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APEXi Electronic SMART Accelerator Controller with Harness for Mazda RX8 (Series 1 & 2, 2003-2012)

Sharpen or soften throttle response without touching the ECU. The included plug-and-play harness fits every RX8 model across the full 2003-2012 run.

RX8 accelerator controller harness, black module, switch and APEXi SMART box

Reviews from around the web

Independent reviews of this product gathered from other stores and owner communities.

Boost 1 felt impressive indeed. Very easy to chirp the rears and get TRC active. This would probably be the all-round mode you could use every day. Lovely accelerator response and a positive feeling that the car is faster off the mark. Boost 2... where do I start? Perhaps with the black lines I've been leaving on my test track. This mode is absolutely ridiculous, and care should be taken when the car is in Sport mode and TRC turned off. You can easily get the car to light up the rears with the absolute minimum of effort. The first time I tested this I was genuinely surprised and had to tap the brakes and give out a sigh of shock. Amazing power delivery... it feels as though the car has been turbocharged and off the line performance is stellar. All in all, for around $250 delivered, this is one amazing piece of hardware. Overall rating: A++ Takes the sluggishness out of the IS to transform it into a spritely beast.

$110

The RX8 accelerator controller from APEXi is an electronic pedal-response unit. It sits in-line between the accelerator pedal and the factory ECU, reshaping how the Renesis reacts to throttle inputs. Sharpening response suits spirited driving; softening it suits relaxed city use. No engine tune is required. A dedicated wiring harness covers both Series 1 and Series 2 across the full 2003-2012 production run.

APEXi RX8 Accelerator Controller Key Features

  • Multiple drive modes, city, sport and track, let the driver select a pedal character that suits the occasion, from light commuting to back-road runs.
  • Factory ECU calibration stays completely untouched, so the change is fully reversible. The standard tune remains in place at all times.
  • The included wiring harness is purpose-built for RX8 throttle controller installation. No separate adapters are needed and no existing loom requires modification.
  • Its compact form mounts discreetly inside the cabin, keeping pedal-level adjustment within easy reach. No bonnet-opening or engine management access is required.
  • Finally, coverage spans both Series 1 and Series 2, making this a single SKU solution for any 2003-2012 car regardless of build date.

For RX8 enthusiasts, the difference shows up the moment you pull away from a corner or merge onto the freeway. In sport or track mode, the rotary’s willingness to rev feels more immediate with this pedal response unit. Dial back to city mode and light inputs become noticeably more progressive, taming the Renesis’s characteristically sharp tip-in.

This RX8 accelerator controller is a natural starting point before committing to a full engine tune. It delivers a genuine sense of the rotary’s throttle response at different settings, with nothing permanently altered. Full details on the SMART controller range are at the APEXi official website.

A logical companion is the GENUINE MAZDA OEM MAF Sensor, which keeps air-measurement accurate so ECU fuelling stays matched to what the accelerator controller delivers. For a driver-focused cockpit to match the sharper throttle feel, the APEXi x BRIDE Zeta IV Classic Fixed-Back Bucket Seat (Black) inc Rails & Airbag Adapter completes the ergonomic picture.

Reviews from around the web

Independent reviews of this product gathered from other stores and owner communities.

Boost 1 felt impressive indeed. Very easy to chirp the rears and get TRC active. This would probably be the all-round mode you could use every day. Lovely accelerator response and a positive feeling that the car is faster off the mark. Boost 2... where do I start? Perhaps with the black lines I've been leaving on my test track. This mode is absolutely ridiculous, and care should be taken when the car is in Sport mode and TRC turned off. You can easily get the car to light up the rears with the absolute minimum of effort. The first time I tested this I was genuinely surprised and had to tap the brakes and give out a sigh of shock. Amazing power delivery... it feels as though the car has been turbocharged and off the line performance is stellar. All in all, for around $250 delivered, this is one amazing piece of hardware. Overall rating: A++ Takes the sluggishness out of the IS to transform it into a spritely beast.

Additional information

RX8 Model

,

Colour

SKU AP-SAV-S1S2 Categories , Types , Brand:

Related RX8 Upgrades

This accelerator controller is one of the best Mazda RX-8 upgrades you can make to your Series 1 (2003-2008) or Series 2 (2009-2012). Throttle response upgrades are among the top Aftermarket mods you can buy from APEXi for owners who want better performance and reliability from their RX8. If you are looking for smart throttle controllers for sale in Brisbane (QLD), Sydney (NSW), Melbourne (VIC), Canberra (ACT), Adelaide (SA), Darwin (NT) or Perth (WA), you’ll find high-quality Japanese Engine upgrades at RX8 Upgrades.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this accelerator controller fit both Series 1 and Series 2 RX8 models?

Yes. The APEXi SMART Accelerator Controller includes a dedicated wiring harness that covers every RX8 built across the full 2003-2012 production run, meaning both Series 1 (2003-2008) and Series 2 (2009-2012) models are supported without sourcing separate adapters.

Will fitting this unit affect my factory ECU tune or warranty?

No engine tune is required and the factory ECU calibration is left completely untouched. The controller sits in-line between the accelerator pedal and the ECU, so the standard tune remains in place and the unit can be removed at any time, fully reversing the change.

What drive modes does the APEXi SMART Accelerator Controller offer?

The controller provides multiple drive modes including city, sport and track settings. City mode makes light pedal inputs more progressive and relaxed, while sport and track modes sharpen throttle response for spirited or back-road driving.

Is this a plug-and-play install or does it need an auto electrician?

The unit comes with a purpose-built wiring harness designed specifically for RX8 throttle controller installation, removing the need to source additional adapters. The plug-and-play design means most owners can install it without specialist help, though comfort with in-cabin wiring connections is recommended.

Where does the controller mount inside the car?

The compact unit mounts discreetly inside the cabin, keeping pedal-level adjustment accessible without requiring any changes under the bonnet or to engine management components.

Do I need to have my RX8 professionally tuned to get the most from this controller?

No dedicated engine tune is needed. The APEXi SMART Accelerator Controller reshapes throttle pedal response independently of ECU mapping, making it a useful starting point before committing to a full tune and a worthwhile upgrade on its own for owners seeking a change in driving feel.

Will an accelerator controller actually make a noticeable difference on a rotary engine?

The Renesis is naturally eager to rev, and the controller's ability to sharpen or soften how the engine reacts to initial pedal input is genuinely noticeable. In sport or track mode the rotary's throttle response feels more immediate pulling out of corners or merging onto the freeway; city mode smooths out light inputs for easier low-speed driving.