Mazda · RX-8

Mazda RX-8 1st generation (SE3P)

Years: 2003–2013
Chassis: SE3P
Drivetrain: FR

Story

To combine a package seating four adults with "lightness", it adopted "freestyle doors" that open front and rear like a cabinet. It won the "International Engine of the Year".

Stories

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.

Noboru Katabuchi

Chassis

Front

Double wishbone

Rear

Multi-link

Curb weight: 1,340-1,460kg

Production plants

Hiroshima Plant Ujina No.1
Minami-ku, Hiroshima

US import eligibility

Earliest cars: Eligible from May 202825 years after sales began in May 2003
Last cars: Eligible during 203825 years after sales ended in 2013 (month not recorded)

Eligibility depends on each car's month of manufacture on its build plate, not on the sale dates shown here (NHTSA).

Japanese cars reaching 25 years in 2028 →

Engineers

Noboru Katabuchi

Program manager of the Mazda RX-8.

Ikuo Maeda

Hometown: Hiroshima Prefecture

A Mazda car designer. After working on the exterior design of the Millenia and the first-generation Demio, he served as chief designer of the Tribute, the RX-8 and the third-generation Demio. He succeeded Laurens van den Acker as head of the design division, and presented the design theme "KODO - Soul of Motion" together with the Shinari concept car.