Mazda shows RX-8 Convertible, 15 years after official presentation

Debut in 2008

The Mazda RX-8 Convertible debuted in 2008 at a Mazda corporate event. During a parade of the automaker’s models, senior employees stood in.

Mazda RX-8 Convertible, a prototype

A production version of the Mazda RX-8 Convertible never appeared, but Mazda did toy with the idea of an open version, as evidenced by this prototype. The car is fully functional. For this model, the Japanese automaker opted for a roof bracket construction so that the rigidity of the bodywork is maintained.

Roof construction

The RX-8 features “suicide doors” where the rear doors open in opposite directions. Thanks to the roof brace, the rigidity of the B-pillar is maintained and adaptation of this particular door construction was not necessary. As you can see from the photos, the Mazda RX-8 Convertible – like the coupe – is a full four-seater.

Please some respect

The Mazda RX-8 Convertible will be on display from Saturday, July 22 through the end of August. So should you happen to visit Osaka quite by chance, stop by Mazda Brand Space Osaka. The Japanese do require some respect for the car. Opening/closing the door and boarding is possible, but not on your own. In fact, Mazda is being very economical with this prototype.

Photos: Mazda Japan