Mazda RX-8

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.