1. At a Glance
2. Overview
3. Sales and Marketing
4. Pricing
5. Model by Model
6. Design
7. Engine and Transmission
8. Chassis and Dynamics
9. Functions and Comfort
10. Safety
11. Environmental Initiatives
12. Specifications
13. Features
14. Dimensions

1. At a Glance

• New Mazda RX8 evolves the revolutionary original, launched July 2003
• RX8 is the only mass production car with a rotary engine
• RX8 is the only sports car with rearhinged rear doors
• Mazda RX8 has no direct fourseat sports coupe competitor
• Almost 5,400 Mazda RX8s have been sold in Australia since 2003
• Worldwide sales of the RX8 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 RX8's visual appeal
• Interior changes improve useability and refinement
• Engine modified to bolster low to midrange response and highend thrills
• Suspension modifications hone RX8's impressive handling and balance
• New Mazda RX8 is available in three models: RX8, RX8 Luxury and RX8 GT
• RX8 $49,720, RX8 Luxury $55,520 (6AT + $1,645), RX8 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 lowend pulling power and smoothness
• RENESIS 1.308litre rotary engine produces:
  • 170 kW @ 8,200 rpm with 6speed manual (unchanged)
  • 158 kW @ 7,500 rpm with 6speed Activematic (up 17 kW)
  • 211 Nm @ 5,500 rpm on both versions (4AT was 220Nm @ 5,000rpm
• Sixspeed manual adopted from MX5 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 6speed Aisin Activematic is optional on Luxury
• Suspension revisions sharpen RX8'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

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2. Overview

The Mazda RX8, the world's most successful rotarypowered sports car, has evolved, bringing a heightened blend of realworld performance, visual appeal and 2+2 practicality to the Australian sports car market.

This maturation or evolutionary development of the iconic Mazda RX8 continues Mazda's 40year love affair with the charismatic Wankel rotary engine - the only nonpiston engine to win the 24 Heures du Mans (1991).

Mazda Australia Managing Director Doug Dickson said, "The evolved Mazda RX8 is a welcome breath of fresh air for Mazda's most iconic model. The careful maturation of the RX8 proves the skill and craftsmanship of our engineers in enhancing the RX8's multifaceted appeal without diluting its essence.

"More than any other, the RX8 sports car embodies Mazda's core tenets of Stylish, Insightful and Spirited. And even after five successful years it remains unchallenged, without rival. The Mazda RX8 truly is a sports car like no other."

The quest for evolution

RX8 Programme Manager Noboru Katabuchi said the quest to reinvigorate the Mazda RX8 followed the theme of "sophisticated dynamism" driven by function. By evolving design in parallel with function, Mazda further enhanced the car's dynamic presence and overall feeling of quality, with the aim of further maturing its values as a sports car for adults.

Headline changes to the drivetrain, chassis and styling heighten the nocompromise appeal of the Mazda RX8 as Australia's only fourdoor, fourseat sports coupe under $60,000. Every refinement and every modification enriches the RX8's reputation as A Sports Car Like No Other.

Most significantly, Mazda engineers strove to enhance the driving enjoyment that's at the heart of the RX8 experience by refining the RENESIS engine, whose naturally aspirated, freerevving operation up to 9,000rpm realises exhilarating performance.

The engine sits low and well back in the engine bay in a configuration Mazda calls advanced frontmidship layout. The new RX8 maintains the original's ideal 50:50 weight distribution, placing weight evenly over all four wheels and ensuring exceptional stability.

The chassis itself has been further strengthened to bolster rigidity and give the engine and suspension a tauter platform.

This highlyrigid body and modified suspension enables sharp and linear vehicle response to steering inputs, and delivers the handling of a genuine sports car as well as the highgrade ride comfort expected of a refined fourseater.

The new RX8 has been endowed with two new transmissions to fully utilise the RENESIS engine incredible hunger for revs, a 6speed manual transmission with new ratios and a 6speed Activematic to replace the old 4speed. Both transmissions are shared with Mazda's other frontengine, reardrive sports car - the MX5. Some internals and the gear ratios, however, are different. They have been carefully selected to work cohesively with the highrevving characteristics of the RX8's RENESIS rotary engine.

These transmission upgrades, combined with a shorter final drive on manual models, gives the Mazda RX8 an even greater hunger for the horizon.

The Mazda RX8 range will consist of three models: RX8, RX8 Luxury and RX8 GT. Prices start from $49,720 for the RX8, $55,520 for the RX8 Luxury and $57,625 for the RX8 GT.

All three models share the RX8's unique RENESIS rotary engine, which produces the same 170 kW/211 Nm as the outgoing model when mated to the new 6speed manual transmission.

In the current atmosphere of spiralling petrol prices Mazda's engineers chose not to increase the RENESIS engine's peak power figure, but instead focused on improving low to midrange engine response and torque delivery. The result is an RX8 that is more responsive at lower revs, and is equally happy to explore the stratospheric reaches of its 9,000 rpm redline.

Drive is delivered to the rear wheels via a standard 6speed manual transmission and a torquesensing Limited Slip Differential to ensure maximum effectiveness of the engine's highrevving power output.

The RX8 Luxury can be optioned with the new 6speed Activematic transmission which brings improvements in performance and fuel economy over the 4speed Activematic it replaces.

Three models encapsulate Mazda RX8's distinct personalities

All Mazda RX8 models come with a comprehensive list of equipment to further cement their positions as exciting, comfortable and refined sports cars. This includes climate control airconditioning, cruise control, a 6disc, MP3compatible CD player with 6 speakers (9 on Luxury grade) and AUX jack, and a leatherwrapped steering wheel and gear knob.

The Mazda RX8's safety portfolio is comprehensive: front and side airbags for driver and front passenger, and curtain airbags for all occupants. Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Antilock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) are standard.

The Mazda RX8, priced at $49,720, rides on 18inch alloy wheels and highperformance Bridgestone Potenza 225/45R18 tyres.

With the launch of the new Mazda RX8, Mazda has tailored two higherspecification models to meet different customer desires. Buyers wanting to step beyond the $49,720 RX8 will now have the opportunity to augment their RX8's Prestige or Performance.

As its name suggests, the RX8 Luxury is the prestige flagship of the Mazda RX8 range.

Additional features and equipment have been carefully chosen to enhance the luxury and grand touring credentials of this refined sports car.

The RX8 Luxury enjoys all the equipment fitted to the standard RX8, and adds leather seat trim, 8way electric driver's seat adjustment with 3position memory, a premium Bose® sound system with 300 Watt amplifier and 9 speakers, a power sliding sunroof and front fog lamps.

The RX8 Luxury carries a price tag of $55,520. A 6speed Activematic transmission with steeringwheelmounted paddle shifters is a $1,645 option.

The RX8 GT ($57,625) is the performance pinnacle of the Mazda RX8 range. Its features have been tailored to meet the demanding needs of enthusiastic drivers more intent on the journey than on arriving.

Lightweight 19inch alloy rims with supersticky Bridgestone Potenza 225/40 aspect 19inch tyres combine with Bilstein shock absorbers to sharpen the RX8's already quick reflexes and deliver prodigious grip. In independent testing the Mazda RX8 GT achieved an impressive 1.06g of lateral grip on a dry bitumen race track.

All manual models get a special trapezoidal double front strut brace. The GT goes one step further with a urethanefilled front suspension crossmember designed to hone its steering attack and provide greater feedback.

The GT's striking sports body kit consists of side skirts, a groundhugging front bumper with integrated foglamps and a rear decklid spoiler give it the looks to match its abilities.

The RX8 GT is also lighter than the RX8 Luxury. Careful attention to detail outside and in has saved 23 precious kilograms, giving the GT another performance edge over its more luxurious brother. Lightweight alloy wheels and bodyhugging RECARO leather/cloth sports bucket seats are two examples of the weightsaving measures employed on the RX8 GT.

Despite the increase in features and equipment over the standard RX8, the RX8 GT weighs just 5kg more than the base model. This lithe kerb weight, combined with the carefullyhoned skills of its racebred chassis and tenacious sports tyres make it the fastest pointtopoint model in the rejuvenated RX8 range and the obvious choice for enthusiastic drivers.

Sales targets

Mazda Australia expects to sell 75 Mazda RX8s a month. The standard RX8 is expected to account for 10 per cent of demand, the GT for 40 per cent, and the Luxury for 30 per cent (manual), 20 per cent (Activematic).

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3. Sales and Marketing

Still a Sports Car Like No Other

Almost all of the world's car makers have built sports cars. Some lack comfort and functionality, while others are prohibitively expensive. Mazda has been one of the most successful in this market segment. It builds the world's most popular sports car, the MX5, and has produced many rotarypowered classics including the now legendary RX7 and iconic RX8.

Since 1967 Mazda has sold more than 1.98 million rotarypowered cars, and 40,897 of those were sold in Australia - R100, RX2, RX3, RX4, RX5, RX7, RX7 SP and RX8. The RX7 remains the most successful rotary to date in Australia; more than 11,000 were sold during its twodecade life.

As for the Mazda RX8, more than 170,000 have been sold worldwide since the revolutionary fourdoor, fourseater sports car launched in 2003. Almost 5,400 have been sold in Australia during that time. In fact, since its launch in 2003, the Mazda RX8 has averaged better than 90 sales per month - well ahead of its nearest Japanese rival's average of 60pm, and proof of its enduring and broad appeal with consumers.

The revitalised RX8 stays true to Mazda's rich sports car heritage, which began with the rotary Cosmo - a car that was developed to make sports car driving more widely accessible.

The RX8 inherits Mazda's purebred sports car DNA which manifests itself as a superstiff, purposebuilt chassis, light weight, 50:50 weight distribution and class leading ride, handling, steering and brakes. It also looks like a Mazda sports car, another vital part of the company's DNA.

The Mazda RX8's combination of striking looks, dynamic performance, space for four adults and a practical boot ensures that the RX8 is a sports car like no other. To this day the Mazda RX8 remains without a direct rival able to match its style, exhilaration and practicality at such an affordable price.

The new RX8 is the fifth new Stylish, Insightful and Spirited Mazda to be launched in the last nine months. It follows hot in the tyre tracks of the wildly successful Mazda2 5dr and 3dr, the Mazda CX9 sevenseat SUV and the sporty and refined Mazda6 medium car range.

The unique fourdoor, fourseat RX8 appeals to a much broader range of buyers than traditional sports cars.

With its classleading handling, steering and braking, and performance from its 170kW RENESIS rotary engine, Mazda's flagship will appeal to traditional sports car buyers looking for a "pure" driving experience.

Our recent testing showed the RX8 GT laps the Calder Park racing circuit an impressive 1.9 seconds quicker than the superseded model in backtoback testing, testament not only to the engine's greater strength, but also the tenacious grip and wellbalanced handling

The RX8's dynamic ability coupled with its centreopening Freestyle Doors and virtual Bpillar, space for two adults in the back and a decent boot, ensures the car appeals to customers that desire a sports car but need extra space to accommodate kids or friends.

On the other hand, sports sedan and coupe buyers craving something more exotic have been tempted by its great looks and onroad ability - including its ride quality, interior layout and craftsmanship.

Mazda Australia's national marketing manager, Alastair Doak, said: "The Mazda RX8 is more than just another great driver's car from Mazda. It is the physical embodiment of Mazda's unique rotary heritage, and as such its importance goes beyond mere numbers on a sales chart.

"The unique features of the RX8 ensure that its sales remain strong for a longer period than conventional sports cars, which traditionally have a very limited 'shelf life'."

Buyers will have a choice of eight exterior colours, including Crystal White Pearl, Sunlight Silver, Velocity Red, Aurora Blue, Diamond Grey, Galaxy Grey, Sparkling Black and Brilliant Black. RX8 Luxury buyers will also have a choice of interior colours, Red Leather or Black Leather.

Mazda Australia expects to sell 75 Mazda RX8s a month. The standard RX8 is expected to account for 10 per cent of demand, the GT for 40 per cent, and the Luxury for 30 per cent (manual), 20 per cent (Activematic).

The RX8 is protected by Mazda's comprehensive threeyear unlimited kilometre warranty and RX8 buyers will also enjoy 24hour roadside assistance for the same period.

Customers looking to further personalise their RX8s will be able to select from a diverse range of dealerfit accessories, including a body kit, aluminium or chrome fuel lid, alarm, rear parking sensors and rotorshaped airvalve caps.

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4. Pricing

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5. Model by Model

The $49,720 Mazda RX8 comes standard with:

Mechanical

• 1.308litre RENESIS twinrotor rotary engine
• 6speed sportshift manual transmission
• torquesensing Limited Slip Differential
• 18inch alloy wheels
• sportstuned suspension
• trapezoidal front strut brace (manual models only)

Safety

• Antilock Braking System (ABS)
• Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
• Traction Control System (TCS)
• Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
• front SRS airbags
• frontseatmounted side SRS airbags
• front and rear curtain SRS airbags
• front seatbelt pretensioners with load limiters
• antiwhiplash front seats and intrusionminimising brake pedal

Features

• remote central locking with deadlock function
• engine immobiliser
• inglass radio antenna
• flipopen rear windows
• heated and power operated mirrors
• power windows with accessory delay function
• exterior temperature gauge
• map reading lamps
• climate control airconditioning with ventilation pollen filter
• steering wheelmounted cruise control
• AM/FM tuner with steering wheelmounted controls
• 6disc indash CD player
• 3.5mm MP3 player compatible auxiliary input jack
• Leatherwrapped steering wheel and gear knob
• cloth sports seats and cloth door inserts
• driver's seat height adjustment
• four cupholders
• illuminated vanity mirrors
• glasses storage
• lockable and removable rear bootthrough box
• driver's footrest
• puncture repair kit and compressor
• space saver spare tyre

The $55,520 RX8 Luxury adds:

• leather seat trim
• power sliding glass sunroof
• Xenon low beam headlamps with auto leveling and popup washers
• front fog lamps
• 300 Watt Bose® premium sound system with 6disc, indash CD player and nine speakers
• 8way power adjustable driver's seat with 3position memory and power fold function
• 6speed Activematic (optional)

The $57,625 RX8 GT is based on the standard RX8 and adds:

• lightweight 19inch alloy wheels
• Bridgestone Potenza 225/40 R19 tyres
• Bilstein shock absorbers
• urethanefoamfilled front suspension crossmember
• Sports body kit: Aero bumper (front), side skirts and rear deck lid spoiler
• front fog lamps
• Xenon low beam headlamps with autolevelling function and popup washers
• RECARO leather/cloth front bucket seats
• aluminium pedals and footrest
• leather handbrake handle

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6. Design

Sophisticated Dynamism driven by function

The new Mazda RX8 takes the evocative and unique design of the original to the next phase of evolution. It further enhances the RX8's reputation as a sports car like no other.

Exterior design takes sports car values to a new level

Even after five years on the road, Mazda's brand icon, the original RX8, turns heads with its uniquely striking shape. In further refining the RX8, Mazda aimed to retain the most outstanding aspects of the original design while pursuing a further evolution of the RX8's sportscar functionality and a higher level of exterior and interior refinement.

In pursuit of these goals, Mazda established a theme of "sophisticated dynamism" and, in line with this theme, refreshed the RX8's shape to create a stronger impression of energy and a more distinct overall look of quality within a design evolution that fully embodies Mazda's Stylish, Insightful and Spirited brand DNA.

By evolving design in parallel with function, Mazda further enhanced the car's dynamic presence and overall feeling of quality, with the aim of further maturing its values as a sports car for adults. As a result, the newly refined RX8 has a wellevolved look that stands up to evaluation by even the most exacting sportscar lovers.

The new RX8 design has the additional merit of combining superior cooling performance (for even greater powertrain reliability) and superior aerodynamic efficiency with dynamic looks.

Inbuilt quality is evident in the finer details bringing a higher quality feel. At the same time, this gives a more dynamic and powerful visual impression.

Exterior design changes

The air intakes to the left and right in the front bumper are almost doubled in size and the central opening has been enlarged not only to boost visual presence and dynamism but also increase cooling airflow to the RX8's mechanical components.

The sleeker, sharper headlamp shape adds to the RX8's more purposeful front graphic, lending an unmistakable air of aggression. These wider units also feature new materials for their internal parts for a shinier, higherquality look.

The side airintake now includes an integrated turn indicator lamp, which emphasises the clean, classy feel of the RX8's side profile and accents the RX8's bold front wheelarch flares.

The first generation's mesh rearbumper insert has been eschewed for a more cleaner and classier design that reflects the RX8's heightened refinement and sense of quality.

Together with the larger diameter dual tailpipes and fourelement rear combination lamps, this gives a bolder look to the rear view.

The alloy wheels fitted as standard on all versions have been redesigned to further emphasise each model's personality. Both the 18inch and 19inch alloys have been designed to include a rotorshaped motif signifying the rotary engine, while the lightweight 19inch alloy wheels fitted to the RX8 GT boldly point to the enhanced performance lurking within.

Eight body colours including new variations

Body colours for the new RX8 include fresh additions-Sparkling Black Mica and Diamond Grey Metallic-conveying a sense of high quality. The addition of Aurora Blue Mica, used for the first time on the RX8, makes a total of eight body colours available. This diverse selection is perfectly suited to adult aesthetic sensibilities. As usual, Mazda does not charge extra for metallic or mica paint. Interior design enhances the sense of dynamism and quality.

The interior offers more dynamic forms along with an enhanced feel of quality, creating a space that appeals to adult sensibilities. In addition, the shape of the control system has been modified to make it easier to use.

The shape of the instrument panel's central section has been redesigned to augment a sense of dynamic movement, further reinforcing the impression of sportiness and high quality.

The steering wheel is wrapped in genuine, highly tactile leather for a more comfortable feel. The door trim, armrests, floor console lids and other areas also feel better to the touch.

The centre panel uses Action Illumination matched to the operation of audio volume and other controls. This lets the user know immediately an operation has occurred, giving an enjoyable sense of interaction with the car.

Sporty and refined seat colours and materials

The black fabric seats feature a new material with a dense weave in the central section for a bold look. New genuine leather seats use finepitch perforations in the central sections, and leather seat colours are changed from the previous twotone type to red or black monotone to create a sportier and more refined ambience.

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7. Engine and Transmission

Heightened intensity and realworld performance

The pleasure that comes from the feeling of oneness between car and driver is the result of faithful and linear response to the driver's intentions. As expected of a Mazda sports car, new RX8 has this attribute in full measure.

More than is shown in the specifications, new RX8's wideranging advances and careful maturation yield a dramatic increase in the car's ability to handle just as the driver intends.

RENESIS rotary engine-key to the RX8's original values

The original RENESIS power plant was a newgeneration power plant that further advanced the inherent lightweight, compact and high power attributes of the rotary engine. Without it, the innovative Mazda RX8 fourdoor fourseat sports coupe would not have been possible.

For the new RX8, Mazda engineers have striven to further evolve the RENESIS as a more useroriented, highperformance rotary engine, to meet the dramatically changing environment for sportscar driving.

Big number peak power or torque figures were deemed an unnecessary and irresponsible use of development time in a car already capable of accelerating from 0100km/h in the low6second bracket. Instead engineers pursued with singleminded zeal enhancements that would benefit owners in the majority of realworld driving situations.

That is; a broader, more robust supply of lowend to midrange torque designed to enhance the mundane citydriving scenario.

It should never be forgotten, however, that a rotary engine's unique rotating internals love nothing more than to explore a stratospheric rev range beyond the reach of reciprocating piston engines.

Nothing gets a driver's adrenaline pumping like a RENESIS rotary engine spinning furiously and silkily at 9,000 rpm.

Mazda's drivetrain engineers clearly understood the twin challenges that faced them in attempting to improve lowend acceleration while not sacrificing the RENESIS rotary's unique highrevving character.

So, under the development theme of "improved acceleration and matured fundamental engine performance", the refined RENESIS has achieved both the pleasurable driving of a rotary sports car and high practicality and cost efficiency.

Original RENESIS technologies:

Side intake/side exhaust port layout

Locating intake and exhaust ports in the side housing is a key RENESIS technology, permitting elimination of intake/exhaust port timing overlap. Exhaust gas is not retained and carried over to the next intake cycle, encouraging more stable combustion. RENESIS also assures a large crosssectional area for the intake/exhaust ports, contributing to increases in both power and fuel economy.

Sequential Dynamic Air Intake System (SDAIS) and electronic throttle

With a total of six ports, RENESIS optimally controls the propagation of intake pressure to each port by governing the opening/closing of variable intake valves in response to engine speed. This assures ample torque in the lowtomid speed range and maximizes torque and power up to high rpm. The system also uses an electronic throttle for more precise intake control.

Technologies for improving fuel economy

The side exhaust system eliminates intake and exhaust port timing overlap. Also, the inclusion of a cutoff seal between the oil seal and side seal yields excellent sealing with negligible blowby of gas between intake and exhaust ports. A Jet AirFuel Mixing system is also employed to further promote atomisation, vaporisation and mixing of fuel. Combined, these technologies promote exceptional combustion efficiency that contributes to improved fuel economy.

RENESIS and powertrain advances in the new RX8:

A significant advance in the engine oil feed system and knock control

The precision of the engine oil supply is improved by employing an Electric Metering Oil Pump (EMOP) in place of the previous mechanical unit, and installing it semidirectly in the rotor housing.

The previous engine used a side feed system that supplied oil mist to both sides of the combustion chamber through two oil feed holes per rotor. In contrast, the new system adds an independently governed centre oil feed to the side feeds, giving a total of three oil feed holes that supply oil in liquid form, thereby controlling oil dispersion within the combustion chamber. Taken together, these advances improve oil feed precision and the lubricity of the gas seals.

Furthermore, the capacity of the oil pan was increased to suppress air suction when the oil level is low, and the position of the baffle plates was optimised to control oil level fluctuations. These modifications counteract engine oil pressure drop during fast cornering and assure the lubrication performance demanded by sportier driving. For improved maintenance, the location of the oil filler pipe has also been changed and checking of oil level made easier.

Twin knocksensors

For heightened combustion efficiency, the refined RENESIS employs a twinknocksensor system which allows appropriate control of ignition timing to suppress knocking. Both front and rear rotor housings have an independent knock sensor to achieve significantly better knockdetection performance than the previous system.

New 6speed manual transmission with improved shift feel

The previous 6speed manual transmission was replaced with a new unit based on the highly rated 6speed manual transmission used in the Mazda MX5, but matched to rotary engine characteristics.

In practical terms, this means improved synchronisers for all gears. Particularly, 1st to 4th gears use carbon triplecone synchromesh, and upsized triplesynchromesh is used to change between 3rd and 4th gears.

In addition, the materials for bearing covers and hub between 3rd and 4th gears have been changed, yielding increased strength to match the high power and high rpm rotary engine.

The final gear ratio was changed from the previous RX8's 4.444 to 4.777:1. This improves acceleration performance and yields finer response to accelerator pedal inputs. Further, shift feel is improved by better shift moderation through optimised selection load characteristics, and balanced shift effort with suppressed deviation between gear positions.

New electronically controlled 6speed Activematic transmission with Direct Mode

A new electronicallycontrolled Aisin 6speed Activematic transmission - which delivers smooth and linear acceleration at all engine speeds by virtue of a wider range of selectable gear ratios and crosslinkage between gears - has replaced the previous 4speed Activematic transmission. Not only does it offer a wider range of gear ratios, but the new unit also includes the newlydeveloped Direct Mode.

When operating the shift switches on the steering wheel during Drange driving, Direct Mode instantaneously selects the right gear for the driving circumstances.Typical scenarios include

1) decelerating using the engine brake when driving downhill,
2) decelerating on entering a corner, and
3) preparing to accelerate for overtaking.

Under these kinds of conditions, Direct Mode quickly selects the optimal gear while still running in the Drange without the driver having to switch to manual mode. Normal transmission is resumed when the particular driving scenario has ended. Thanks to this function, the driver need only use the steering wheelmounted shift switches to assure smooth and positive acceleration or deceleration as required.

The 6speed Activematic also incorporates Active Adaptive Shift (AAS). AAS judges the driver's intent (to accelerate or brake) in the particular road environment (gradient, winding road, etc.), and makes the optimum shift, providing driving support in a linear and dynamic manner.

New variable red zone system

The standard blackout instrumentation available on all versions of the new RX8 comes with an additional variable red zone system. This switches the tachometer red zone in three stages in accordance with the current engine conditions. The new system prevents overrevving when the engine temperature is low, such as immediately after starting the engine.

Exceptional body and chassis performance designed into the RX8 from the beginning From the very start of development, RX8 was designed to achieve body rigidity and handling stability that would belie its centre pillarless structure. In addition, through a range of measures including the following technologies, the body exhibits high flexural and torsional rigidity as well as exceptional local stiffness.

• The front and rear parts of the main frame are connected by a highly rigid closedsection highmount backbone frame located in the upper part of the transmission tunnel with the same height from front to back. This reinforces flexural and torsional rigidity while minimising weight gain.
• A crossmember located towards the back of the engine compartment assures high lateral support rigidity for the suspension.
• Three crossmembers located across the opening at the bottom of the transmission tunnel link the left and right sides. The crossmembers reduce the time lag occurring during the body's torsional deformation peak when steering, thereby achieving a linear handling feel.
• Tailorweldedblank (TWB) technology-whereby several types of steel sheet each of different thickness are welded together before being pressed-is used around the door openings, yielding a lightweight, highly rigid cabin structure.
• A high rigidity Vshaped diagonal brace extends from the rear end of the highmount backbone frame and is attached to the top mounting of each rear suspension damper, assuring rigid damper support and greatly promoting torsional rigidity at the rear of the body.

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8. Chassis and Dynamics

Exhilaration through precision and excellence

Advances in body and chassis performance in the new RX8

The following measures were introduced to further upgrade the original RX8's excellent body performance and bring out more of its dynamic potential and sports driving pleasure.

A trapezoidal strut brace links the front suspension towers and engine firewall on manual models only. In addition, the thickness of sheet steel used in both suspension towers and the rear of the wheel apron is increased to bolster the torsional rigidity of the body against suspension inputs.

Steering mount rigidity is improved by reinforcing the dash panel member coupling on the passenger's side.

Spot welding points have been added as reinforcement to the hinge pillar in the front door opening, improving stiffness and car body hysteresis\*.

These measures yield improvements of 18.5 per cent in car body hysteresis, 5.4 per cent in static torsional rigidity and 8.7 per cent in static flexural rigidity compared with the previous model, giving exceptional body performance.

\* Car body hysteresis: Percentage of car body plastic deformation due to repeated applications of torsional load.

Double wishbone front suspension

Front suspension is an inwheel type double wishbone that achieves linear alignment changes during front wheel jounce and rebound.

Upper and lower arm bushes feature zero stopper clearance construction to control fore and aft movement generated in the arms due to external forces acting on the front wheels. It does this by exhibiting linear bushing characteristics from initial force input. Since the construction allows linear increase in bush spring rate from the initial stage, it enables optimal compliance control behaviour at all times.

The gasfilled monotube damper lever ratio\* is increased to improve damper operating efficiency.

This assures damping force even with slight strokes and exhibits excellent roadsurface tracking in all driving environments. With the new RX8, characteristics of front and rear dampers, coil springs, bushes and stabilisers have been optimised to deliver balanced handling and ride comfort.

\* Ratio of damper stroke against front wheel jounce/rebound stroke.

Multilink rear suspension for enhanced braking stability

The rear suspension's links have been lengthened and the layout optimised to achieve a high measure of both handling stability and ride comfort. The gasfilled monotube dampers are located so as to yield an ideal damper ratio which gives excellent tracking capability in a range of driving circumstances.

At the same time, the coil springs are located below floor level, minimising damper rod lateral force due to the spring and reducing friction.

Further, rubber mounts with a zero stopper clearance construction are used to attach the rear subframe to the car body in a 6point mount system. This arrangement assures high link stiffness for excellent handling stability while maintaining a highquality ride with low road noise.

With the new RX8, the upper long lateral link's attachment point on the hub support side has been raised 7.5 mm to control toeout changes during rebound, further improving stability when braking.

Improved aerodynamics with Cd of 0.30

Working to a theme of "evolution of design driven by function", Mazda optimised the new RX8's key styling locations and the underfloor shape with the twin goals of heightening visual appeal and smoothing airflow in and around the body. This was done by optimising the shape of bottomedge front bumper protrusions and the corner sections of the rear combination lamps, and utilisation of wider front tyre deflectors.

Also, the adoption of a new engine undercover for the underfloor as well as a larger centre floor cover and increased number of attachment points smooths airflow.

These measures yield an excellent aerodynamic package with an improvement in coefficient of drag (Cd) from 0.31 to 0.30.

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9. Functions and Comfort

More Comfort, more utility

For greater cabin comfort, front seat functionality is enhanced and an improved audio system with newlydeveloped Bose® surroundsound function is installed.

Front seats with improved side support and convenience

New front seat side bolsters modify the inner shape to yield optimum contact pressure, particularly around the hips, improving support for cornering. The front seat headrests have been downsized to improve rear seat forward visibility.

The genuine leather driver's seat on the RX8 Luxury is 8way power adjustable, enabling finer control of seat position, and uses a 3position memory function. Stored positions can be recalled at the push of a button.

A new switchoperated forward folding mechanism is used for the driver's seat. Depressing a switch on the driver's seatback shifts the seat forward and folds the seatback, making entry and exit easier for rear seat passengers.

Further evolved Bose® premium sound system

The premium sound system, which Mazda jointly developed with Bose® (RX8 Luxury), has been evolved in line with the new RX8's acoustic characteristics to realise dynamic, livesounding reproduction that enhances the sportscar experience.

The main amplifier has been upgraded from a 6outputchannel, 6equaliserchannel type to an 8outputchannel, 8equaliserchannel digital amplifier that allows more precise acoustic tuning.

The system newly incorporates Bose® CenterpointTM signalprocessing circuitry, which gives a surroundsound effect with a convincing sense of depth and width. Also, its AudioPilotTM function, which continuously adjusts the music to compensate for background noise, has been enhanced by the addition of a vehiclespeed sensor, which makes the listening experience even more enjoyable at high speeds.

With these refinements, RX8 Luxury buyers can enjoy audio quality far exceeding that of aftermarket systems regardless of driving conditions. In addition, a new auxiliary input jack, standard on all versions, allows connection of a portable audio device and enjoyment of a music collection via the car speakers.

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10. Safety

Ticks all the boxes

Worldclass safety performance supporting RX8's driving excitement

The RX8's high level of dynamic performance is backed by active safety that includes exceptional braking performance essential to the enjoyment of sports driving. A high level of passive safety is also evident in the stylish and comfortable 4door 4seater cabin and centre pillarless body construction that achieve exceptional side impact crashworthiness. The RX8 aims for worldstandard safety performance befitting a sports car.

Fourwheel ventilated disc brakes, fourwheel ABS and EBD fitted as standard on all versions, achieves classleading braking distances

The new RX8 comes with 4wheel ventilated disc brakes, 4wheel Antilock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) standard on all models. The 4wheel ventilated disc brakes deliver excellent response and provide strong and progressive braking.

The new RX8 exhibits excellent fade resistance with its large diameter discs (323 mm at the front), and uses a 10inch booster for ample servo limit, resulting in a classleading braking distance.

Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)

Fitted as standard equipment on all models, DSC integrates 4wheel ABS and traction control to suppress skidding by governing engine power output and brake force on all four wheels. The system maintains a stable vehicle attitude when cornering on slippery surfaces, steering around hazards or in other tricky circumstances, providing precise control according to running conditions and maintaining natural vehicle control and behaviour.

Highrigidity, ultrasafe Mazda Advanced Impact Distribution and Absorption System (MAIDAS) body, even with centre pillarless construction

The highrigidity, crashworthy Mazda Advanced Impact Distribution and Absorption System body features crushable zones to absorb impacts, and suppresses cabin deformation with a tripleH structure that unifies the floor, sides and roof.

The innovative MAIDAS body was specifically developed by Mazda to absorb crash impacts from all directions. In spite of RX8's centre pillarless construction which leaves a wide opening in the body sides, this body concept was realized to assure side strength comparable to that of a regular 4door sedan.

Frontal impact safety

To absorb crash energy from the front, each side member has an octagonal section beam made of hightensile steel at the front. A 3fork structure behind each side member distributes crash energy in three directions before it reaches the cabin, thereby suppressing cabin deformation in an offset frontal collision.

Side impact safety

A vertical reinforcing member made of hightensile steel pipe is located inside each rear door towards the front edge. This structure is joined to the top and bottom of the body by extremely robust door latches. The reinforcing member and latches together form a builtin pillar that's stronger than a conventional centre pillar.

The body itself, which receives impact energy from the doors, has ringshaped reinforcements that stiffen the door openings. Above these, there's a roof gusset and roof reinforcement, and the floor below is supported by two crossmembers.

Combined, these structures efficiently disperse crash energy over the entire body, thereby suppressing cabin deformation during a side impact.

Rear impact safety

The rear crushable zone efficiently absorbs impact energy from a rearend collision thanks to straight rear side members made of dualphase steel which deforms under high load to soak up crash energy. To disperse impact energy and minimize deformation of the fuel tank, the rear side members are reinforced in this area by joining them to the highmount backbone frame.

Comprehensive airbag system and seatbelts with pretensioner and load limiter

In addition to the airbag system fitted as standard for the driver's seat and front passenger seat, all RX8 models also offer as standard frontside airbags to protect the thorax of front seat occupants in the event of a side collision, as well as curtain airbags that deploy to cover the front/rear side windows and protect the head.

Front seatbelts are equipped with a pretensioner that instantly tightens the belt during the initial stage of an initial impact from the front, to restrain forward movement of the body. A load limiter loosens the belt in a controlled manner so the belt continues to restrain the occupant without applying undue pressure to the chest.

Baggage intrusion prevention

The Vshaped diagonal brace used to reinforce torsional rigidity of the body is positioned between the rear seats and the trunk. This prevents baggage in the trunk from penetrating the cabin and injuring occupants in the event of a frontal collision.

Shock Cone Aluminium Bonnet

The risk of pedestrian head injuries in a vehiclepedestrian collision is minimized partly by assuring adequate space between the engine and bonnet, and partly by the use of a Shock Cone Aluminium Bonnet. This aluminium bonnet is supported by multiple shockabsorbing cones with multiple indentations in its inner panel to promote efficient energy absorption, permitting the use of thinner aluminium sheet.

Fully equipped for safety

• Xenon headlamps (low beam: autolevelling [optical axis adjustment])
• Crushable brake pedal
• Whiplashminimising front seats
• Impactabsorbing soft interior
• Child seat anchor system with top tether anchorages on rear seats

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11. Environmental Initiatives

Protecting the Environment and promoting Recyclability

The RENESIS rotary engine pursues exhaust gas purification, while Mazda's innovative measures for improving recyclability, including bumpertobumper recycling, promote the reuse of scrap plastic and effective use of resources.

Exhaust gas purification in the rotary engine

The RENESIS rotary engine greatly reduces the volume of unburned gas in the exhaust and is equipped with an exhaust gas recombustion system. A doubleskin manifold further promotes emissions performance by maintaining a high exhaust gas temperature. In addition, the highperformance catalytic converter and precise control of the airfuel ratio at all engine speeds help reduce the volume of pollutants in exhaust gas to onetenth that of the previous rotary engine (13BREW).

Improving recyclability

Currently, most of an automobile's structural components, including mainly metals such as iron and aluminium, are recycled. At Mazda, with the aim of realising a future recycling society, we are advancing measures to make recycling easier for the remaining plastic parts and glass, etc. In accordance with material descriptions for plastic parts laid down by the ISO, Mazda facilitates separating and collection before cars are scrapped, and from the development stage we work to make our cars easy to recycle.

The new RX8 uses easily recycled polypropylene (PP) for front/rear bumpers, dash panel, trim and other areas. PP is also the main component of olefin thermoplastic elastomer used in the shift knob cover in automatictransmission cars.

In addition, since 2005 Mazda has been engaged in fullscale application of the world's first bumpertobumper recycling technology, which reclaims damaged bumpers and reuses them in the bumpers of new cars. Bumpertobumper recycling technology is also used on the new RX8.

Reduction of environmentally harmful chemicals

Mazda is positively committed to reducing the use of lead, hexavalent chromium, cadmium, mercury and other environmentally harmful chemicals. With the RX8, we discontinued the use of lead in the fuel tank, harnesses and electrodeposition of undercoat, and eliminated the use of hexavalent chromium and cadmium in all parts.

12. Specifications

\*1 Fuel consumption figures are based on ADR81/01 test results. They are useful in comparing the fuel consumption of different vehicles. They may not be the fuel consumption achieved in practice. This will depend on traffic and road conditions and how the vehicle is driven.

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13. Features

\*2 Leather interior includes some Maztex material on selected high impact surfaces.