Mazda RX-8 Original Generation Type S

Identity and production context

Type S was a Japanese-market equipment and powertrain grade within the Mazda RX-8 Original Generation. Mazda identified it as the high-output, six-speed manual version before production began. It was a variant within the RX-8 line, rather than a separate generation or body style.

RX-8 production began at Mazda’s Ujina No.1 plant in Hiroshima, Japan, on 17 February 2003, initially for the domestic market. This is the model-line production commencement date; Mazda’s announcement does not identify a separate first-build date for Type S. Japanese advance orders had opened on 7 January. Mazda production announcement.

Japanese launch specification

Mazda announced the domestic launch on 9 April 2003, specifying pre-order deliveries from late April and general sales from early May. These are calendar dates, not an overseas model-year designation.

At launch, Type S paired a naturally aspirated, water-cooled twin-rotor RENESIS engine with a six-speed manual gearbox. Mazda quoted 184 kW (250 PS) at 8,500 rpm and 216 N·m at 5,500 rpm. Those figures describe the Japanese launch specification; they should not be applied indiscriminately to export cars or later revisions. The Japanese base grade and Type E used the lower-output 210 PS specification in that announcement.

Type S retained the four-seat body and centre-opening door arrangement. Its compact engine sat behind the front-wheel centre line. Double-wishbone front suspension, multi-link rear suspension and ventilated disc brakes supported the sporting layout; the launch specification listed 225/45R18 tyres on 18-inch wheels. Mazda launch announcement and specifications.

The 2008 facelift and Type RS relationship

The Japanese facelift launched on 10 March 2008 retained Type S with rear-wheel drive, a six-speed manual gearbox and a two-rotor engine of 654 cc per rotor, totalling 1,308 cc. Revised manual-transmission ratios, new water and oil pumps, suspension changes and local body reinforcement accompanied the update.

Type S received redesigned 18-inch wheels and black fabric seats with manual adjustment. Exterior revisions included larger front air intakes and revised rear lighting. These changes belong to the facelift specification and should not be backdated to launch cars.

Mazda explicitly described the new Type RS as based on Type S. Its 19-inch forged wheels, RECARO front seats, Bilstein dampers and special aerodynamic parts distinguished that sibling grade; they were not the standard Type S equipment described in the release. This relationship gives Type S a clear historical role as the foundation for the more extensively equipped performance derivative. Mazda facelift announcement.

Later availability and record scope

Mazda’s 25 May 2009 Japanese range announcement continued to list Type S with a six-speed manual transmission alongside Type RS. Standard equipment across the range gained rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights, water-repellent treatment for the front door windows and mirrors, and advanced keyless entry and engine starting. Audio-less specification also became standard. Mazda’s 2009 equipment update.

The contemporary releases cited here establish Type S at the 2003 launch and its continued availability in 2008 and 2009. They do not establish a precise final Type S production date or a grade-specific production total. The parent generation’s 2003–2012 span therefore should not be read as a verified Type S production interval. Likewise, Type S denotes the Japanese grade discussed here, rather than every six-speed manual RX-8 sold internationally.

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Mazda RX-8 Original Generation Type S 1308 cc RENESIS Rotary Engine
The Type S used a naturally aspirated 1308 cc RENESIS rotary with a six-speed manual transmission. Mazda's Japanese specifications distinguish the original 250 PS rating from the revised 235 PS specification introduced in 2008.
Engine