Mazda RX-8 Original Generation Type E

Identity and place in the range

The Type E was a Japanese-market automatic-transmission grade of the Mazda RX-8 original generation. Mazda’s April 2003 launch specification paired it with four-speed Activematic transmission and the standard-output RENESIS rotary engine. The Japanese base grade also offered an automatic, so Type E does not describe every automatic RX-8. At launch, the higher-output Type S instead used a six-speed manual. These distinctions concern Japanese grades; export-market specifications should be identified separately. Mazda’s launch release.

Production and introduction

RX-8 production began at Mazda’s Ujina No.1 Plant in Hiroshima, Japan, on 17 February 2003, initially for the domestic market. Mazda’s production announcement explicitly included Type E among the planned Japanese versions; this is the RX-8 production-start date, not a separately documented first Type E build date. Mazda’s production announcement.

The domestic launch announcement followed on 9 April 2003, specifying deliveries of pre-ordered cars from late April and general sales from early May. These are calendar dates rather than export model-year designations. Japanese launch timetable.

Launch engineering

The four-seat body used centre-opening freestyle doors. Its naturally aspirated, water-cooled twin-rotor RENESIS engine sat in a front-midship layout. The Japanese launch Type E was rated at 154 kW (210 PS) at 7,200 rpm and 222 N·m at 5,000 rpm, with four-speed Activematic. These figures apply to the launch specification. Mazda’s specification tables.

The 2006 six-speed update

On 22 August 2006 Mazda began accepting Japanese orders for an upgraded automatic RX-8, with sales scheduled for mid-October. Type E received six-speed Activematic transmission and a six-port rotary intake arrangement, replacing the earlier four-port configuration. The engine retained two rotors of 654 cc each, totalling 1,308 cc, and drove the rear wheels. Mazda described closer gear spacing, a broader overall ratio range and revised Active Adaptive Shift control.

The optional Sand Beige Leather Package included coordinated upholstery and door trim, power seat adjustment, advanced keyless entry, and additional equipment. Its 18-inch wheels, fog lamps and aluminium pedals were package equipment on the automatic, rather than universal Type E features. Mazda’s August 2006 update.

Type E after the 2008 facelift

The Japanese facelift launched on 10 March 2008 retained Type E as a six-speed automatic grade. Revised bumpers, lighting and side vents accompanied mechanical changes across the RX-8 range. Type E’s standard wheels increased from 16 to 17 inches.

Its cabin featured perforated leather upholstery in black, red or beige, heated front seats and an eight-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat with memory and electric folding for rear access. Navigation remained a factory option. The automatic gained Direct mode, allowing temporary paddle-operated gear changes while the selector remained in Drive. Mazda also revised the engine’s water and oil pumps and the suspension. These are facelift specifications and should not be applied retrospectively to 2003 cars. Mazda’s March 2008 release.

Final years and historical significance

Type E supplied the basis for the automatic Spirit R, announced in October 2011 for Japanese sale from 24 November. Mazda stated that the lineup would then comprise Spirit R and Type G only. Consequently, the parent generation’s 2003–2012 span should not be treated as an unchanged Type E sales period. The announcement does not establish the final assembly date of an ordinary Type E.

The automatic Spirit R added sports suspension, larger brakes and 18-inch wheels, among other equipment; these additions should not be attributed to the regular Type E. Historically, Type E documents the RX-8’s combination of rotary-powered sporting character, automatic transmission and comfort equipment, and its role as the foundation of the final automatic special edition. Mazda’s Spirit R announcement.

Sources

• Mazda: Japanese RX-8 launch and specifications, 9 April 2003
• Mazda: RX-8 production begins at Ujina No.1, 17 February 2003
• Mazda: Six-speed automatic update, 22 August 2006
• Mazda: Japanese facelift specifications, 10 March 2008
• Mazda: Spirit R and revised Japanese lineup, 7 October 2011
• Wikimedia Commons: Type E photograph, creator and CC0 dedication

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• Mazda RX-8 Original Generation Type E 1308 cc RENESIS Rotary Engine

  The Type E used Mazda’s naturally aspirated twin-rotor RENESIS. Its Japanese specification evolved from a four-port engine with four-speed automatic transmission to a six-port engine with six-speed Activematic.

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