The RX-8 was designed as a front mid-mounted, rear-wheel drive 2+2 coupe. The car has a 50/50 weight distribution, achieved by mounting the engine behind the front axle. Weight is trimmed through the use of materials such as aluminium and plastic for the body panels and a carbon fiber composite driveshaft.
The car features a pair of rear-hinged “freestyle” doors (also known as suicide doors) in order to provide easier access to the rear seats. The RX-8 has no B-pillar between the front and rear doors, with the leading edge of the rear door acting as a ‘virtual pillar’ to maintain structural rigidity. Because of the overlapped design, the rear doors can only be opened when the front doors are open.
