Although not as well known and loved as the RX-7, the Mazda RX-8 has been a famous car in the JDM world for nearly a decade (which should actually mean the car is only sold in Japan, but lately this acronym has started to be used with a larger meaning). Presented in 2003, it immediately strikes for its aesthetic, as original as it is in some ways strange. Among the elements that have caused the most discussion about its design, there is the front intake grille, present only for aesthetic purposes since it’s fake. The doors instead open in Rolls-Royce style. The interiors, on the other hand, have more common aesthetic lines. The car is maintained around 1300 kilos of weight thanks to elements of the body made of carbon and aluminum. The less powerful 192 horsepower version is sold only in some countries, while the 231 horsepower version gains worldwide fame. The engines have “Wankel” architecture. You can choose between a manual (5-speed) or two types of automatic transmission (4-speed or 6-speed). The 2009 facelift model will have a more common aesthetic and will not be sold in Europe as it doesn’t meet Euro 5 pollution standards. In total, nearly 200.000 Mazda RX-8s were sold from 2003 to 2012.
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🏎 Mazda RX-8
📍 Japan
🛠 Wankel 1.3 231HP
💨 6,5 seconds
🔝 240km/h
💶 No longer on sale
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Our vote: ⭐⭐⭐⚡ (3,5/5)