Mazda RX-8 SE3P Series (2003–2012)
Source a qualifying Mazda RX-8 SE3P from Japan, with estimated landed and complied pricing from around $9,000 AUD.
Mazda RX-8 SE3P Series
The Mazda RX-8 brought rotary performance into a distinctive four-seat sports coupe, combining its naturally aspirated RENESIS engine with rear-wheel drive and rear-hinged access doors. Produced from 2003 to 2012, the Japanese-market RX-8 was offered with different transmissions, performance specifications and interior packages.
Prestige Car Imports can assist with sourcing and importing a qualifying RX-8 from Japan. Australian SEVS approval is limited to particular model codes, build dates and gearboxes, so the individual vehicle’s factory identification needs to match the approval.
Production History
- April–May 2003: The RX-8 launches in Japan with the 13B-MSP RENESIS rotary engine. Original models include the standard five-speed manual, four-speed automatic and high-output Type S six-speed manual.
- August–October 2006: Mazda introduces a six-speed automatic with a six-port RENESIS engine and offers the Sand Beige Leather Package on selected grades. The six-speed automatic reaches Japanese showrooms in October.
- March 2008: A facelift brings revised bumpers and lighting, a more refined interior and the new Type RS with Recaro seats, Bilstein dampers and forged 19-inch wheels.
- May 2009: The base automatic is renamed Type G. Automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, advanced keyless entry and water-repellent glass treatment become standard across the range.
- 2011–2012: The Spirit R marks the final special-edition phase of RX-8 production.
The full factory model history is broader than the configurations currently approved for import under the applicable SEVS Model Report.
SE3P — Mazda RX-8
Approved for Import to Australia
SEVS approval covers these specific RX-8 configurations:
SEV-001077: CBA-SE3P with five-speed manual transmission only, within February 2003 – June 2012.
SEV-001078: ABA-SE3P with six-speed automatic transmission only, within February 2003 – January 2008.
Model Report MRE-000198 is in force for the listed configurations and expressly excludes Spirit R vehicles. The factory Japanese six-speed automatic arrived in late 2006. Four-speed automatics, six-speed manuals and Spirit R variants are not covered by this Model Report.
Confirm the exact model-code prefix, transmission and build date of the individual car before purchase.
View SEV-001077 (5MT) details →
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Generation | Mazda RX-8 SE3P |
| Production | 2003–2012 |
| Engine | 13B-MSP RENESIS naturally aspirated twin-rotor petrol engine |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive |
| Seating | Four |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Multi-link |
| Wheelbase | 2,700 mm |
| Original base 5MT (2003 reference) | 210 PS / 154 kW |
| Original Type S 6MT (2003 reference) | 250 PS / 184 kW; not approved under MRE-000198 |
| Japanese 6AT (2006 reference) | 215 PS / 158 kW |
| SEVS 5MT | CBA-SE3P, approved dates 02/2003–06/2012 |
| SEVS 6AT | ABA-SE3P, approved dates 02/2003–01/2008 |
Power outputs and equipment changed during production. The gearbox alone does not establish import eligibility without the correct model code and build date.
Estimated Landed & Complied Pricing
Prices vary with Japanese market availability, condition, kilometres, exchange rates, shipping and applicable import costs. Registration and other on-road costs are separate.
Estimated from around
$9,000 AUD
landed and complied
- For a matching CBA-SE3P; actual specification and availability must be confirmed.
Price on enquiry
- For a matching ABA-SE3P within the approved build-date window.
Factory Grades & Equipment
The factory grade name is not a substitute for checking the actual CBA-SE3P or ABA-SE3P model code, transmission and build date.
| Factory grade | Equipment and production differences |
|---|---|
| Standard RX-8 | Original standard-output RENESIS specification, available as a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic at launch. A six-speed automatic joined the range in 2006. Equipment and model code vary by year. |
| Type E | Comfort-focused automatic grade with leather-oriented interior equipment. The six-speed automatic version appeared in 2006; the 2008 facelift added perforated leather trim and enhanced power-seat functions. |
| Type S | Higher-output six-speed manual performance grade, with an 18-inch wheel specification. This gearbox is outside the current Model Report. |
| Type RS | Introduced in 2008 with Recaro bucket seats, Bilstein dampers, 19-inch forged wheels and dedicated aerodynamic components. Its six-speed manual is outside the current Model Report. |
| Type G | Name adopted for the base automatic grade in 2009, after the applicable six-speed automatic approval window. |
Australian Market Pricing & Potential Savings
Potentially save $3,000+ by importing from Japan. Japanese-market RX-8s offer a choice of original colours, transmissions and equipment specifications. A qualifying imported example can provide an alternative to locally advertised stock. The actual saving depends on the matching eligible variant, condition, exchange rate and the Australian market at the time of purchase.
Sources: ROVER SEV-001077: RX-8 5MT · ROVER SEV-001078: RX-8 6AT · ROVER Model Report MRE-000198 · Mazda: Original RX-8 launch · Mazda: 2006 six-speed automatic and Sand Beige Leather Package · Mazda: 2008 RX-8 facelift and Type RS · Mazda: 2009 equipment and grade changes · Mazda: 2004 RX-8 Sport Prestige Limited · Mazda: 2006 RX-8 True Red Style
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See our Import FAQs for shipping, compliance and timelines, or browse all vehicle guides.
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