Mazda
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.
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.
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.