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Mazda RX-8

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Mazda RX-8 Review, For Sale, Specs, Models & News in Australia

The two-door Mazda RX-8 coupe holds a special place in the history of the small Japanese company.

The small rear-wheel drive sports car was sold in Australia from 2003 to 2011, and is to date the last rotary-engined car ever made by Mazda. Powered by a 1.3-litre Wankel rotary engine, the RX-8 was available as a six-speed manual and four-speed automatic The RX-8 can trace its lineage directly back to 1978 with the RX-7, while the rotary was first used in the Cosmo in 1967. The single-cylinder rotary engine will make a return to the Mazda range, as a range extender for a forthcoming electric vehicle.

Mazda RX-8 Models Price and Specs

The price range for the Mazda RX-8 varies based on the trim level you choose. Starting at $12,540 and going to $17,380 for the latest year the model was manufactured. The model range is available in the following body types starting from the engine/transmission specs shown below.

Year Body Type Specs Price from Price to
2012 Coupe 1.3L, PULP, 6 SP MAN $12,540 $17,380
2011 Coupe 1.3L, PULP, 6 SP MAN $10,230 $15,070
2010 Coupe 1.3L, PULP, 6 SP MAN $8,800 $13,750
2009 Coupe 1.3L, PULP, 6 SP MAN $7,920 $12,320
2008 Coupe 1.3L, PULP, 6 SP MAN $6,710 $10,450
See All Mazda RX-8 Pricing and Specs

Mazda RX-8 Q&As

Check out real-world situations relating to the Mazda RX-8 here, particularly what our experts have to say about them.

  • Mazda RX9 - When will Mazda launch the next rotary sport car?

    The short answer is: nobody knows.

    Recent rumours suggest that a hybrid-powered piston-engined coupe with a small rotary range-extender engine might be under consideration, or even a non-rotary-powered piston-hybrid sports car bearing the 'RX-9' badge may be in the pipeline. With Mazda developing inline six-cylinder petrol engines, the latter might be more on the money.

    But a low-volume expensive coupe is probably not on Mazda's priorities list, sadly.

    Thank you.

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  • How to remove a Mazda RX-8 radio?

    Turn the gear knob anti-clockwise, the pop the centre console out using trim removal tools. Remove two Phillips head screws holding the base of the radio trim and ashtray to the centre console support structure. Pull the ashtray and cigarette lighter assembly out. Remove the plastic trim from under the steering column, then remove the two Phillips head screws under the radio trim panel in the centre console, and one bolt tucked up the side of the radio unit which is accessed from the passenger side. The radio then pops out of its clips when lifted from the bottom of the unit..

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  • Heart wants RX8

    BUY the RX8. Rotary engines are typically heavier on fuel than a four-cylinder engine, and your V8 comparison is probably correct. They have also been a little heavier on oil than a piston engine, but that's not a problem. The RX8 is a high-performance sports car and needs oils that protect it against hard driving.

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See All Mazda RX-8 Q&As
Disclaimer: You acknowledge and agree that all answers are provided as a general guide only and should not be relied upon as bespoke advice. Carsguide is not liable for the accuracy of any information provided in the answers.

Mazda RX-8 Wheel Size

The Mazda RX-8 has a number of different wheel and tyre options. When it comes to tyres, these range from 225x45 R18 for Coupe in 2012 with a wheel size that spans from 18x8 inches.

Year Body Type Front Tyre Size Front Rim Rear Tyre Size Rear Rim
2012 Coupe 225x45 R18 18x8 inches 225x45 R18 18x8 inches
2011 Coupe 225x45 R18 18x8 inches 225x45 R18 18x8 inches
2010 Coupe 225x45 R18 18x8 inches 225x45 R18 18x8 inches
2009 Coupe 225x45 R18 18x8 inches 225x45 R18 18x8 inches
2008 Coupe 225x45 R18 18x8 inches 225x45 R18 18x8 inches
The dimensions shown above are for the base model. See All Mazda RX-8 Wheel Sizes

Mazda RX-8 Fuel Consumption

The Mazda RX-8 is available in a number of variants and body types that are powered by PULP fuel type(s). It has an estimated fuel consumption starting from 12.9L/100km for Coupe /PULP for the latest year the model was manufactured.

Year Body Type Fuel Consumption* Engine Fuel Type Transmission
2012 Coupe 12.9L/100km 1.3L PULP 6 SP MAN
2011 Coupe 12.9L/100km 1.3L PULP 6 SP MAN
2010 Coupe 12.9L/100km 1.3L PULP 6 SP MAN
2009 Coupe 12.9L/100km 1.3L PULP 6 SP MAN
2008 Coupe 12.6L/100km 1.3L PULP 6 SP MAN
* Combined fuel consumption See All Mazda RX-8 Pricing and Specs for 2012

Mazda RX-8 Dimensions

The dimensions of the Mazda RX-8 Coupe vary according to year of manufacture and spec level.

Year Body Type Height x Width x Length Ground Clearance
2012 Coupe 1340x1770x4435 mm 100 mm
2011 Coupe 1340x1770x4435 mm 100 mm
2010 Coupe 1340x1770x4435 mm 100 mm
2009 Coupe 1340x1770x4435 mm 100 mm
2008 Coupe 1340x1770x4435 mm 100 mm
The dimensions shown above are for the base model. See All Mazda RX-8 Dimensions

Mazda RX-8 Towing Capacity

The Mazda RX-8 has maximum towing capacity of 950kg for the latest model available.

Year Body Type Braked Capacity from Braked Capacity to
2012 Coupe 650kg 950kg
2011 Coupe 650kg 950kg
2010 Coupe 650kg 950kg
2009 Coupe 650kg 950kg
2008 Coupe 650kg 950kg
See All Towing Capacity for Mazda RX-8