESTYLE" DOOR SYSTEMS

The RX-8 is truly a sports car like no other – witness the imaginative, innovative and convenient “Freestyle” door system.
  • Two rear doors open toward the front of the car, giving the illusion of a sporty two-door coupe.
  • The B-pillar of the car's frame is built into the front edge of the rear doors, so adults can enter and exit the rear seats with amazing ease.
  • B-pillar locks into place when doors are closed, providing an even stronger side structure than regular doors.
  • The result is the feel and look of a sports car, with the convenience of a 4-door, 4-passenger sedan.
NEXT: Navigation System
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NAVIGATION SYSTEM

Make the road all yours with the RX-8 and its optional navigation system, available on the Grand Touring.
  • GPS system locates the RX-8 anywhere in the U.S. and guides you step by step to your destination.
  • DVD database of maps covers the entire country and includes landmarks, points of interest, ATMs and gas stations.
  • Interactive screen stows in top of dashboard, for convenient access and storage.
  • Hands-free voice direction can be activated for total focus on the road.
  • Navigation system available on Grand Touring model only.
NEXT: Seating
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SEATING

The well-crafted seating of a sports car – with two more seats than you'd expect.
  • Driver's seat is designed for unrestricted range of motion for right-handed shifting.
  • Full-size bucket seats in the rear accommodate two adults comfortably.
  • Center console rests between rear seats, and includes extra storage and cup holders.
  • Seats are clad in cool cloth, mono or two-tone premium leather.
  • Speaking to the advancements of the RX-8, Edmunds.com says, "The idea of a four-door sports car has been bandied about for decades, but Mazda's efforts are likely to set a new benchmark in this area."
NEXT: Instrument Panel
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INSTRUMENT PANEL

It's only fitting that the consummate sports car would feature an instrument panel worthy of the racetrack.
  • Classic panel design includes a gauge cluster with central tachometer and quick-read digital speedometer.
  • High-contrast white-on-black gauge color scheme converts to glowing red-on-black at night.
NEXT: Bose® Audio
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CUSTOM BOSE® AUDIO SYSTEM

A sports car this exhilarating deserves an epic soundtrack to go with the stirring hum of the engine.
  • 300-watt, 9-speaker Bose® AM/FM/CD audio system is designed specifically for the acoustics of the RX-8, and it's standard on the Touring and Grand Touring.
  • Sport model includes a robust 6-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo.
  • In-dash, 6-disc CD changer is the perfect complement to the already impressive, well-equipped sound system; available on the Sport, and standard on the Touring and Grand Touring.
  • AudioPilot® technology helps cancel out road noise by creating an inverse phase audio signal, so competing noise is drowned out to the human ear.
  • Available SIRIUS Satellite Radio® comes with free 6-month subscription.

  • *SIRIUS Satellite Radio-compatible audio system requires additional dealer-installed hardware and subscription.
NEXT: "Freestyle" Doors
Handling 50/50 WEIGHT   BRAKES          CONTROL (DSC)  AGILE SUSPENSION
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50/50 WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION

The near-perfect 50:50 front-to-rear weight distribution provides exceptional balance for tight, responsive driving.
  • RENESIS engine is mounted low and behind the front axle, to precisely balance out the rear weight.
  • Neutral weight design helps the RX-8 to maintain stability, instead of giving way to oversteer or understeer.
NEXT: Brakes
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BRAKES

The raw speed of the RENESIS engine is evenly matched with the advanced braking system.
  • Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) gives ideal braking control, in conjunction with large diameter, ventilated disc brakes.
  • Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) ensures front and back brakes dynamically respond to fickle road conditions.
NEXT: Control (DSC)
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DYNAMIC STABILITY CONTROL (DSC)

Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) is another advanced technology designed to smooth out the uneven roads and unpredictable conditions, so you can enjoy the drive anywhere and anytime.
  • DSC detects if one or more wheels are losing traction by monitoring wheel speeds, steering angle, braking function and yaw rate.
  • Applies braking power and modulates engine output to specific wheels to make sure all four produce the ideal handling.
NEXT: Agile Suspension
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AGILE
SUSPENSION

The RX-8 is meant for serious sport driving, and its double, sport-tuned suspensions are there to keep the perfect balance.
  • Front double-wishbone suspension features an optimal roll-center height and camber control that offers enhanced control on tricky roads.
  • Multilink rear suspension isolates multiple suspension forces and adjusts for the ideal ride.
  • Low-mounted springs do not intrude upward, maximizing cargo space within the sporty frame.
  • The result is exceptional handling and steering that Car and Driver magazine called "a level of precision usually the purview of the surgical community." Sharp handling, indeed.
NEXT: 50/50 Weight
Safety ACTIVE SAFETY RESTRAINTS SIDE-IMPACT PROTECTION AIR BAG SYSTEMS
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ACTIVE SAFETY RESTRAINTS

The active safety restraint system offers security and peace of mind on the road.
  • Three-point seat belts are standard for all passengers.
  • Pretensioners on safety seat belts automatically cinch when an impact is detected.
  • Force limiters modulate seat belt pressure to reduce seat-belt related injuries.
NEXT: Side-Impact Protection
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SIDE-IMPACT PROTECTION

The solid structure of the RX-8 ensures solid support for its passengers.
  • Rigid braces and beams are standard on all doors, which deflect impact energy away from the passenger cabin.
  • Structure-strengthening body features include door impact beams, reinforced side sills, a high-mount backbone that spans the entire passenger cabin, and two cross-member reinforcements.
  • High strength, B-pillar built into the front and rear doors securely latches to rigid structure, keeping the cabin safe from intrusion.
  • Meets voluntary industry performance criteria designed to enhance occupant protection in side-impact crashes.
NEXT: Air Bag System
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AIR BAG
SYSTEMS

The latest in top-notch, air bag-safety technology comes standard with the RX-8, to keep drivers and passengers safe on the road.
  • Front-seat passengers are protected by the advanced air bags, which adjust deployment force based on the driver's seat position*.
  • Side-impact air bags protect front passengers from side impact injury, and side air curtains offer head protection for both the front and rear seats.
  • RX-8 meets the auto industry's voluntary commitment for enhancing vehicle-to-vehicle crash compatibility in front-to-side crashes, for maximum safety.

  • *Always wear your seat belt and secure children in the rear seat.
NEXT: Active Safety Restraints
VOLCANIC RED
 SUNLIGHT SILVER METALLIC
*AVAILABLE OPTION
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2008 MAZDA RX-8


Starting at $27,085*

Mazda RX-8
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RX-8 40TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION
RX-8 40th Anniversary Edition
Celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the Rotary Engine
The Sportscar That Never Met Its Match
Forty years after Mazda introduced the first rotary engine, the Mazda RX-8 is still truly one-of-a-kind: revolutionary engine, peerless design and performance that's miles beyond the rest. Settle in behind the wheel and make it yours.
  • Powerful RENESIS rotary engine like no other: 232-hp 6-speed MT with an impressive 9000 rpm redline and a 212-hp 6-speed AT with a 7500 rpm redline.
  • Four full-size seats and unique "Freestyle" doors provide a very roomy ride in a class that's not known for it.
  • Countless luxury and safety features outclass the standard sports car.
THE RX-8 SCORCHES THE COMPETITION
THE RX-8 SCORCHES THE COMPETITION
Click here to read about how the RX-8 won at the Rolex 24
SPECIAL OFFERS
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1.9% APR for up to 60 Months
THE DRIVE
THE DRIVE
The Ultimate Sensory Driving Experience
Press & Praise
Press & Praise
"Best example to date of the 'four-door coupe'"
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