
Noboru Katabuchi
MazdaDevelopment lead
Chief engineer who led design of the RX-8 and, in the 2008 minor change, refined cooling efficiency and handling without changing its theme much
Timeline
- 2003

Refining function without changing the theme
In the minor change, Katabuchi aimed for functional improvements without changing the RX-8's theme much. While improving the drag coefficient, a larger front grille and side openings for the oil coolers raised cooling efficiency, and two front faces were offered: the base model with a calmer look and the aggressive "Type RS." The Type RS got BBS 19-inch forged aluminum wheels, Bilstein dampers and a urethane-filled front crossmember, making a package with even better handling and lively driving to enjoy.
Mazda
Profile
Program manager of the Mazda RX-8.
Translated from Japanese sources.
Mazda engineers
Ikuo MaedaRX-8
Yasushi NakamutaRoadster
Takao KijimaRX-7 / Roadster
Koichi HayashiRoadster
Masashi NakayamaCX-5 / Roadster
Nobuhiro YamamotoRoadster
Takeshi ArakawaAZ-3
Toshihiko HiraiRoadster / AZ-1