The following press release is from Mazda Japan about the RENESIS winning the International engine of the Year award, for the 2nd year in a row! This is just the latest in the string of awards the RX-8 and RENESIS has won.

Mazda's new-generation rotary engine, "RENESIS," which powers Mazda's all-new RX-8 sports car, has won the trophy for best engine in the 2.5-liter to 3-liter category at this year's International Engine of the Year Awards by two-year continuation.

Established in 1999, the International Engine of the Year Awards are hosted by Engine Technology International every year with the winner selected by a majority vote of 56 motoring journalists from 24 countries around the world. Engines are evaluated based on the criteria of refinement, drivability, environmental-friendliness, fuel economy, performance, etc. There are a total of eight awards for the eight capacity classes of all current production engines between sub 1-liter to above 4-liter capacities, and three special awards of "Best New Engine of the Year," "Best Fuel Economy," and "Best Performance Engine". The "International Engine of the Year" is selected from among the winners of the eight engine capacity classes.

This is RENESIS' fourth trophy in the engine awards contest. Last year, RENESIS won Best New Engine of 2003, best in the 2.5-liter to 3-liter Category and was named overall winner as International Engine of the Year, on its way to setting a new record by receiving 44 of a possible 50 votes.

May 26, Jeff Guyton, Vice President Finance and Systems, CFO, Mazda Motor Europe was on hand to accept the award at the Engine Expo 2004 in Stuttgart, Germany. "After last year's achievement, I am truly honoured to be able to accept a fourth trophy for Mazda RX-8's RENESIS rotary engine," said Mr. Guyton. "On behalf of all of us at Mazda, I would like to thank the organizers for this award and, of course, the journalists who voted for us in this category. That this is our fourth award attests to the fact that Mazda's long history of rotary engine expertise has paid off, not only for us, but for customers around the world."

The rotary engine performs the four processes of intake, compression, combustion, and exhaust in succession by turning a triangular-shaped rotor in the cocoon-shaped combustion chamber to generate power. In comparison with the reciprocating engine, it excels in features such as "compact size and light weight," "flat torque performance," and "less vibration and low noise." Through the introduction of innovative technologies for the rotary engine such as the use of "side-exhaust and side-intake ports" and the new sequential dynamic air intake system, the RENESIS delivers a high power output for a naturally aspirated engine. In addition, the engine demonstrates significantly improved fuel economy and reduced emissions when compared with previous rotaries.

With its unique centre-opening doors, room for four adults, dynamic design and Mazda's newest rotary engine RENESIS under the hood; Mazda RX-8 was an immediate hit among customers in Europe when it was launched late last year. And its popularity continues unabated. In April this year, Mazda RX-8 had ca. 20 percent of the European sports car segment.