The Mazda RX-8 is a four-door, four-passenger sports car manufactured and marketed by Mazda from 2003 to 2012. The RX-8 was first introduced at the North American International Auto Show in 2001 as the successor to the RX-7. It features the rotary Wankel engine, a type of engine that had formerly been used in the RX-7. It has a front-engine, rear-wheel drive layout and a special rear-hinged "freestyle" door designed to allow easier access to the back seats.