What does the "RX" in RX-8 mean?
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Joined: Jul 2004
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Okay guys, I e-mailed Mazda a couple hours ago and just got a response from one of their representatives. Here's a copy of the e-mail:
Hi Will,
Thanks for contacting Mazda.
Okay, you guys have way to much time on your hands! (just kidding)
I did some research and found out that "officially" the "RX" does not
stand for anything. When our Mazda Product Planning and Research
Departments were exploring the possibilities of producing a Rotary
engine they had to name it something for experimental purposes, so they
used an "R" for Rotary and the "X" for experimental.
Enjoy your weekend!
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Thom R.
Specialist, Customer Assistance E-Business
So there we have it...
Hi Will,
Thanks for contacting Mazda.
Okay, you guys have way to much time on your hands! (just kidding)
I did some research and found out that "officially" the "RX" does not
stand for anything. When our Mazda Product Planning and Research
Departments were exploring the possibilities of producing a Rotary
engine they had to name it something for experimental purposes, so they
used an "R" for Rotary and the "X" for experimental.
Enjoy your weekend!
Please take a moment to give us your opinion about our e-mail service.
Click or paste the link below to complete a brief, online survey.
http://www.zoomerang.com/survey.zgi?p=WEB2248ZYW42KG
Regards,
Thom R.
Specialist, Customer Assistance E-Business
So there we have it...
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www.acronymfinder.com states that RX stands for Rotary Experimental. Since the Mazda Rep confirmed that, I will put my trust into acronymfinder.com and say that MX stands for Mazda Experimental. I don't really feel like e-mailing them again, anyone else out there?
Coming thru in waves...
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From: Somewhere between Yesterday and Tomorrow.
Maybe Lexus knows.
http://www.lexus.com/models/rx_gateway.html
http://www.lexus.com/models/rx_gateway.html
Administrator
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 21,958
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From: portland oregon
it initially stood for experimental but today the X is just an X. RX is rotary car. MX is sport car (non rotary). CX is for their Crossover/SUV vehicles. Mazda(insert number) is their bread and butter line Mazda3 Mazda5 Mazda6 etc etc.
Originally Posted by toxin440
dunno.. but i know "Renesis" is stood to mean "Rotary Evolution Genesis" if that helps, lol
Not quite. Straight from Jack Yamaguchi's definitive RX-8 book:
The name RENESIS is coined from Rotary Engine's GENESIS..........It is a new design, as its name aptly describes; Rotary Engine for the New-generation with Exhaust ports on the Side housings and Intake ports on the Side housings - RENESIS. Two definitions resulting in the same name.
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From: Florida
For me, "Rotary Experimental", sounds pretty cool. In aviation circles, experimental aircraft are hot little numbers and anyone owning one is usually regarded as being pretty serious about aviation.
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From: Sydney, Australia
Originally Posted by RX-Hachi
Perhaps a bit more evidence from this site: http://www.scuderiaciriani.com/rx7/history.html
MAZDA COSMO & R100
The most disarming feature of the R100 was its ordinariness. Twenty-four years ago the Australian public wasn't able to fathom the sort of performance this small car could offer. Initially, the potent and dainty Mazda was considered a technical adventure, and due to the uniqueness of its revolutionary rotary engine, the R100 enjoyed above average media attention which helped sales well enough to establish the R100's marketing success. Mazda first showed this car at the Tokyo Motor Show in October 1967 as the RX-85 (RX meaning Rotary Experimental).
MAZDA COSMO & R100
The most disarming feature of the R100 was its ordinariness. Twenty-four years ago the Australian public wasn't able to fathom the sort of performance this small car could offer. Initially, the potent and dainty Mazda was considered a technical adventure, and due to the uniqueness of its revolutionary rotary engine, the R100 enjoyed above average media attention which helped sales well enough to establish the R100's marketing success. Mazda first showed this car at the Tokyo Motor Show in October 1967 as the RX-85 (RX meaning Rotary Experimental).
I wrote that piece back in 1993 for FF&R magazine........
This was well before the internet so my research was from original Mazda literature of the time provided by a Mazda guy who kept everything that came into the office from the mid 60's.
REgards
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Originally Posted by DMRH
How we all come in circles......
I wrote that piece back in 1993 for FF&R magazine........
This was well before the internet so my research was from original Mazda literature of the time provided by a Mazda guy who kept everything that came into the office from the mid 60's.
REgards
I wrote that piece back in 1993 for FF&R magazine........
This was well before the internet so my research was from original Mazda literature of the time provided by a Mazda guy who kept everything that came into the office from the mid 60's.
REgards
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Originally Posted by Michael
I'm convinced that it's export.
Lexus = Luxury EXport to the US
Would you really want to be driving an Experiment?
Lexus = Luxury EXport to the US
Would you really want to be driving an Experiment?
