A Highly Functional Sports Car
The new Mazda RX-8 fulfils all the basic requirements of a modern
sports car, with front engine/rear-wheel drive and a design that
reflects the sporty ambitions of its developers. Mazda RX-8 exhibits
its performance potential optically with short overhangs, a striking
fender and bumper design, and an eye-catching bonnet shape. The compact
size of RENESIS, and its front-midship placement, enabled designers to
place the A-pillar springing point further towards the front of the
car, and to give it a flatter incline. This places the optical centre
of the vehicle’s mass more towards the back of the car, giving Mazda
RX-8 a sleek athletic tension.
Mazda RX-8 is a completely new car. It is 4,435 mm long, 1,770 mm wide
and 1,340 mm tall. Its copious wheelbase of 2,700 mm provides for roomy
interior dimensions. Its extremely short overhangs emphasize Mazda
RX-8’s dynamic potential and also contribute to a minimal yaw moment.
Its track width of 1,500 mm front and 1,505 mm back lend the new Mazda
RX-8 a dynamic appearance and improves the car’s stability in all
situations.
Interior space and functionality are superior to
what drivers have expected of a sports car until now. The Mazda RX-8
offers room for four adults and their luggage. Its spacious 290-litre
(VDA) luggage compartment provides far more load volume than most
current sports cars.
Freestyle Door System Combined with a Sporty Interior
The new Mazda RX-8 has four doors in a centre-opening configuration.
This “Freestyle” door system means the Mazda RX-8 has no B-pillar, with
the rear doors hinged at the back of the car, and provides a wide door
opening. The front doors open at a maximum angle of 67 degrees, the
back doors 80 degrees, making getting in and out of the Mazda RX-8
easier than a traditional two-door sports car. The rear doors can only
be opened when the front doors are open, making Mazda RX-8’s Freestyle
door system
completely safe.
The body structure of the Mazda RX-8 has been designed to resist
flexural and torsional bending. Techniques used to suppress noise and
vibration have contributed to an extremely comfortable interior
atmosphere for passenger and driver alike. For the interior itself,
Mazda concentrated on creating a contemporary and sporty
ambience. Analogue and digital instrumentation have been combined into
a unified, easy-to-use whole. The driver’s field of vision is dominated
by the tachometer, with the zero position at six-o’clock, which is
appropriate to a sports car with high rev capacity. All controls are
within easy reach of the driver. Sport bukket seats provide excellent
side support, even when taking a curve at high speed.
Next Generation Craftsmanship
In developing the new Mazda RX-8, engineers focused on creating a
vehicle with high levels of quality that a discerning customer will
instantly recognize. They have added a new dimension to the superior
quality of recent Mazda vehicles, venturing into another area of
craftsmanship called “customer delight.” Seeking to provide enjoyment
for driver and passengers, they optimised features in those areas where
customers would most notice them. These included quality construction
initiatives to narrow gaps between body panels and other exterior
parts, but they also extended to the interior.
Numerous in-depth studies were conducted to
identify where interior feel is critical to achieving customer delight,
and used materials that are pleasing to the touch in these locations.
Not only were seats optimised for comfort and side-support, instrument
panel layout was optimised for ease-of-use and for quality feel,
lighting optimised and aluminium finish details refined to convey a
premium sports car feel.
The Latest in Safety Technology
Mazda RX-8 has been designed and constructed to provide a maximum in
driving safety. Mazda RX-8 is extremely balanced and delivers
class-leading handling, precise steering and excellent driving
behaviour under normal driving conditions. In addition, Mazda RX-8
offers the latest in active safety technology. Anti-lock brakes (ABS),
electronic brake force distribution (EBD), dynamic stability control
(DSC) with a traction control system (TCS) as well as a limited slip
differential (LSD) mean that the car stays on the road, even if the
driver pushes the Mazda RX-8 a bit over the limit. If the driver
chooses to experience the sporty nature of the Mazda RX-8 even closer,
the DSC can be deactivated by the push of a button.
In the unlikely event of an accident, impact energy is distributed over
pre-defined load paths through the body of the Mazda RX-8, so that —
depending on severity — the passenger cell remains intact. Three-point
seat belts with belt pretensioners and load limiters are standard.
Standard front airbags, side airbags and curtain airbags combine to
provide excellent passive protection to passengers and driver. Mazda
RX-8 engineers have introduced a robust steel pipe reinforcement in the
rear door that, when closed, functions as a B-Pillar and provides the
necessary stability in case of side impact.
Unique Among Sport Cars
A unique design and revolutionary engine technology put the new Mazda
RX-8 in a special category in the sports car segment. With its unique
combination of rotary engine, Freestyle door system, and muscular
exterior design, the new Mazda RX-8 has raised the bar of sports car
customer expectations around the world.