After almost eight years of production, the highly successful Mazda RX-8 will be reinvented in a completely new model. The original 2+2 doors coupe is expected to come with an all-new skin and refreshed “Zoom-Zoom” design in 2009. The dynamics are guaranteed to be better than ever for an RX model, featuring the latest generation of Mazda’s exotic Wankel rotary engine.
The original RX-8 was launched in 2001 and was intended as a successor for the RX-7. The later was previously produced in not less than three distinct generations and was a high performance 2+2 seats coupe. The most exclusive component used for the RX-7 was it’s unique (Mazda is the only current Wankel engine producer) rotary engine, that made the car light and fast. After sales for the RX-7 dropped in the late ‘90s, Mazda decided to revive their performance coupe and dropped the RX-7 denomination in favor of the “RX-8” tag. This change was intended to point that the new model was a revolution and a total departure from the previous RXs. It featured four doors, the two smaller rears ones were “suicide doors”.
This two plus two suicide doors layout has proved to be highly successful. It eases rear access, but doesn’t compromise much the “coupe styling”. This successful recipe will be preserved for the second RX-8 that will be an evolution of the current model.
According to a recent survey performed by a major research organization, Mazda’s new-car customers are the second youngest in North America, at only 41 years of age.
Mazda buyers are several steps ahead of the latest trends and constantly on the lookout for affordable possessions that satisfy their hunger for stylish, insightful and spirited designs. The new RX-8 will be designed to fit this kind of customers.
Our artist has prepared a few illustrations that show you were the RX-8 design is headed to. The evolved design of the 2009 Mazda RX-8 will resemble to a fuselage with a powerful stance, pronounced wheel arches and taut surfaces. Every line will flow into another with no open ends, in the “Zoom-Zoom” manner currently common to all Mazda models. Surfaces will be drawn tight over the wheel arches, the way a spider’s web stretches between anchor points
The power will be supplied to the new RX-8’s rear wheels by an updated version of the 1.3-liter Wankel rotary engine expected to produce up to 300 bhp. The transmission options will be 6-gears manuals or automatic gearboxes.
Mazda has already developed a prototype of a hydrogen/gasoline fueled rotary engine. It is highly probably that this engine version will also be offered for the next generation RX-8.
The second generation Mazda RX-8 is expected to be launched in 2009 as a 2010 model and is likely to be priced starting at $28,000.
History
The first generation Mazda RX-8 was launched in 2001 at the NAIAS. For 2007 Mazda have upgraded their four-door, four-seat, rotary engine-equipped RX-8 sports car, which is to be sold at Mazda and Mazda Anfini dealers throughout Japan. Mazda is commencing sales of the 5-speed and 6-speed manual transmission models and accepting orders for the new 6-speed automatic transmission (AT) version from today. The 6-speed AT RX-8 goes on sale in mid-October 2006.
Since sales began in April 2003, the RX-8 has received widespread acclaim as a unique sports car powered by a rotary engine, in which four adults can ride comfortably.
The newly-adopted 6-speed AT model delivers reassuringly smooth acceleration and improved noise reduction at high speeds. In addition, a 6-port design of its rotary engine—2 ports more than the prior model—improves the intake efficiency, and the newly-added Active Adaptive Shift (AAS) control raises the ride quality and enjoyment of driving a sports car.
Additionally, new accessories improve the vehicle’s quality feel. For its exterior and interior, Mazda has introduced the "Sand Beige Leather Package" to the Type S and Type E models. The exterior features two new body colors, with a stark blue "Stormy Blue Mica" and radiant white "Crystal White Pearl Mica" having been added to the body color range to further emphasize the RX-8’s sporty pedigree and reputation for quality.
The monthly sales target for the upgraded RX-8 is set at 600 units a month.
The adoption of the 6-speed AT, increased by two speeds over the base 4-speed, enabled the overall gear ratio range to be widened and the gaps between each gear to be reduced to achieve a better close ratio. This results in a more powerful, smoother acceleration and reduces shift shock, while improving noise reduction at high speeds and increasing fuel efficiency.
The 6-port engine that up to now has only been used in the RX-8 Type S (6-speed manual transmission model) has been adopted for the 6-speed automatic transmission version, which until now mounted only a 4-port engine. This development pushes up the power output by increasing intake efficiency as well as further enhancing the torque produced at high revs—one of the special features of the rotary engine.
2009 Mazda RX8
Linear Mode
