2004 Mazda RX-8

2004 Mazda RX-8 — overview and factory equipment

Powertrain and performance
- Engine: 1.3L R2 rotary (Renesis) rated at 238 hp and 159 lb-ft of torque. The rotary design delivers a high-revving powerband and smooth, linear throttle response distinct from conventional piston engines.
- Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive layout for a more balanced, sporty feel.
- Transmissions: 6-speed manual transmission was the factory performance choice; a 4-speed automatic was offered as the alternative.
- Chassis and suspension: Sport-oriented suspension tuning with independent front and rear suspension components and a low center of gravity engineered to emphasize handling and responsiveness.
- Brakes and wheels: Four-wheel disc brakes were standard; the RX-8 rode on alloy wheels sized by trim (17-inch wheels were typical on base models) fitted with performance tires.

Exterior features
- Unique four-door coupe body with rear-hinged “freestyle” back doors providing easier access to rear seats while maintaining a coupe profile.
- Frameless door glass on the front doors for a cleaner, sporty appearance.
- Aerodynamic styling with a long hood and short deck; integrated front and rear bumpers and distinctive Mazda RX design cues.
- Standard halogen headlamps (higher-trim packages and options included upgraded lighting and fog lamps).
- Body-color heated side mirrors and power mirrors were part of the factory equipment mix depending on trim.
- Exterior paint and trim finished to factory specifications, with multiple color options available from new.

Interior and comfort
- Seating for four with two front sport bucket seats and two smaller rear seats; front seats were contoured for lateral support during spirited driving.
- Cloth upholstery was standard; leather seating surfaces were available as a factory option on higher trims.
- 60/40 split-folding rear seats to increase cargo flexibility.
- Driver-oriented cockpit with a low seating position, a center console that runs forward into the dash, and a sporty steering wheel design.
- Manual climate controls and air conditioning were standard; some trims offered automatic climate control as an option.
- Power windows and power door locks with remote keyless entry were standard equipment.
- Tilt steering wheel and adjustable driver seating to help achieve a comfortable driving position.
- Factory audio: AM/FM stereo with single-disc CD player and a multi-speaker sound system (auxiliary connectivity was not common on factory radios in 2004; upgraded audio systems and multi-disc changers were available as options).

Instrumentation and controls
- Driver-focused instrument cluster with prominently placed tachometer and speedometer designed to emphasize the RX-8’s rev-oriented performance characteristics.
- Center console controls grouped for logical access to audio and climate functions.
- Standard convenience items such as illuminated vanity mirrors, overhead lighting and multiple storage compartments and cupholders.

Safety and security
- Dual front airbags and front side airbags for occupant protection.
- Four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock braking (ABS) were part of the factory safety package.
- Factory-installed seatbelt systems with pretensioners and standard child seat tether anchors in the rear.
- Remote keyless entry and a factory security system for basic theft deterrence.

Options and dealer-installed equipment
- Factory option packages and dealer options included leather seating, upgraded audio systems (multi-disc changers, premium speakers), 18-inch wheels on higher trims, sport suspension tuning packages and various convenience upgrades such as power-adjustable seats and automatic climate control.
- Limited-slip differentials, upgraded brake packages and sport appearance options were av