Mazda RX-8 Original Generation Mazdaspeed Version II

Overview

Mazda announced the Type S-based RX-8 Mazdaspeed Version II on 20 August 2004 for sale in Japan from early October. The planned run was 180 cars; this is not a verified completed-production total. It belongs beneath the original RX-8 generation. Mazda announcement.

RX-8 architecture and manufacturing context

The underlying RX-8 combined four seats and four doors with a naturally aspirated RENESIS rotary engine. Its compact engine supported a front-midship layout; the chassis used double-wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension. These were characteristics of the parent vehicle, distinct from the Mazdaspeed modifications. Mazda’s Japanese RX-8 launch.

RX-8 production began at Mazda’s Ujina No. 1 plant in Hiroshima, Japan, on 17 February 2003. This establishes the manufacturing origin of the underlying model; the cited announcement does not identify a separate Version II conversion facility. Mazda production announcement.

Version II specification

Its water-cooled twin-rotor engine used a six-speed manual gearbox. Changes included revised engine management, intake ducting, exhaust and catalyst, upgraded plugs, eccentric-shaft balancing, an oil cooler and a lighter flywheel. Mazda did not publish a separate power figure in this release.

The revised suspension combined adjustable ride height and damping with sports springs. Brake pads, structural braces and larger stabilizers complemented the chassis package. Exterior changes included a front nose, side skirts, rear underskirt, rear wing and identifying sticker. Strut Blue Mica was the listed colour; an earthing kit was optional. Version II equipment announcement.

Development and historical position

The earlier Mazdaspeed Version was announced in December 2003 for Japanese sales from mid-February 2004. It established the approach of combining Type S mechanicals with coordinated engine, suspension and aerodynamic modifications under Mazda’s quality-control system. Original Mazdaspeed announcement.

Version II continued that factory tuning programme. Its name identifies a special edition within the existing generation. The announcement supplies neither exact build dates nor a production-end date; October 2004 denotes announced sales timing, not an independently established model-year designation. Version II announcement.

Sources

• Mazda: RX-8 Mazdaspeed Version II announcement, 20 August 2004.
• Mazda: original RX-8 Mazdaspeed Version announcement, 24 December 2003.
• Mazda: RX-8 production begins at Ujina No. 1, 17 February 2003.
• Mazda: Japanese RX-8 launch and technical description, 9 April 2003.

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