DETROIT — Mazda spruced up its RX-8 in time for an unveiling at the 2008 North American International Auto Show and released the details on the RX-8 R3, which gets some aggressive visual cues and a sport-tuned suspension.
Mazda said its RX-8 R3 is designed to "cater to the driving-conscious enthusiast." It bundles a new rear spoiler, side sills, foglights and a sport front bumper with 19-inch forged aluminum alloy wheels and high-performance tires. The package also adds a sport-tuned suspension with Bilstein shocks and front suspension crossmembers filled with urethane foam. Mazda says, "Filling the crossmembers makes for a smoother ride, minimizes NV [noise and vibration] and ensures greater suspension control."
The cabin gets front Recaro sport seats with leather side bolsters and color-coordinated stitching, as well as a leather-wrapped parking brake handle, steering wheel and gearshift knob.
The Mazda RX-8 gets a "refreshed" exterior and interior, including redone front and rear bumpers and front fascia. Mazda opted for beefier exhaust pipes, 19-inch wheels and twin circular LED rear lamps. The rear suspension geometry has been reconfigured for better handling performance, and body rigidity has been improved through the addition of structural reinforcements.
Mazda noted that the "core" of the RX-8 is unchanged. It will be available as either a 228-horsepower model fitted with a six-speed manual transmission or a 202-hp model with a five-speed manual transmission.
What this means to you: No ground-up redo for the RX-8, just some packaging and exterior changes designed to continue to hold your interest in the car. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
Mazda said its RX-8 R3 is designed to "cater to the driving-conscious enthusiast." It bundles a new rear spoiler, side sills, foglights and a sport front bumper with 19-inch forged aluminum alloy wheels and high-performance tires. The package also adds a sport-tuned suspension with Bilstein shocks and front suspension crossmembers filled with urethane foam. Mazda says, "Filling the crossmembers makes for a smoother ride, minimizes NV [noise and vibration] and ensures greater suspension control."
The cabin gets front Recaro sport seats with leather side bolsters and color-coordinated stitching, as well as a leather-wrapped parking brake handle, steering wheel and gearshift knob.
The Mazda RX-8 gets a "refreshed" exterior and interior, including redone front and rear bumpers and front fascia. Mazda opted for beefier exhaust pipes, 19-inch wheels and twin circular LED rear lamps. The rear suspension geometry has been reconfigured for better handling performance, and body rigidity has been improved through the addition of structural reinforcements.
Mazda noted that the "core" of the RX-8 is unchanged. It will be available as either a 228-horsepower model fitted with a six-speed manual transmission or a 202-hp model with a five-speed manual transmission.
What this means to you: No ground-up redo for the RX-8, just some packaging and exterior changes designed to continue to hold your interest in the car. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
Add A Comment »