What are you looking for?

By Style

Or

By Make & Model

We cover it all, click your favorite

.slidecontrols a.js {display:none !important;} Next

Prev Next

1 of 10

Photos: 2008 Mazda RX-8

Read Less

From its distinctive exterior styling to its unique rotary engine, the Mazda RX-8 is a mold-breaker. It is in serious need of a cabin-tech upgrade, but its precise handling and high-revving engine are a joy.

Updated: December 12, 2007 4:37 PM PST

Photo by: CNET Networks / Caption by: CNET Reviews staff

The RX-8's suicide--or "freestyle"--doors open and close without the need for a B-pillar. For this design to work, the back door has to be closed before the front door (which latches to it, as it would to a B-pillar).

Updated: December 12, 2007 4:37 PM PST

Photo by: CNET Networks / Caption by: CNET Reviews staff

The real story with the RX-8 is its 1.3-liter Renesis rotary engine, which is the only one of its kind currently in production. It works by replacing the pistons, valves, and other reciprocating parts of a regular internal combustion engine with two chambers, each containing a three-sided rotor orbiting a central axle. Despite its low displacement, the rotary engine puts out around 240 horsepower.

Updated: December 12, 2007 4:37 PM PST

Photo by: CNET Networks / Caption by: CNET Reviews staff

While the stereo head unit may be something out of the 20th century, the audio in RX-8's cabin plays via a premium Bose-branded sound system, which delivers plenty of bass-line punch.

Updated: December 12, 2007 4:37 PM PST

Photo by: CNET Networks / Caption by: CNET Reviews staff

The RX-8's Grand Touring's standard audio system comprises an in-dash, six-disc changer without the ability to read MP3 or WMA discs. From the evidence of a redundant button on the right of the stereo, it appears that the RX-8 may have once offered tape deck and even minidisc playback capabilities.

Updated: December 12, 2007 4:37 PM PST

Photo by: CNET Networks / Caption by: CNET Reviews staff

The performance difference between the low end of the RX-8's rpm range and the top end is remarkable. Peak power arrives at a stratospheric 8,500rpm, 500 short of the redline.

Updated: December 12, 2007 4:37 PM PST

Photo by: CNET Networks / Caption by: CNET Reviews staff

The RX-8 comes with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic. Thankfully, our test car came with the former, complete with triangular, rotary-themed trim.

Updated: December 12, 2007 4:37 PM PST

Photo by: CNET Networks / Caption by: CNET Reviews staff

Our test car came with the optional "rotary accent package," which includes two polished badges of the same shape attached underneath the front and rear bumpers.

Updated: December 12, 2007 4:37 PM PST

Photo by: CNET Networks / Caption by: CNET Reviews staff

With its distinctive high-revving rotary-engine and comic-book exterior styling, the Mazda RX-8 differentiates from the competition.

Updated: December 12, 2007 4:37 PM PST

Photo by: CNET Networks / Caption by: CNET Reviews staff

Another notable feature of the RX-8's design is the prevalence of triangular symbols inside and out: A reference to the engine's three-sided rotor, these devices adorn the headrests, the gear shifter, and even the top of the hood, giving the cabin a slightly Masonic feel.

Updated: December 12, 2007 4:37 PM PST

Photo by: CNET Networks / Caption by: CNET Reviews staff

Latest Galleries
See all

THIS SMART IRON COST $1000

How much do you hate wrinkled clothes?

A Swedish company known for its high-end ironing systems will soon begin to sell a smart iron that costs more than $1,000.

Latest From Roadshow

Red-light runner positively creams Google's self-driving Lexus

Mapping company Here will let drivers use maps from competing automakers

McLaren built an affordable, electric P1, but you won't fit in it

Matt LeBlanc returns to helm season 2 of the new 'Top Gear'

Renault-Nissan and Microsoft team up for connected-car push