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Photo of a Mazda RX-8

Mazda RX-8

Four doors, four seats, 9,000 rpm: the six-speed manual RX-8 makes room for friends.1

Researched November 9, 2026 from 34 sources

At a glance

0150300
107–247 hpPower
0510
6.3–7.2 s0–60 mph
0125250
224–241 km/hTop speed
0150300
140–222 N·mTorque
07501,500
1,309–1,460 kgWeight

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.125914

Engine
1.3 L naturally aspirated, side-port RENESIS twin-rotor; dual-fuel Hydrogen RE129
Layout
Front-mid-engine, RWD; 2,700 mm wheelbase (Japan, 2003)12
Gearbox
5- or 6-speed manual; 4- or 6-speed automatic1
Built at
Hiroshima Plant, Japan1
Units built
192,094 (2003–2012)3

The story

Mazda made the RX-8 for sports-car fans with family and friends to carry. Four adult seats and rear-hinged freestyle doors share a chassis with a naturally aspirated RENESIS rotary mounted behind the front axle.12

2001: Detroit debuts the RX-8 concept20012003: Japan launches a four-seat rotary · US power correction triggers rebates20032004: 40 records and Grand AM Cup titles20042006: Hydrogen RE enters corporate leases · Prodrive sharpens 800 UK PZs20062007: 200 Japanese cars salute 40 rotary years20072008: Type RS and the 2009 R3 sharpen up20082012: SPIRIT R doubles; production ends2012 Mazda Familia Rotary / R100: 1968–1973Mazda Savanna / RX-3 (S102A / S124A): 1971–1978Mazda RX-7 (first generation) (SA / FB): 1978–1985SA / FBMazda RX-7 (second generation) (FC): 1985–1992FCMazda RX-7 (third generation) (FD): 1992–2002FDMazda RX-01 concept: 1995Mazda RX-01 conceptMazda RX-8 (SE3P / FE): 2003–2012SE3P / FE 197019801990200020102020
GenerationsBefore and afterMilestones1318192021
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
1968–1973Mazda Familia Rotary / R100
1971–1978Mazda Savanna / RX-3 (S102A / S124A)
1978–1985Mazda RX-7 (first generation) (SA / FB)
1985–1992Mazda RX-7 (second generation) (FC)
1992–2002Mazda RX-7 (third generation) (FD)
1995Mazda RX-01 concept
2003–2012Mazda RX-8 (SE3P / FE)
2001Detroit debuts the RX-8 concept
2003Japan launches a four-seat rotary
2003US power correction triggers rebates
200440 records and Grand AM Cup titles
2006Hydrogen RE enters corporate leases
2006Prodrive sharpens 800 UK PZs
2007200 Japanese cars salute 40 rotary years
2008Type RS and the 2009 R3 sharpen up
2012SPIRIT R doubles; production ends
  1. 2001

    Detroit debuts the RX-8 concept

    RX-EVOLV's freestyle doors feed into the RX-8 concept. Ikuo Maeda, son of RX-7 designer Matasaburo Maeda, leads; Wu-Huang Chin creates the interior.13

  2. 2003

    Japan launches a four-seat rotary

    Japan's launch brings naturally aspirated, side-port RENESIS, the 2003 International Engine of the Year; turbo-rotary exhaust had hindered catalytic conversion.2345

  3. 2003

    US power correction triggers rebates

    US manual rating falls from 247 to 238 hp after emissions calibration; Mazda offers a $500 card plus four years/50,000 miles of servicing, or buyback talks.16

  4. 2004

    40 records and Grand AM Cup titles

    Two production RX-8s cover over 5,000 km in 24 hours, averaging over 215 km/h for 40 class records; SpeedSource takes Grand AM Cup team and driver titles.78

  5. 2006

    Hydrogen RE enters corporate leases

    Mazda signs the first hydrogen-rotary leases in February; the dual-fuel RX-8 Hydrogen RE switches between hydrogen and gasoline.9

  6. 2006

    Prodrive sharpens 800 UK PZs

    Prodrive gives the PZ Bilstein dampers, Eibach springs, a 15 mm drop and dark silver OZ Racing wheels.110

  7. 2007

    200 Japanese cars salute 40 rotary years

    The Rotary Engine 40th Anniversary edition pairs Marble White paint with black leather and silver ALCANTARA, recalling the Cosmo Sport's cabin.11

  8. 2008

    Type RS and the 2009 R3 sharpen up

    Japan's Type RS adds 19-inch forged wheels, RECARO seats and Bilstein dampers. The 2009 R3 gets a foam-filled front crossmember.412

  9. 2012

    SPIRIT R doubles; production ends

    The final SPIRIT R, launched in November 2011, doubles its planned run to 2,000 as orders flood in. RX-8 production ends in June.313

Every generation

  • Mazda Familia Rotary / R100
    Mazda Familia Rotary / R1001968–1973
  • Mazda Savanna / RX-3
    S102A / S124A1971–1978
  • Mazda RX-7 (first generation)
    SA / FB1978–1985
  • Mazda RX-7 (second generation)
    FC1985–1992
  • Mazda RX-7 (third generation)
    FD1992–2002
  • Mazda RX-8
    SE3P / FE2003–2012

Power over the years

From 189 hp to 247 hp in 0 years.

0100200300 20022004200620082010 hp 2003 · 189 hp · UK four-port 5MT, 7,500 rpm2003 · 197 hp · US automatic: corrected launch rating2003 · 207 hp · Japan base/Type E2003 · 228 hp · UK six-port 6MT, 9,000 rpm2003 · 238 hp · US manual: corrected launch rating2003 · 247 hp · Japan Type S 6MT2006 · 107 hp · Hydrogen RE on hydrogen2006 · 212 hp · US paddle-shift 6AT, 7,500 rpm2006 · 228 hp · UK PZ: unchanged 228 hp2009 · 232 hp · 2009 R3 six-speed manual 247 hp Japan Type S 6MT 189 hp UK four-port 5MT, 7,500 rpm
123691014
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
2003189UK four-port 5MT, 7,500 rpm
2003197US automatic: corrected launch rating
2003207Japan base/Type E
2003228UK six-port 6MT, 9,000 rpm
2003238US manual: corrected launch rating
2003247Japan Type S 6MT
2006107Hydrogen RE on hydrogen
2006212US paddle-shift 6AT, 7,500 rpm
2006228UK PZ: unchanged 228 hp
20092322009 R3 six-speed manual

Versions

11 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • Base / Type E / Type S / Grand Touring

    Standard

    Base / Type E / Type S / Grand Touring

  • Shinka / Sport Prestige Limited / Limited II

    Special

    Shinka / Sport Prestige Limited / Limited II

    2004–2006

  • Spirit R

    Limited

    Spirit R

    2011–2012

  • PZ

    Limited

    PZ

    2006

    228 hp

    800 built

  • Limited

    Evolve

    2006

    228 hp

  • Limited

    Nemesis

    2006

    189 hp

    350 built

  • Mazdaspeed Version

    Limited

    Mazdaspeed Version

    2004

    300 built

  • Limited

    Rotary Engine 40th Anniversary (Japan)

    2007

  • Limited

    Mazdaspeed Version II

    2004

  • Performance

    Mazdaspeed M'z Tune

  • Hydrogen RE

    Special

    Hydrogen RE

    2006

How to spot one

Look for

  • On 2004 models, curved triangle rotor motifs sit in the center of both bumpers.15
  • Facelift cars have front-fender vents with built-in turn signals and circular LED rear lamps.4

Year by year

  1. 2008 Japan facelift

    Front-fender air vents are redesigned to incorporate the turn signals.4

  2. 2008 Japan facelift

    Rear lamps gain circular LED arrays; the rear bumper becomes body-colored and the twin exhaust outlets grow.4

  3. 2008 Japan facelift

    Base and Type E move from 16- to 17-inch wheels; Type S gets rotor-themed 18-inch alloys.4

  4. 2008 Japan facelift

    The tachometer gains silver markings and white lighting, plus a red zone that moves with engine temperature.4

Don’t confuse it with

  • Photo of a Mazda RX-8
    RX-8
    Photo of a Nissan 370Z
    Nissan 370Z

    Nissan 370Z

    The 370Z is a two-seater; look for the RX-8's extra rear-hinged half-doors and rear seats.14

Against its rivals

  • Pontiac Solstice GXP

    RX-8 vs Pontiac Solstice GXP

    Quarter-mile lower is better

    RX-814.9 s
    Pontiac Solstice GXP13.7 s
    14
  • BMW 135i

    RX-8 vs BMW 135i

    0–97 km/h lower is better

    RX-86.3 s
    BMW 135i4.8 s
    14

  • RX-8 vs Nissan 370Z

    Skidpad

    RX-81 g
    Nissan 370Z1 g
    14

Prices

Value today $2.0K–$14.3K3

Price when newAuction saleValue today
$0$10K$20K$30K$40K 20052010201520202025 Value today: $1,950–$14,300 2004 · $33,200 · US Grand Touring + nav, as tested2009 · $27,105 · US base2009 · $32,600 · US R3 2024 · $13,500 · 2009 RX-8 R3 6-speed, 83k miles, BaT2024 · $8,200 · 2005 RX-8 Grand Touring 6-speed, 32k miles, BaT2024 · $8,200 · 2005 RX-8 Shinka Edition 6-speed, 78k miles, BaT2025 · $14,250 · 2011 RX-8 R3 6-speed, 68k miles, BaT2025 · $18,200 · 2008 RX-8 40th Anniversary 6-speed, 27k miles, BaT2025 · $6,000 · 2004 RX-8 Grand Touring 6-speed, 47k miles, BaT2026 · $8,988 · 2009 RX-8 Grand Touring automatic, 32k miles, BaT2026 · $10,800 · 2009 RX-8 R3 6-speed, 135k miles, BaT $18.2K BaT, 2025
1214152728293031323334
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
2004Price when new$33,200US Grand Touring + nav, as tested
2009Price when new$27,105US base
2009Price when new$32,600US R3
2024Auction sale$13,5002009 RX-8 R3 6-speed, 83k miles, BaT
2024Auction sale$8,2002005 RX-8 Grand Touring 6-speed, 32k miles, BaT
2024Auction sale$8,2002005 RX-8 Shinka Edition 6-speed, 78k miles, BaT
2025Auction sale$14,2502011 RX-8 R3 6-speed, 68k miles, BaT
2025Auction sale$18,2002008 RX-8 40th Anniversary 6-speed, 27k miles, BaT
2025Auction sale$6,0002004 RX-8 Grand Touring 6-speed, 47k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$8,9882009 RX-8 Grand Touring automatic, 32k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$10,8002009 RX-8 R3 6-speed, 135k miles, BaT
2026Value today$1,950–$14,300

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 11 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 14 stories from its legend
    • “40 class records in 24 hours”
    • “Five podiums to a championship double”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 8 generations

  • Market

    • 6 things to check before buying one
    • Where prices are heading, and why
Read the full file in SPOT

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Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 34 sources
  1. Mazda RX-8 - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  2. MAZDA:Backnumber | News Releases newsroom.mazda.com
  3. Mazda RX-8 buying guide, history, problems and what to pay - Octane Magazine octane-magazine.com
  4. MAZDA NEWSROOM｜Refreshed Mazda RX-8 on Sale in Japan｜NEWS RELEASES newsroom.mazda.com
  5. 2003 Mazda RX-8 First Drive: Return of the Rotary caranddriver.com
  6. Original RX-8 horsepower ratings wrong so Mazda offers rebate autoweek.com
  7. Mazda RX-8, for the record | Car Reviews | by Car Enthusiast carenthusiast.com
  8. Mazda RX-8: GrandAm Racing Champion in 2004 theautochannel.com
  9. MAZDA NEWSROOM｜ Mazda Starts Leasing Rotary Hydrogen Vehicles｜NEWS RELEASES newsroom.mazda.com
  10. Mazda's art of Prodrive Zen | Car Reviews | by Car Enthusiast carenthusiast.com
  11. MAZDA NEWSROOM｜Mazda Releases 'Rotary Engine 40th Anniversary' Commemorative Limited Edition RX-8 in Japan｜NEWS RELEASES newsroom.mazda.com
  12. 2009 Mazda RX-8 - Mazda Sports Coupe Review - Automobile Magazine motortrend.com
  13. MAZDA NEWSROOM｜Mazda Extends Production of Special Edition RX-8 SPIRIT R｜NEWS RELEASES newsroom.mazda.com
  14. 2009 Sports Coupe Comparison caranddriver.com
  15. 2004 Mazda RX-8 Long-Term Road Test caranddriver.com
  16. MAZDA NEWSROOM｜ Mazda Releases RX-8 'Sport Prestige Limited II' Special Edition｜NEWS RELEASES newsroom.mazda.com
  17. MAZDA:Backnumber | News Releases newsroom.mazda.com
  18. Mazda Familia - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  19. Mazda Grand Familia - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  20. Mazda RX-7 - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  21. 100 years of Mazda | The Mazda RX-7 uk.mazda-press.com
  22. A Farewell To Mazda’s Road Racing Rotaries roadandtrack.com
  23. MAZDA:Backnumber | News Releases newsroom.mazda.com
  24. Neela's Mazda RX-8 From Tokyo Drift sxdrv.com
  25. IGCD.net - Internet Game Cars Database igcd.net
  26. The Mazda Design Dynasty uk.mazda-press.com
  27. One-Owner 2004 Mazda RX-8 Grand Touring 6-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $6,000 on February 14, 2025 (Lot #180,487) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  28. No Reserve: 27k-Mile 2008 Mazda RX-8 40th Anniversary Edition 6-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $18,200 on June 9, 2025 (Lot #195,288) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  29. No Reserve: 32k-Mile 2009 Mazda RX-8 Grand Touring for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $8,988 on July 22, 2026 (Lot #253,724) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  30. No Reserve: 2009 Mazda RX-8 R3 6-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $10,800 on May 26, 2026 (Lot #244,583) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  31. 2011 Mazda RX-8 R3 6-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $14,250 on November 1, 2025 (Lot #217,626) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  32. No Reserve: 2009 Mazda RX-8 R3 6-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $13,500 on November 29, 2024 (Lot #172,452) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  33. No Reserve: 32k-Mile 2005 Mazda RX-8 Grand Touring 6-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $8,200 on August 17, 2024 (Lot #158,908) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  34. No Reserve: 2005 Mazda RX-8 Shinka Edition 6-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $8,200 on April 28, 2024 (Lot #144,820) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • newsroom.mazda.com
  • octane-magazine.com
  • caranddriver.com
  • autoweek.com
  • carenthusiast.com
  • theautochannel.com
  • motortrend.com
  • uk.mazda-press.com
  • roadandtrack.com
  • sxdrv.com
  • igcd.net
  • bringatrailer.com

Photo credits

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