2004 Mazda RX-8 Base

The 2004 MAZDA RX-8 Coupe 4D stands as an exceptionally unique, lightweight performance benchmark in the sports coupe segment, representing the inaugural debut model year for Mazda's innovative SE3P platform. Engineered around a balanced 50:50 front-to-rear weight distribution and a low center of gravity, this 4-passenger rotary-powered vehicle discards traditional 2-door layouts in favor of a unique 'Freestyle' 4-door suicide door design, combining sharp track-bred chassis dynamics with accessible rear-seat entry.
Under the front-midship aluminum hood sits Mazda’s high-revving, naturally aspirated 1.3-liter RENESIS (13B-MSP) Twin-Rotor Wankel Rotary engine. In models equipped with the standard 6-speed manual transmission, this high-output dual-rotor core produces 238 horsepower at 8,500 RPM (with a thrilling 9,000 RPM redline) and 159 lb-ft of torque at 5,500 RPM. Models paired with the optional 4-speed Sport AT automatic transmission produce 197 horsepower at 7,200 RPM and 164 lb-ft of torque. Power is routed exclusively to the rear wheels via Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) with a standard TorSen® limited-slip rear differential (on manual builds). Supported by a double-wishbone front suspension and a 5-point multi-link rear setup, the manual RX-8 launches from 0 to 60 MPH in just 5.9 seconds.
On the exterior, the 2004 RX-8 executes an aggressive, functional visual statement highlighted by a wide low-slung front air intake, flared fender arches, angular halogen headlights (or available High-Intensity Discharge HID lamps), dual bright chrome exhaust tips, and rear-hinged rear half-doors without a central B-pillar. Functional exterior features include power-adjustable side mirrors, dynamic windshield wipers, a rear decklid spoiler (standard on Grand Touring or Sport packages), and an assertive stance rolling proudly on 18-inch 5-spoke aluminum alloy wheels (or standard 16-inch alloy wheels on base automatic models) wrapped in high-performance summer tires.
Inside, the driver-centric cockpit welcomes up to four occupants into a cockpit featuring rotor-themed design motifs, aluminum pedals, and deeply cushioned front bucket seats draped in durable cloth upholstery (or available two-tone leather). Amenities include an 8-way power driver seat, a leather-wrapped multifunction sport steering wheel, Manual Air Conditioning (or available Automatic Climate Control), power windows, power door locks, keyless entry, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and center consoles extending through to the two dedicated rear bucket seats. Digital connectivity centers around an integrated dash console display, featuring an AM/FM stereo with single-CD player (or available 6-disc CD changer), auxiliary inputs, and a 6-speaker audio system (or available studio-quality 9-speaker Bose® Premium Sound System with Centerpoint® signal processing).
Practicality and space utilization remain surprisingly viable for a track-focused sports coupe thanks to its 106.3-inch wheelbase and 4-door layout, allowing adult passengers easy entry and exit to the rear bucket seats. Opening the trunk lid reveals 7.6 cubic feet of flat cargo trunk space, providing a secure area to transport luggage sets, tools, media gear packages, or daily commercial inventory, supplemented by a trunk pass-through for longer equipment.
Backed by a 15.9-gallon fuel tank, this 1.3L rotary engine achieves an EPA-estimated 16 MPG city and 22 MPG highway with the 6-speed manual transmission (16/23 MPG for the 4-speed automatic). Safety is strong for a lightweight sports car, utilizing an ultra-high-strength steel passenger safety cell structure with built-in vertical reinforcement bars inside the rear doors to replace traditional middle pillars. The vehicle comes factory-equipped with Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with Traction Control System (TCS), 4-wheel Anti-lock Disc Brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), and an advanced