Hawk HB470E.643 Blue 9012 Race Front Brake Pads for Mazda RX-8 2004-2011

Vehicle Fitment

• 2004 Mazda RX-8 Base (SE3P, 1.3L 13B-MSP Rotary, RWD) - Front
• 2005 Mazda RX-8 Base / 40th Anniversary Edition / Shinka (SE3P, 1.3L 13B-MSP Rotary, RWD) - Front
• 2006 Mazda RX-8 Base (SE3P, 1.3L 13B-MSP Rotary, RWD) - Front
• 2007 Mazda RX-8 Base (SE3P, 1.3L 13B-MSP Rotary, RWD) - Front, Standard and Sport Suspension
• 2008 Mazda RX-8 Base / 40th Anniversary Edition / Grand Touring / Sport / Touring (SE3P, 1.3L 13B-MSP Rotary, RWD) - Front, Standard and Sport Suspension
• 2009 Mazda RX-8 Grand Touring / R3 / Sport / Touring (SE3P, 1.3L 13B-MSP Rotary, RWD) - Front
• 2010 Mazda RX-8 Grand Touring / R3 / Sport (SE3P, 1.3L 13B-MSP Rotary, RWD) - Front
• 2011 Mazda RX-8 Grand Touring / R3 / Sport (SE3P, 1.3L 13B-MSP Rotary, RWD) - Front

Fitment Notes

• Position: Front axle only for all applications listed above.
• FMSI Caliper Reference: D1009.
• Not compatible with carbon ceramic rotors. For use with iron/metal rotors only.
• This pad covers all 2004-2011 Mazda RX-8 trims and both Standard and Sport Suspension configurations. Mazda introduced mid-year production changes during the 2005 model year (effective 10/11/2004) and the 2007 model year (effective 07/31/2006); all pre- and post-change variants within those model years use the same FMSI D1009 front caliper and are covered.
• The RX-8's 1.3L 13B-MSP is a twin-rotor naturally aspirated Renesis rotary engine used across all US-market RX-8 models throughout the 2004-2011 production run. All configurations are rear-wheel drive.
• Blue 9012 is a motorsport race compound. It requires heat to reach its optimal performance window and is not suitable as a primary street or daily-driving compound. Drivers should allow the front brakes to reach operating temperature before demanding maximum braking effort.
• Blue 9012 is the #1 selling brake pad compound for SCCA competition and is widely used in Production, Improved Touring, and open-wheel classes as well as road racing and rally applications where low-to-mid temperature effectiveness and good brake modulation are prioritized.

Features

• Blue 9012 Ferro-Carbon compound - Hawk's celebrated medium/high torque motorsport formulation, the most widely used race compound in SCCA competition and a proven choice for road racing, rally, and autocross applications where excellent brake modulation and consistent performance across a wide temperature range are essential.
• Medium initial bite with excellent modulation - The Blue 9012's progressive, medium-bite engagement at the front axle gives RX-8 drivers the precision to modulate brake pressure smoothly under hard braking and trail-braking, avoiding the abrupt front engagement that can induce understeer or disturb the RX-8's inherently balanced rear-wheel-drive chassis at corner entry.
• Wide operating temperature range - 250-1,000°F total operating range with a 350-800°F optimal window, covering the full thermal cycle of road racing, rally stages, and extended HPDE sessions. The Blue 9012 delivers effective front brake performance from relatively early in a session through sustained high-load operation.
• Low pad and rotor wear - One of the defining advantages of the Blue 9012 compound is its low abrasive wear on both the friction material and the front disc surface, extending service intervals across full race seasons and multi-day track events without the accelerated rotor consumption associated with harder race compounds.
• Medium/high torque output at temperature - At operating temperature, the Blue 9012 delivers strong front brake torque suitable for the sustained deceleration demands of road racing and competitive autocross, outperforming street compounds significantly while remaining more controllable than the high-torque DTC series.
• Race-proven in the RX-8's natural competitive environment - The RX-8 is a popular platform in SCCA Production and Touring classes where Blue 9012 is the reference compound choice, making it a well-matched front pad for RX-8 owners competing in organized road racing, autocross, or track day events.
• Multi-purpose racing versatility - Approved and used across SCCA Production, Improved Touring (IT), F2000, Formula Ford, S2000 class, CSR, DSR, road racing, and rally applications.
• 100% asbestos, lead, chromium, cadmium, and antimony free - Manufactured in an ISO-certified facility to strict quality and environmental standards.

Specifications

• Part Number: HB470E.643
• Compound: Blue 9012
• Compound Code: E
• Friction Material: Ferro-Carbon
• Pad Thickness: 0.643 in.
• FMSI Caliper Reference: D1009
• Total Operating Temperature Range: 250-1,000°F
• Optimal Temperature Range: 350-800°F
• Torque Level: Medium/High
• Position: Front
• Caliper Type: OEM Stock Front Disc (2004-2011 Mazda RX-8, all trims, Standard and Sport Suspension)
• Shims: OE shims included
• Electronic Wear Sensor: Not included
• Rotor Compatibility: Iron/metal rotors only - not compatible with carbon ceramic rotors
• Recommended Use: Road Racing / Autocross / Rally / HPDE - not for primary street use
• Sold as: Set

Included Components

• 2x Hawk Blue 9012 Front Brake Pads (HB470E.643)

Product Description

The Hawk HB470E.643 Blue 9012 front brake pads cover the full 2004-2011 Mazda RX-8 lineup - all trims and both Standard and Sport Suspension configurations - using the FMSI D1009 front caliper. Blue 9012 is Hawk's most widely used motorsport compound, consistently ranked as the number one brake pad material in SCCA competition across Production, Improved Touring, and multiple open-wheel classes. Its combination of medium initial bite, excellent brake modulation, low pad and rotor wear, and a broad 250-1,000°F operating window (optimal: 350-800°F) makes it the compound of choice for drivers who prioritize controllability, longevity, and well-rounded performance across extended road racing sessions and rally stages.

On the RX-8 specifically, the Blue 9012's modulation characteristics are particularly well-suited to the car's high-revving 13B-MSP rotary engine and near-perfect 50/50 weight distribution. The compound's progressive front engagement supports precise trail-braking and threshold braking without the snap or abruptness of harder race compounds, allowing drivers to exploit the RX-8's chassis balance fully at corner entry. Its low rotor wear means front iron discs remain serviceable across multi-day track events and full racing seasons - a meaningful benefit given the rotary's heat management demands on the cooling system and brake components. The Blue 9012 is a competition-focused compound that requires operating temperature to reach peak performance and is not suited for regular street use.

This pad is for the front axle only. A separate rear pad is required for a complete front-and-rear race brake upgrade. Compatible with iron and metal rotors only; carbon ceramic brake discs are not supported.