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Mazda RX-8

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Mazda RX-8: Mazda's last rotary production car (2003-2012). Naturally aspirated Renesis rotary, four-door coupe with rear-
Photo: IFCAR / Wikimedia Commons · Public domain

Mazda's last rotary production car (2003-2012). Naturally aspirated Renesis rotary, four-door coupe with rear-hinged suicide rear doors.

The Mazda RX-8 is a sport coupe produced from 2003 to 2012, replacing the RX-7 in Mazda lineup. The RX-8 used the Renesis 1.3-liter naturally aspirated rotary engine making 232 horsepower factory rating (later revised to 212 horsepower). The car had distinctive freestyle (rear-hinged) rear doors, providing four-door practicality in a coupe-styled body. The Renesis rotary in the RX-8 differs from the 13B-REW in the FD3S RX-7. The RX-8 engine is naturally aspirated (no turbocharging), runs with revised port designs, and was tuned for emissions compliance and balanced performance. The result is a less aggressive engine character than the FD3S but with more refined daily drivability. The RX-8 was the last production rotary Mazda offered. Production ended in 2012. Mazda discontinued the rotary engine due to ongoing emissions and fuel economy challenges. The MX-30 EV (2020+) uses a rotary as a range extender in some markets, but a full rotary sport car has not been produced since the RX-8 ended. Used pricing for the RX-8 is moderate compared to the FD3S RX-7. The model has appreciation potential but currently sells at significantly more affordable prices. Common issues include apex seal wear (similar to all rotaries) and various age-related items. Modified RX-8 builds with rotary engine swaps, suspension upgrades, and various other modifications appear regularly. On WhipJury, RX-8 submissions are common. The community appreciates the RX-8 as the last production rotary. Modified builds with engine swaps (LS V8, 13B-REW from FD3S) are popular alternatives to the original Renesis.

Top Mazda RX-8 examples on WhipJury

Mazda RX-8
Mazda RX-8#1
Whip Score: 1212

The Renesis rotary

The 13B-MSP (Renesis) is a 1.3-liter naturally aspirated rotary engine. 232 horsepower factory rating (later revised to 212). Side intake ports (vs peripheral on previous rotaries) for improved emissions compliance. The engine is reliable when properly maintained but has the same fundamental rotary issues (apex seal wear, fuel/oil consumption) as the 13B-REW.

RX-8 on WhipJury

Stock and modified RX-8s submit regularly. Engine swaps (especially LS V8 and 13B-REW) are popular ways to address Renesis reliability concerns. Stock examples in clean condition do well. The community treats the RX-8 as the last rotary production car worth preserving.

Frequently asked questions about Mazda RX-8

Is the RX-8 reliable?
Mixed. The Renesis rotary has the same fundamental issues as other rotaries (apex seal wear, fuel and oil consumption). The engine is more emissions-compliant than 13B-REW but has been criticized for occasional flooding and starting issues. With careful maintenance, RX-8s can be reliable; with neglect, they require frequent attention.
Why is the RX-8 cheaper than the RX-7?
Multiple factors. Less aggressive engine (naturally aspirated vs twin-turbo). More common (production was much higher than FD3S RX-7). Less iconic styling. More refined daily driving character (less aggressive overall). The RX-8 typically sells for $5,000-$25,000 used; the FD3S RX-7 typically sells for $30,000-$200,000+.
Can I swap a 13B-REW into an RX-8?
Yes, popular modification. Swapping the FD3S RX-7 13B-REW twin-turbo rotary into an RX-8 chassis adds significant power (255+ horsepower vs 232 stock Renesis) and modifies the character toward the FD3S RX-7. Various swap kits exist. The swap is moderately complex and requires significant supporting modifications.
Can the RX-8 do an LS swap?
Yes, increasingly popular. Aftermarket LS swap kits for the RX-8 chassis exist. The combination of LS V8 power (typically 300-500+ horsepower from various LS variants) and RX-8 chassis dynamics produces an unusual but capable performance car. Various engineering considerations (cooling, transmission, weight distribution) require attention. The LS-swapped RX-8 has built a small but devoted community.
Are RX-8 doors really suicide doors?
The freestyle rear doors are sometimes called suicide doors. The doors are rear-hinged (hinged at the rear edge instead of the front). The doors require the front door to be open before they can be opened. The configuration was a marketing innovation; Mazda emphasized that the four-door layout provided practical access without requiring traditional rear doors.

More on the Mazda RX-8

How Does a Rotary Engine Work? (And Why the RX-7 Won't Die)
How Does a Rotary Engine Work? (And Why the RX-7 Won't Die)

A rotary engine makes power in a completely different way: no pistons pumping up and down, just a triangular rotor spinning in an oval housing. It is smooth, compact, and loves to rev, and it is also thirsty and fragile. Here is how the Wankel works and why the Mazda RX-7 keeps its cult alive anyway.

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