A more aggressive-looking RX-8 arrives mid-year along with a new flagship model that is lighter and faster, reports JEZ SPINKS.

Mazda RX-8

Mazda RX-8

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Mazda Australia will introduce a lighter, faster RX-8 flagship as part of the rotary-engined sports car’s first major update.

The new range-topping model will be based on the RX-8 RS that has leaked on internet sites ahead of its debut at this weekend’s Tokyo Auto Salon.

The RS itself adopts subtle visual enhancements on top of the RX-8’s revised front and rear styling that will be showcased at next week’s Detroit motor show before both models reach Australia mid-year.

- New Mazda RX-8 Type RS offers enhanced driving performance and bolder styling -

HIROSHIMA, Japan—Mazda Motor Corporation has announced the launch of the freshened Mazda RX-8. The updated four-door, four-seat rotary-powered sports car is available from today at all Mazda and Mazda Anfini dealerships throughout Japan.

Mazda RX-8 Type RS (with six-speed manual transmission)

 

The four-seat RX-8 sports car debuted in Japan in May 2003, powered by Mazda's lightweight, compact and powerful rotary engine. The freshened version evolves and refines the high performance and sporty styling core elements of the RX-8, and features enhanced quality and packaging. The newly released Type RS grade offers exceptional driving pleasure with better performance and bolder styling.

 

The exterior design features fresh new styling and improved quality, with larger air intakes in the front bumper, side marker lamps integrated with the headlight units, side air vents integrated with the turn indicators, and rear combination lights that contain LED lamps. Three new designs for the aluminum wheels all reflect rotor-shaped motifs, and the 16-inch wheels (on the Type E and RX-8 base grade) have been upgraded to 17 inches. With the addition of new exterior colors such as the high quality Diamond Grey Metallic, eight colors are now available.

 

Interior quality has been improved through densely woven black fabric seat covers in the Type S and RX-8 base grade, finely-perforated genuine leather seat covers in the Type E (available in black, red or beige) and a new tachometer with silver markings and white illumination. The packaging has been further refined with the addition of power adjustable seats with a memory function, an electric folding driver's seat*3 and a GPS navigation system fully integrated into the center panel.

 

The RX-8 now offers even better driving dynamics. New water and oil pumps, among other changes, improve the rotary engine's performance and provide a better acceleration feel. Revised gear ratios in the six-speed manual transmission provide more responsive acceleration at lower engine speeds. Through a redesign of the body structure, increased local rigidity and improved aerodynamics provide greater sports car performance.

 

The new Type RS grade comes with exclusive aero parts, 19-inch forged aluminum wheels, RECARO bucket seats, Bilstein dampers and other equipment to emphasize the sporty appeal of the freshened RX-8 model range. To highlight its pedigree as a true driver's car, the RX-8 Type RS also boasts more aggressive styling.

 

Manufacturer's suggested retail prices vary from 2,600,000 to 3,150,000 yen (including consumption tax). The sales target volume for the new RX-8 model range is 270 units a month.

 

The five-speed manual transmission RX-8 will go on sale in June 2008. Standard equipment on the Type E (with leather seats). Standard equipment on the Type E (with leather seats). The Type S and base grade seats are manually adjustable. Available as a factory-installed option on the Type E, Type S and Type RS grades.

 

Main features of the freshened RX-8

 

Exterior

While maintaining the RX-8's distinctive sports car proportions, the freshened exterior produces better aerodynamics and cooling performance.

 

-Enlarged central and side air intakes in the front bumper improve engine cooling and emphasize the athletic styling. Side marker lamps integrated with the headlights reflect fine craftsmanship.-The front fenders feature turn indicators integrated with newly designed air vents.-The new rear bumper, designed in the same color as the car body, elevates the sense of quality. Enlarged dual exhaust pipes express high power, and LED lamps set in a circle in each rear combination light spotlight the sporty appeal.-Newly designed aluminum wheels. The Type S has 18-inch wheels with a rotor-shaped motif that symbolizes the rotary engine. The Type E and RX-8 base grade have 17-inch wheels with a five-spoke design.-New high quality exterior colors, Sparkling Black Mica, Diamond Grey Metallic and the sporty Aurora Blue Mica, bring the total range to eight body colors.

 

Interior

Based on the RX-8's iconic sports car design, detailed interior refinements improve the packaging and quality.

 

-Updated instrument panel center section design. The pop-up type optional GPS navigation system has been replaced by a system fully integrated into the center stack.-The addition of silver markings on the tachometer enhances the vehicle's sporty feel. White illumination improves its visibility and the sense of quality.-Tactile leather is now used to wrap the steering wheel and parking brake lever.*5 The appearance and feel of the door arm rests and rear console lid have also been improved.-Newly designed seats. The Type S and RX-8 base grade have densely woven black fabric seat covers. The Type E's seats have a finely perforated leather center section (in black, red or beige). Grades with leather seats also offer improved functionality through an eight-way power adjustable driver's seat with a three-person memory function, an electric folding driver's seat for easy access to the rear, and newly added heated front seats for extra comfort in winter.-The Mazda G-BOOK Alpha-compatible voice controlled HDD navigation system is available at as a factory-installed option.*5 The system offers access to a range of information and services, and also supports Bluetooth® applications.*5: Available on the Type E, Type S and Type RS grades.

 

Mazda RX-8 Type E (with six-speed automatic transmission)

 

Performance

After a review of every aspect of the RX-8's superb performance, the freshened RX-8 lineup now offers an even more refined sporty ride.

 

-The RENESIS rotary engine now provides an enhanced acceleration feel at middle to low-engine speeds due to various improvements such as new water and oil pumps. These changes also contribute to improved durability and stability.-New variable red zone system. The tachometer red zone moves in three stages according to the engine temperature. This prevents over-revving immediately after startup when the engine is cold.-The gear ratios in the six-speed manual transmission-equipped grades have been lowered to improve off-the-line acceleration. Model grades with the six-speed automatic (Activematic) transmission feature a newly developed Direct mode. When driving with the gear selector in Drive (D), Direct mode allows the driver to temporarily change gears using the paddle shifters on the steering wheel without having to switch to Manual mode. This provides a boost in acceleration or engine braking to aid certain situations such as overtaking other vehicles or descending steep gradients.-The front and rear suspensions were revamped, and the dampers, coil springs, bushes and stabilizers were optimized to improve stability and ride comfort.-A trapezoidal strut tower bar (on manual transmission grades) and reinforced suspension towers and wheel aprons increase the torsional rigidity of the front body and improve stability.-Aerodynamics were improved by adjusting the shape of the front and rear corners, enlarging the front tire deflectors and adding an engine undercover to control air flow. This resulted in an improved drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.30 and enhanced high-speed stability.

 

Main features of the new RX-8 Type RS

This new grade was designed especially for customers with sporty tastes. Its base model is the six-speed manual transmission version of the RX-8 Type S. With heightened sporty driving performance and strong and athletic styling that sets it apart from the standard model grades, the Type RS offers exceptional driving pleasure.

 

Enhanced sporty equipment

 

-Exclusive aeroparts

The large front aero bumper, side under spoilers, and rear spoiler create a more muscular impression and increase stability at highway speeds.-19-inch forged aluminum wheels

Gunmetal forged wheels with rotor-shaped motifs help reduce the unsprung weight. Matched with 225/40R19 89W tires, they yield exceptional grip and create a heart thumping impression.-RECARO bucket seats (front)

The exclusively designed RX-8 seats have fabric center sections (a black and grey combination), black genuine leather side supports and are accentuated with red stitching. They offer first-rate body support.-Leather-wrapped steering wheel, shift lever and hand brake (with red stitching)

The red stitching on the leather matches the exclusive bucket seats.-Hard suspension (Bilstein dampers)

The suspension was specially designed for the RX-8 to support its superb driving performance. It enables lithe vehicle movement with stable damping force for various driving situations.-Front suspension crossmembers filled with urethane foam

Filling the crossmembers makes for excellent driving stability, linear steering and improved ride feel.

The Mazda RX-8 Nemesis Special Edition

Mazda is introducing a third special edition model of its Mazda RX-8 rotary powered four-door sports coupé. Called the 'Mazda RX-8 Nemesis' the latest model builds on the success of the earlier Mazda RX-8 Evolve and Mazda RX-8 PZ. The 'Nemesis' features unique paint colours and interior trim, plus an exclusive accessory package, all at the extremely attractive price of £22,995 (on-the-road), £330 less than the model on which it is based - when similarly specified.

Taking the standard 192ps version of Mazda RX-8 with leather and a five-speed transmission as its foundation, the Nemesis has several unique exterior and interior features. A choice of two exclusive colours (Copper Red Mica and Stormy Blue Mica) is offered, and each Nemesis comes with a polished aluminium Rotary crest on the front air dam, polished aluminium side air-outlet trims behind the front wheel arches, special B-pillar trims with a Rotary crest and 'Nemesis' badging.

Inside, these special edition models feature unique stone leather seat trim, plus Nemesis branded luxury carpet mats and Mazda RX-8 branded aluminium door scuff plates.

Like other standard 192ps RX-8s, the Nemesis has front fog lights, heated front seats, electrically-operated driver's seat, climate control air-conditioning, nine-speaker BOSE premium audio system with 6-CD auto-changer, plus a black leather-wrapped steering wheel, gear knob and hand-brake lever. Every Mazda RX-8 is fitted with six airbags.

The comprehensive active safety package on RX-8 ensures that the Nemesis is equipped with Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Traction Control System (TCS) and a Limited-Slip Differential (LSD).

The revolutionary design of the Mazda RX-8 - with its rare blend of high performance, rotary engine power, sports car dynamics with rear-wheel drive and generous interior space (thanks to the 2700 mm wheelbase and skilful packaging) - make it a truly practical four-seater, four-door sports coupé. The Nemesis has a top speed of 139 mph and accelerates from standstill to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds.

This special edition is an extremely attractive model as it offers unique styling at the highly affordable price of £22,995 on-the-road - £330 less than the same price of a standard Mazda RX-8 192ps model with leather trim. Customer benefits encompass the interior upgrade, free Mica paint (worth £325), plus £620 worth of accessories - at no extra cost. Each Nemesis buyer will also qualify for a complimentary Prodrive experience day to learn how to get maximum enjoyment from their new car, while driving safely and responsibly.

As well as delivering great performance and top value, the Mazda RX-8 Nemesis also brings customers a touch of exclusivity. Just 350 examples (200 in Copper Red and 150 in Stormy Blue) of this special edition will be available in the UK.

The Mazda RX-8 Nemesis is powered by a twin 1.3-litre 192ps rotary engine providing Zoom-Zoom performance to complement the stylish look of this special edition. RX-8 Nemesis is set to build on the tremendous success of the Mazda RX-8, voted 'Best Coupé 2006' by the influential What Car? magazine for the third consecutive year. Since launch, more than 20,000 RX-8s have been delivered to customers in the UK.

The Mazda way to improve relations between people, the automobile and the planet

Mazda is committed to creating better relations between the motorized society and the global environment of the 21st century, while, at the same time, maintaining and advancing the company's characteristic Zoom-Zoom spirit. Thoughtful, innovative products developed by Mazda can balance the dual needs of both the environment and the driving enthusiast.

One example of Mazda's most recent efforts --the RENESIS Hydrogen Rotary Engine--is being showcased at the 2003 Tokyo Motor Show.

As the world's only manufacturer of rotary engines,Mazda continues to develop and explore all the potential and possibilities of this unique internal combustion engine. The RENESIS is Mazda's next-generation rotary engine that was launched in early 2003 in the all-new Mazda RX-8. By virtue of its smooth performance, compact size and unique driving characteristics, RENESIS was named International Engine of the Year in June 2003. It delivers high power output for a naturally aspirated engine of its size and demonstrates significantly improved fuel economy and reduced emissions compared with previous generation rotary engines.

Now, as the auto industry's attention turns to hydrogen as a potential source of power for fuel cell vehicles, Mazda confidently presents a realistic example of its hydrogen-power technology, embodied in the hydrogen-powered version of the RENESIS.

Fun to drive and environmentally sound, the RENESIS Hydrogen Rotary Engine is a Mazda-unique alternative-fuel vehicle. It is the ultimate demonstration of the flexibility of the unique rotary engine, maintaining a traditional driving feel, yet realizing extremely clean emissions through the use of hydrogen.

The RENESIS Hydrogen Rotary Engine capitalizes on the advantages of the rotary engine to assure the same ease-of-operation and reliability whether the engine is running on gasoline or hydrogen fuel. Moreover, since the

engine requires modifications to run on hydrogen, it could enable production of a relatively low-cost hydrogen-powered alternative-fuel vehicle. The engine has been developed with a dual-fuel system, allowing it to run on either gasoline or hydrogen, as Mazda believes desirable, flexible automotive choices will help effectively promote the usage of hydrogen fuel and the development of a supporting infrastructure.

The fruit of over ten years of research and development of hydrogen power.

The RENESIS Hydrogen Rotary Engine is not Mazda's first effort in this area of advanced R&D. In 1991, Mazda developed and tested its first hydrogen rotary-powered prototype vehicle, known as the Mazda HR-X. Concurrent with the development of the HR-X2, the engineering team also developed an experimental version of the MX-5 roadster in 1993, powered by a hydrogen rotary.

Two years later, in 1995, Mazda was granted approval by Japan's then Ministry of Transport to conduct on-road tests of two hydrogen rotarypowered Capella Cargos. At this time, Mazda also began to experiment with fuel cell electric vehicles (FC-EV) alongside its hydrogen rotary engine program. In 1992, Mazda developed a prototype vehicle with fuel cell electric battery, and in 1997, created a Mazda Demio FC-EV.

In 2001, Mazda began conducting public road tests of the methanol-reforming type Premacy FC-EV. Data on driving performance, fuel consumption, exhaust emissions and other parameters were collected during on-road tests to advance studies aimed at commercialization.

The RENESIS Hydrogen Rotary Engine, as presented at the 2003 Tokyo Motor Show, is another step forward in these ongoing efforts to experiment and develop alternative-fuel solutions. *Sanctioned by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport

Mazda RENESIS Hydrogen Rotary Engine technologies

The RENESIS Hydrogen Rotary Engine incorporates an electronically-controlled hydrogen injector system (the hydrogen is injected in a gaseous state). The system draws air from the side port during the induction cycle and uses dual hydrogen injectors in each of the engine's twin rotor housings to directly inject hydrogen into the intake chambers. The following technologies have been introduced to help maximize the benefits of the rotary engine in hydrogen combustion mode.

Direct injection system

By virtue of its construction --with separate chambers for induction and combustion--the rotary engine is ideally suited to burn hydrogen without inviting the backfiring that can occur when hydrogen is burned in a traditional piston engine. The separate induction chamber also provides a safer temperature for fitting the dual hydrogen injectors with their rubber seals, which are susceptible to the high temperatures encountered in a conventional reciprocating engine.

Twin hydrogen injectors

Because hydrogen has an extremely low density, a much greater injection volume is required compared with gasoline. This demands the use of more than one injector, which can be difficult to achieve with a conventional reciprocating engine because of the structural constraints that prevent directly mounting injectors in the combustion chamber. In contrast, the rotary engine provides adequate space for installation of two injectors per induction chamber. With its twin hydrogen injectors, Mazda's hydrogen rotary engine is both practicable and able to deliver sufficient power.

Excellent mixing of hydrogen intake charge

In a reciprocating engine, the output shaft turns through 180 degrees in one cycle, whereas the rotary engine's output shaft covers a greater angle of 270 degrees, enabling a more vigorous intake flow for ample mixing of the hydrogen-air intake charge. This promotes production of a uniform mixture, which is critical for hydrogen combustion.

Mazda RX-8 Hydrogen RE

The RENESIS Hydrogen Rotary Engine is currently undergoing running tests in a special-edition Mazda RX-8 Hydrogen RE test vehicle. The test vehicle is equipped with a dual-fuel system that consists of a high-pressure hydrogen tank and separate gasoline tank, and can run on either hydrogen or gasoline. It is as reliable and easy to operate when running on hydrogen as on gasoline.

In addition to the revolutionary RENESIS rotary engine, the Mazda RX-8 Hydrogen RE test vehicle benefits from improved aerodynamics, optimised tires and weight-saving measures, as well as a host of tech-nologies for exceptional environmental compatibility.

Three layer wet-on paint:

This water-based paint dramatically reduces emission of organic solvents, saves energy by shortening the drying process and reduces CO2.

Plant-based plastic for interior parts:

Plant-based plastic is an attractive alternative to plastics derived from fossil fuels such as petroleum. Plant-based plastic fiber-reinforced extrusion-molded plastic employing cellulose extracted from timber is used for quarter panels, and reduces CO2 emission.

Low-resistance brakes:

Use of a fast-fill tandem master cylinder reduces brake drag.

Low-resistance hub carriers:

Reduced friction hub carriers help cut power losses.

Future Systems of Hydrogen Rotary Engine Cars

At the 2003 Tokyo Motor Show, Mazda is also presenting a number of technologies currently being developed that could help support the potential for a futuristic hydrogen rotary system.

These next-generation technologies are being refined to help achieve the dual goals of drivability comparable with gasoline cars and excellent efficiency derived from the practical use of energy. An example of these technologies includes an electric-motorassisted turbocharger to enhance the efficiency of hydrogen combustion and regeneration of energy from the car's exhaust. Additionally, in an effort to capitalize on existing hybrid technology, Mazda continues to refine the idle-stop system; regenerative braking systems; electric acceleration assistance systems; and other means of improving the efficiency of the entire vehicle. By combining these various technologies, Mazda is aiming to achieve advanced clean-running vehicles that also deliver an exceptional driving experience in line with the company's ZoomZoom spirit.

Electric-motor-assist turbocharger

An electric-motor-assist turbocharger is used to maximize the effectiveness of forced induction throughout the rev range. At low rpm, beginning at approximately 1000 rpm, an electric motor operates to assist the turbocharger and increase induction efficiency. At high rpm, the turbocharger is driven in a traditional fashion, by the flow of exhaust gas alone.

Mazda Hybrid System

The Mazda Hybrid System is composed of a motor, inverter and a 144-volt battery. When the vehicle is stationary --for example, when waiting at traffic signals--the system normally stops the engine to reduce fuel consumption and exhaust gas emissions, and restarts it automatically with the electric motor when the driver is ready to accelerate.

Additionally, when the engine is running at low rpm, the electric motor is used to boost engine torque and effectively improve response. During deceleration, the motor operates as an electrical generator, recovering the braking energy and using this energy to recharge the battery.

Basic operating pattern Hydrogen fuel: From stationary to moving on

The engine is normally stopped automatically when the vehicle is stationary (the engine is not stopped when battery recharging is required). The engine is automatically restarted by electric hybrid motor when moving off.

Hydrogen fuel: Accelerating from standing position

The electric hybrid motor provides torque assist for initial acceleration when the engine is running at low rpm. Further assist is provided by the electric-motor-assist turbocharger, which begins operating at approximately 1000 rpm.

Hydrogen fuel: During steady running

Running on hydrogen fuel. Lean combustion promotes NOx emission levels as low as just a few parts per million.

Hydrogen fuel: During acceleration or running under high speed and load conditions.

The electric-motor-assist turbocharger boosts induction to assure ample power with lean combustion.

Hydrogen fuel: During deceleration

Fuel cut-off by electronic throttle control. In addition, the motor/generator recovers electric power through battery charging.

Gasoline fuel

A gasoline and air mixture is introduced through the side ports of the rotor housing as with a conventional RENESIS rotary engine. The engine is normally stopped when the vehicle is stationary, and restarted automatically by the motor when moving off. Changing between gasoline and hydrogen fuel is achieved by a simple switch operation from the driver's seat.

With the delivery of the first RX-8 Hydrogen REs in Japan, Mazda is claiming the first fleet deliveries of a street legal hydrogen/gasoline hybrid vehicle. Two examples have been delivered -- one to Idemitsu Kosan Co. Ltd. of Tokyo, and another to Iwatani International Corp. in Osaka.

The cars are to take part in the Japan Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Demonstration Project (JHFC), an evaluation designed to assess the viability of alternative-fuel technology out in the real world.

Mazda has taken the challenge yet again to put three production Mazda RX-8 four-door sports coupés through their paces with the second Silverstone Britcar 24 Hour Endurance Race on 9 and 10 September 2006, Mazda announced today (Wednesday 16 August).

"Reliability is the key to endurance racing and it was the outstanding durability of the Mazda RX-8 and its unique rotary engine that ensured the three production cars ran at race pace for 24 hours, covering a distance of 1,689 miles at last year's inaugural Silverstone 24 Hour Endurance Race," commented Mazda Motors UK PR Director Graeme Fudge at the media day for the event.

"Last year saw all three Mazda RX-8s complete the round the clock marathon of flat out racing and this year we plan to do the same," enthused Graeme Fudge.

This year the three rotary-powered Mazda RX-8s will be driven again by an experienced endurance racing driver line-up which includes much of the same team from last year. Race Car 96 is led by regular Mazda endurance racing driver and former Vauxhall Vectra SRi V6 Challenge and Alfa Romeo Champion Mark Ticehurst who successfully clocked up six class wins, one overall win and 10 finishes in the S1 Production Britcars Series last year.

Joining Mark in Car 96 this year is ex-Lotus and Arrows F1 driver Martin Donnelly, Auto Express journalist and racing driver Owen Mildenhall and touring car and sportscar specialist Ian Flux, all of whom drove with Mazda in the 24 hour race last year.

The second Mazda RX-8 race Car 98 will be headed - for the second year - by ex-F1 driver Mike Wilds along with motoring journalists Andrew Frankel and Ben Whitworth, who also both competed last year, along with motoring journalist Jason Barlow who is new to the Mazda race team.

The third car - sponsored by the Financial Times - will be headed by experienced endurance racer and the FT's motoring editor John Griffiths along with the same team from last year Rachel Green, Richard Chamberlain and Andy Shephard.

All three Mazda RX-8 race cars are entered by Mazda Motors UK/Guglielmi Motorsport led by Team Manager Steve Guglielmi who commented: "The cars which will be used in the 24 Hour Britcar Endurance Race are based on the standard, road-going Mazda RX-8 sports coupés. The seats and many interior panels have been removed, and each car has undergone a number of essential safety modifications - including the addition of a roll-cage, fire extinguisher, race seat and some suspension alterations necessary for racing.

"The revolutionary 1.3-litre, 231ps RENESIS rotary engine is standard, the only slight modification we have made is to fit a racing gearbox."

Third 24 Hour Challenge for Mazda RX-8

The 2006 24 Hour Britcars Endurance Race marks the Mazda RX-8's third 24 hour event which started back in October 2004 when Mazda set a total of 40 international records with two Mazda RX-8s during a 24-hour record attempt on the 12.3km oval at the automotive proving grounds in Papenburg, Germany. The two 231ps Mazda RX-8s drove more than 5,000 kms during the 24-hour record attempt with average speeds of 212 and 215km/h.

Britain's Favourite Sports Car Brand

Mazda is currently Britain's Favourite Sports Car Brand with nearly 1 in every 5 sports cars sold in Britain being either a Mazda MX-5 roadster or Mazda RX-8 sports coupé.

Managing Director Rob Lindley commented: "We are on track to break a record this year in terms of sales volume. We are on track to sell around 50,000 cars in the UK in 2006. So far this year our sales are 9 per cent up on last year and considering the market is around 5 per cent down we are pretty happy to achieve that."

- More ‘focused’ ride and handling for new version of 231ps Mazda RX-8

- Created jointly with Prodrive to deliver greater driver involvement

- Touch of exclusivity with only 800 examples available

- Priced from £25,995 on-the-road

Responding to enthusiastic customer feedback, Mazda is introducing an even more ‘focused’ version of its highest performance, four-door, sports coupé. On sale in the UK from 1 July it will be called the ‘Mazda RX-8 PZ’.

Based on the 231ps high-power version of Mazda RX-8 with leather trim, the PZ has been further developed by Mazda jointly with leading motorsport company Prodrive, and specialist component suppliers Bilstein, Eibach and OZ Racing. Mazda’s brief to Prodrive was to build on the remarkable attributes of the standard Mazda RX-8 and create a special model that delivers greater driver involvement and an even more rewarding motoring experience, with enhanced ride and handling, while staying true to the original concept and without compromising the car’s passenger comfort as a unique four-seater sports car.

Ensuring a touch of exclusivity, just 800 examples of the Mazda RX-8 PZ will be available, priced at £25,995 on-the-road with an insurance rating of 17E compared to 16E for the standard RX-8 231ps model.

Distinguishing features include a choice of two colours Brilliant Black (solid) or Galaxy Grey (metallic), unique 18-inch OZ alloy wheels, rear silencer and aerodynamic rear spoiler, lowered suspension, sporty door mirrors, grille mesh inserts on front and rear bumpers as well as ‘PZ’ and 'Prodrive' badging. Additionally, inside RX-8 PZ features the black leather seat trim, plus black leather-wrapped steering wheel, gear knob and hand-brake lever that features as standard on all RX-8 231ps models.

While the PZ certainly looks sophisticated and different from regular RX-8s, the changes and components that deliver the ‘greater driver involvement’ lie beneath the car’s stylish exterior. Bespoke suspension settings were developed by Prodrive during extensive testing of the prototype car at its Warwick test centre, the MIRA proving ground and on selected public roads, including challenging A and B roads as well as motorways.

The final specification derived by Prodrive for the Mazda RX-8 PZ sees the ride height lowered by 15mm all round, while the car is equipped with top-quality components from three companies at the leading edge of world-class motorsport.

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- Mazda's RX-8 Hydrogen RE undergoes its first cold weather tests - HIROSHIMA, Japan—Mazda Motor Corporation is joining forces with the Hokkaido Regional Development Bureau (HRDB) to test the cold weather performance of its hydrogen cars. In response to a request from the HRDB, a Mazda RX-8 Hydrogen RE is being used for the tests, which are scheduled to run from February 19 to 23, 2007. This cold weather testing coincides with the Environment and Transport Symposium on Hydrogen Energy that is being held in Muroran city, Hokkaido Prefecture, on February 21. Participants in the symposium will have a chance to ride in the RX-8 Hydrogen RE and attend a briefing session. The HRDB is a division of Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MLIT).

For the tests involving the hydrogen rotary-engine vehicle provided by Mazda, only the tires have been changed to suit the cold weather. The vehicle is otherwise identical to the model currently available for commercial lease.

Mazda RX-8 Hydrogen RE during cold weather testing

Akihiro Kashiwagi, Mazda's program manager in charge of hydrogen rotary engine development, said, "It's a real privilege for Mazda to contribute to these activities in Hokkaido, which are part of the drive to build a hydrogen-based, eco-friendly society. We plan to demonstrate that vehicles powered by Mazda's unique hydrogen rotary engine are very practical even in cold regions. Since hydrogen cars with rotary engines are relatively cheap to produce and can also run on ordinary gasoline, we believe they will have an important role to play as we move closer to a hydrogen energy society. Mazda intends to continue doing its part toward achieving a more environmentally-friendly hydrogen energy society in the future."

Hydrogen fuel produces no carbon dioxide, one of the primary causes of global warming. The HRDB is conducting feasibility studies into the uses of hydrogen in snowy climates. These include plans to conduct various cold weather tests in and around Muroran city and neighboring Noboribetsu city. Both cities are in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan's northernmost island. This region produces abundant volumes of byproduct hydrogen and is therefore one of the most feasible locations in Hokkaido for a hydrogen fuel network. These and other initiatives in the Muroran area are aimed at establishing a hydrogen energy-based, environmentally-friendly society. Through these initiatives, the city is becoming a model for a future society that uses new energy sources, and it is spreading its message around the world.

The Environment and Transport Symposium on Hydrogen Energy, taking place on February 21, 2007, is organized by the HRBD and the "Town Level Research Committee to Utilize Hydrogen in the Muroran Area." The symposium participants comprise local representatives of industry, academia and government who are meeting to discuss the possible uses of hydrogen in transportation.