A History of the RX-8 and why it isn't as Bad as Everyone Says

1st Generation (2003-2008)

The first generation of the RX-8 was released the year after the final departure of the beloved RX-7 in Japan, and it left many people disappointed. The successor replaced the twin turbos of the previous car with natural aspiration, despite keeping the same sized 1.3L 2 rotor engine. Mazda gave this new version of the 13B a new name as well, the RENESIS. Ignoring the terrible automatic options, which had reduced power outputs and redlines, there were 2 basic drivetrain combinations available around the world: The standard trim, not available in North America, which had 189hp and a 5 speed manual because of a reduced 7500rpm redline, and the high power trim, which put out 237hp and had a 6 speed manual and had the 9000rpm redline. The first gen also had a few notable special editions, not all will be included.

RX-8 Shinka Edition

The Shinka edition was a decently high production special edition, with 2150 built, almost three quarters of which were sold in North America. The Shinka edition was marketed as a more luxurious option than the standard RX-8, with the same engine and 6 speed manual, but also an exclusive “Cherry Mica” exterior and “Parchment” leather interior. The car also had slightly chromed wheels and modified shocks and front cross member for more comfortable ride quality.

RX-8 Evolve Edition

The Evolve edition was the first UK only special edition, only 500 were made as a sportier looking model with several exterior modifications including chrome exhaust tips, darker headlights, and darker wheels. The interior was even more special with dark leather and Alcantara seats and trim. It was available in two colors, “Copper Red Mica”, which Mazda chose for 400 of the cars, and the much rarer “Phantom Blue Mica” you see in the picture, which only 100 of the cars have.

RX-8 PZ Edition

Probably the peak of the special editions for the first generation, the PZ edition was UK exclusive and was developed by Mazda in conjunction with Prodrive, as well as Bilstein, Eibach, and OZ Racing. Only 800 were made, each featuring exclusive OZ Racing 10 spoke wheels, smaller mirrors to reduce drag, blacked out grilles, a spoiler, carbon fiber “Prodrive” badges on the spoiler and wheels, a custom Prodrive exhaust system, and serious suspension changes in the form of Bilstein dampers with Eibach springs.

2nd Generation (2009-2012)

The second generation RX-8 was mostly a facelift, although the chassis rigidity was also improved as well as the rear suspension. Gear ratios were shortened, acceleration was better, and the engine had slightly revised oil injection. The main models available were the Sport and Grand Touring trims, a naming system Mazda used for many cars around that time. The Sport trim was more basic and had very few options, but the same high powered engine while the Grand Touring trim had more luxurious interior and more options. There were very few special editions for the second generation, and only one was sold outside of Japan.

RX-8 R3

The R3 was not quite a special edition as much as a package you could get, it wasn’t limited edition but it was the most expensive model. It had Bilstein shocks and a modified front cross member, bigger and more aggressive wheels and high performance tires, and an aggressive bodykit. The R3 wasn’t very limited production but is still highly sought after and expensive.

The problems people talk about having with RX-8’s are very overblown, with proper care they are as reliable as any other rotary and far more fuel efficient, especially in the second generation cars. The basic models can be picked up cheap, so for someone who wants an intro into the rotary world without going quite as basic as an FB or FC, the RX-8 is the logical choice, just be prepared for the typical issues with rotaries and do your research.

Edit: I will be posting more articles whenever I can, so if you enjoyed reading this one, give me a follow! My next article is already posted so if you liked what you saw here, head over to my profile and check out the new one!

This content was originally posted by a Car Throttle user on our Community platform and was not commissioned or created by the CT editorial team.

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Comments

edd meg a faszom

Quite as basic as an FB or FC? Sorry but there are at least 20 times more RX8s driving around than any gen of RX7s…

01/16/2017 - 01:13 |
1 | 1

Yes it’s true but the FB and FC tend to be cheaper than a solid RX-8, and they are more basic in terms of interior quality and everything just because they are older cars, sorry if it seemed unclear

01/16/2017 - 01:26 |
0 | 0
Anonymous

how about spirit R with that extremely rare BBS wheels

01/16/2017 - 01:15 |
15 | 1
ah00t13

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Haha I left that out because it’s a bit of a secret, didn’t want to hype the car too much like the Miata and raise the prices lol

01/16/2017 - 01:25 |
7 | 2
Anonymous

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Maybe I’m thinking about the fd but want there only 1 LHD spirit r ever made?

01/16/2017 - 04:57 |
1 | 0
That_NSX_Guy

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Rims go great with the paint

01/17/2017 - 22:05 |
0 | 0
Mazda Fanatic

Here is my 2006 rx8. The shinkas were also made in 2006 in copper red mica.

01/16/2017 - 02:17 |
1 | 1

Nice looking car! Hadn’t heard that but my research sometimes comes up short haha

01/16/2017 - 02:20 |
1 | 1
Anonymous

I drive a 2005 GT Sport. It has the automatic transmission, but I don’t mind. Paddle shifters with the gas pedal stomped is about the most fun I’ve had in any car I’ve ever owned throughout my life. Try it, you’ll like it…

01/16/2017 - 02:38 |
1 | 1
ah00t13

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Ah yes, the one I was mainly talking about was the 4 speed with the torque converter, those have a lot of issues with carbon buildup because the engine can’t rev, personally I’m a manual guy through and through, but put me on the track and I’ll take paddles all day

01/16/2017 - 02:40 |
1 | 1
Heinonen104

Thanks you for writing this. As an owner, I’ve had so many people say “oh but it’ so much worse than a 7” I love mine, will keep it forever

01/16/2017 - 03:59 |
0 | 0

Looks clean man! And that R100 looks insane!!! I can’t wait till I can get a rotary of my own

01/16/2017 - 04:06 |
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Anonymous

Been driving it for 8 yrs. 😊

01/16/2017 - 04:25 |
2 | 0
ah00t13

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Nice!

01/16/2017 - 04:50 |
1 | 0
Sanjuro Makabe

Why isn’t it as bad as everyone says? The title promises the answer to this question, but what we get is one sentence where the author basically says himself: yeah, the problems are overblown, it is alright.
Weak!

01/16/2017 - 06:08 |
1 | 1

I admit I could have titled it differently, the article says everything I wanted it to say without answering the question I set for it, thanks for the input, I’ll make sure to keep it in mind for my next post

01/16/2017 - 06:41 |
0 | 0

3 engines later….

01/16/2017 - 13:58 |
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Poke

The Spirit R RX-8 was pretty cool!

01/16/2017 - 06:35 |
1 | 1
ah00t13

In reply to by Poke

Yeah it was! Lol I left it out since a friend of mine kind of wanted it to stay a semi secret 😂 Not a well known car

01/16/2017 - 06:42 |
0 | 0
Anonymous

I always wanted to take a risk buying one.

01/16/2017 - 06:52 |
1 | 0
MikeyFD3S

I do enjoy a good rotary article. Not to be biased or anything, but its true what you say about them. Reliable and fairly good on MPG if treated properly. A lot of people nowadays don’t appreciate a little regular engine maintenance. Great article!

01/16/2017 - 06:58 |
1 | 1

Haha thanks! Your FD looks really clean, hoping to get one myself in the future once I can afford it

01/16/2017 - 07:00 |
0 | 0