Mazda RX-8 Type S

Mazda RX-8 Type S

The Mazda RX-8 was the last stand for the Wankel rotary engine in a production car, and Mazda gave it a proper send-off. The Renesis 13B-MSP engine was the most advanced rotary ever built, featuring side exhaust ports (instead of peripheral ports) that dramatically improved emissions and fuel economy while maintaining the rotary's signature high-revving character. The 1.3-litre twin-rotor produced 232 hp at 8,500 rpm in six-speed manual form, revving freely to 9,000 rpm with a smoothness that no piston engine could match. The RX-8's body was equally innovative: the 'freestyle' door arrangement used front-hinged front doors and rear-hinged rear half-doors (with no B-pillar), creating the practicality of a four-door car with the look of a coupe. Front-engine, rear-drive layout with 50:50 weight distribution gave the RX-8 sublime handling balance, aided by double-wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension. The RX-8 was lighter than the turbocharged RX-7 FD and arguably better balanced, though less outright fast. Mazda sold over 192,000 RX-8s globally before production ended in 2012, marking the end of the rotary engine era — though Mazda has since revived the rotary as a range-extender in the MX-30 R-EV.