RX-8 Grand Touring

The Mazda RX-8 Grand Touring represented the mid-to-upper trim level of Mazda revolutionary four-door sports car featuring the Renesis 13B-MSP rotary engine. The 1.3-liter (1,308cc) two-rotor Renesis (Rotary Engine Genesis with Multi Side Ports) produced 232 horsepower at 8,500 rpm with six-speed manual transmission or 212 horsepower at 7,500 rpm with six-speed automatic, both generating 159 lb-ft of torque at 5,500 rpm. Weighing approximately 112 kg (247 lb) without fluids, the Renesis represented Mazda most advanced rotary engine, featuring side exhaust ports eliminating overlap issues of previous designs and enabling higher efficiency and lower emissions while maintaining the rotary signature smooth high-rpm power delivery.

The Grand Touring trim, available from 2009-2012 alongside Sport and R3 variants, featured enhanced equipment including available seven-inch touch LCD navigation system (exclusive to Grand Touring), Dynamic Stability Control, Traction Control, and premium interior appointments. The innovative freestyle rear-hinged rear doors provided genuine four-passenger capability unusual for a sports car, while near-perfect 50/50 weight distribution and low polar moment of inertia delivered exceptional handling dynamics. The RX-8 Grand Touring offered unique rotary engine character with practical four-seat versatility, appealing to enthusiasts seeking distinctive powertrain technology and engaging driving dynamics with everyday usability. The combination of Renesis smoothness, balanced chassis, and four-door practicality made the RX-8 Grand Touring a compelling alternative to conventional sports cars.