Introduction
The 2003 Mazda RX 8 is a sports car produced by the Japanese automaker Mazda Motor Corporation. It is the successor to the legendary Mazda RX-7 and was the first rotary-engined sports car since the RX-7 was discontinued in 2002. The RX 8 was introduced in 2003 and was in production until 2012. It was the first production car to incorporate the company’s ‘RENESIS’ rotary engine, which was a version of the 13B engine that was used in earlier Mazda RX-7s. The RX 8 was well-received by automotive enthusiasts and the motoring press alike, and has become a cult classic in the years since its discontinuation.
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine
The 2003 Mazda RX 8 was powered by the company’s ‘RENESIS’ rotary engine. This engine was a version of the 13B engine that was used in the earlier generation Mazda RX-7s. The RENESIS engine featured a two-rotor design and was capable of producing up to 232 horsepower and 159 lb-ft of torque. It was also lighter and more fuel-efficient than the 13B engine, making it a more attractive option for those looking for an efficient yet powerful sports car.
Transmission
The 2003 Mazda RX 8 was available with either a six-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic transmission. The manual transmission was the preferred option by most enthusiasts due to its smoother shifts and greater control over the car’s performance. The automatic transmission was more suitable for those looking for a more comfortable driving experience.
Performance
The 2003 Mazda RX 8 was capable of accelerating from 0-60 mph in 6.3 seconds with the manual transmission and 6.7 seconds with the automatic transmission. It was also capable of reaching a top speed of 155 mph. The RX 8 was also praised for its excellent handling and responsive steering, making it a great car for carving up the track or cruising down the highway.
Interior and Exterior
Interior
The interior of the 2003 Mazda RX 8 was designed to be comfortable and luxurious. The seats were leather-trimmed and featured adjustable lumbar support, providing the driver and passengers with plenty of comfort on long journeys. The interior also featured a number of convenience features such as power windows, power locks, cruise control, and a six-speaker audio system.
Exterior
The exterior of the 2003 Mazda RX 8 was designed to be sleek and aerodynamic. It featured a low-slung design with a long hood and a short rear deck. The car also featured a large rear spoiler and 18-inch alloy wheels, giving it an aggressive and sporty look.
Safety and Reliability
Safety
The 2003 Mazda RX 8 was equipped with a number of safety features, including dual front airbags, four-wheel anti-lock brakes, and traction control. The car also featured a number of advanced driver assistance systems, including lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, and a rearview camera.
Reliability
The 2003 Mazda RX 8 is considered to be a reliable car. It has a reputation for being well-built and reliable, and most owners report few issues with their cars. The car is also known for its low maintenance costs, making it a great value for the money.
Conclusion
The 2003 Mazda RX 8 is a classic sports car that has become a cult classic in its own right. It is a reliable and well-built car that is capable of delivering great performance and handling. The car also offers plenty of comfort and convenience features, making it a great car for those looking for a fun and reliable sports car.
Gallery of ‘2003 Mazda RX 8’
Exterior Design
The exterior of the 2003 Mazda RX 8 was designed to be sleek and aerodynamic, featuring a low-slung design with a long hood and a short rear deck.
The car featured a large rear spoiler and 18-inch alloy wheels, giving it an aggressive and sporty look.
The car also featured a retractable hardtop, which allowed the driver to enjoy the open-air driving experience.
Interior Design
The interior of the 2003 Mazda RX 8 was designed to be comfortable and luxurious, featuring leather-trimmed seats and adjustable lumbar support.
The interior also featured a number of convenience features such as power windows, power locks, cruise control, and a six-speaker audio system.
The car also featured a number of advanced driver assistance systems, including lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, and a rearview camera.
Engine
The 2003 Mazda RX 8 was powered by the company’s ‘RENESIS’ rotary engine. This engine was a version of the 13B engine that was used in the earlier generation Mazda RX-7s.
The RENESIS engine was capable of producing up to 232 horsepower and 159 lb-ft of torque, making it a very potent and efficient engine.
The car was available with either a six-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic transmission, allowing drivers to choose the transmission that best suited their driving style.