When Mazda showed the RX-Evolv concept at the 1999 Tokyo Motor Show, many questioned the need for a four door sports car, while others immediately embraced the idea. We found out the notion was valid, as the production version was revealed and it came. Mazda said the RX-8 provided “striking original sports car styling, a superior blend of sports handling and performance, and ride comfort and practicality for four adults.”
It was poweredby an all new naturally aspirated 1.3L rotary engine rated at 247 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque, backed by a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. Concept car gear such as the joystick shifter, active cornering braking system, multimedia display, and ID card used for unlocking doors and starting the engine did not make production. The final body design shared the concept’s rounded wheel arches, long nose, short rear section, and Mazda’s Freestyle Door System. This encompassed large front doors and smaller, rear hinged suicide doors that opened 90 degrees to allow access to the back seat. The RX-8 hauled more people than a two seater and outhandled many sport sedans. However, was this a niche that needed to be filled?
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