Mazda RX-8 SPIRIT R Coming to Japan in November 2011

- Mazda RX-8 production to end summer 2012; rotary engine development will continue -

Mazda Motor Corporation has announced the Mazda RX-8 SPIRIT R, a special edition version of its four-door, four-seat rotary engine sports car. The RX-8 SPIRIT R will go on sale from November 24, 2011 at all Mazda and Mazda Anfini dealerships throughout Japan. Mazda RX-8 production will end in June 2012 and SPIRIT R will be the final special edition model. Mazda expects to sell 1,000 units.

The RX-8 SPIRIT R is based on the RX-8 Type RS (with six-speed manual transmission) and Type E (with six-speed electronically-controlled automatic transmission). It is named after the final limited edition Mazda RX-7, and this pedigree is reflected in stylish features that include exclusive seat design and colored alloy wheels. Additionally, Mazda's curtain and front side SRS airbag system, which is available as a factory-installed option on the base models, will be offered as standard equipment. Following the launch, the Mazda RX-8 lineup will consist of the SPIRIT R and the Type G (with six-speed electronically-controlled automatic transmission) model grades only.

Takashi Yamanouchi, Mazda's Representative Director, Chairman of the Board, President and CEO, said, 'Mazda's iconic rotary engine recorded its famous victory in the Le Mans 24-Hour endurance race 20 years ago. Throughout 2011, we have been celebrating the 20th anniversary of that victory by demonstrating the winning 787B racecar at Le Mans' Circuit de La Sarthe and various other events around the world. At each one, the screaming rotary engine and the sight of the 787B have enthralled everyone from young children to race fans who witnessed its victory in 1991. These events have been a powerful reminder of the widespread passion for the rotary engine. Although RX-8 production is ending, the rotary engine will always represent the spirit of Mazda and Mazda remains committed to its ongoing development.'

Main features of the limited Mazda RX-8 SPIRIT R series

Base modelsRX-8 Type RS (with six-speed manual transmission) and RX-8 Type E (with six-speed electronically-controlled automatic transmission)

Special equipment

For both manual and automatic transmission models

•Exclusive SPIRIT R badge

•Front headlights, front fog lights and rear combination lights (with black bezels)

•Front and rear brake calipers (red)

•Transmission tunnel trim (piano-black)

•Curtain and front side SRS airbag system

Exclusive to the manual transmission model

•Specially-made SPIRIT R bucket seats from RECARO

•225/40R19 89W tires and 19-inch alloy wheels (bronze)

Exclusive to the automatic transmission model

•Leather seats (black with red stitching)

•Leather-wrapped steering wheel (black with red stitching)

•Parking brake lever (with red stitching)

•Center console box front seat armrest and rear console box lid covered with synthetic leather (with red stitching)

•Sports suspension, larger brakes

•225/45R18 91W tires and 18-inch alloy wheels (gun metallic)

Exterior body colors•Aluminum Metallic

•Sparkling Black Mica

•Crystal White Pearl Mica

by Mazda

The only coupe with a four-door configuration, the Mazda RX8 was built for driving enthusiasts. Featuring a high-revving 1.3-liter rotary engine that was called the Renesis, the engine was quite impressive. The exhaust ports were located on the side of each of the combustion chambers, instead of on the outer edge of the rotary housing. This engine allows for more power, lower emissions, and higher fuel economy.

The engine was able to be mounted further back in the RX-8's chassis because of the engine's compact size, giving the vehicle the coveted 50/50 front/rear weight distribution. At a very svelte 3,000 lb curb weight, the RX8 featured balanced suspension tuning and sharp steering. The Mazda RX-8 was one of the best-handling vehicles on the market, and was among the best sports cars available for less than $30,000.

After nearly a decade of lack, introduced in 2004, the Mazda RX-8 brought back the rotary-powered sports vehicle to the U.S. Mazda also received an image with greater stature and performance than the Miata. Usually, Mazda sells its sport coupe with either a manual or automatic transmission, though most enthusiasts would agree that the six-speed manual version is the best way to experience the RX-8.

The manual-equipped Mazda RX-8 featured horsepower that crested at 238 at 8,500 rpm with redline hitting at an impressive 9,000. The RX-8 was timed at .6 seconds to 60 mph and 15.1 seconds through the quarter-mile, as tested by Inside Line testers. Automatic RX-8s redlined at 7,500 rpm.

Comfortable enough for a daily commuter, the Mazda RX-8 isn't the most economical choice as the fuel economy tends to hover in the high teens. The interior of the car was quite nice as well. The reverse-hinged rear doors allowed for the loading of cumbersome child seats, while the rear seats are roomy enough to accommodate adults on short trips.

The manual version came with a firmer suspension and 18-inch wheel, while these were optional on automatic models. Through the Shinka Special-Edition package, further suspension upgrades were available, along with luxuries such as leather upholstery and a navigation system.

A descendant of the two-door RX-7 sport coupe that was sold in three generations from 1979 through 1995, the Mazda RX-8 featured an extra set of doors. The RX-7 was taken off the U.S. market due to poor sales and difficulty in reaching emission standards. However, the RX-7 continued to be sold in Japan through 2002. At the time it was deleted, the third generation RX-7 was sold for $32,500 in 1995, a much more expensive vehicle than today's RX-8.

The 2004 RX-8 is almost a return to the original RX-7, while still being a completely different sort of sports car. With a newly redesigned rotary engine, the RX-8 featured reverse-opening doors and room for four adults, making it quite an impressive vehicle. The new RX-8 also featured the newly designed, naturally aspirated 'Renesis' version of the good, old 13B rotary. The rotary engine had no valvetrain, and the location of these parts is crucial to the engine's performance. In the earlier engine, these ports were located on the outer edge of the rotary housing, while in the Genesis they are on the side of the rotary chamber. This location allows engineers to completely close the exhaust port before the intake port opens, and vice versa, unlike the earlier design. Along with a variable intake system that optimizes airflow, the new Genesis also allows them to use 30-percent larger intake ports than before. The redline was now up at an amazing 9,000 rpm.

Even more impressive was that even with access to the rearward accommodations, the four-seater still retained a sports car-s balance thanks to 50/50 weight distribution and a supple chassis with double-wishbones up front and a multilink independent system in the rear. The Renesis engine sat back in its chassis much like the 12A did in the original RX-7. Part of the package is the naturally, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and rack and pinion steering. The Mazda RX-8 weighs in at a very impressive 3,029 lbs in manual transmission form.

The RX-8's main source of competition lies in the new Nissan 350Z, basically because Mazda's own people were quoting curb weight comparisons.

Edmunds.com chose the RX-8 as the winner when pitted against the 350Z as it generated 238 horsepower from a measly 1.3 liters. The RX-8 yielded 6.6 seconds in the 0-60 mph track test. The RX-8 glides through bends and turns in a manner that's far less intimidating the Z, which hammers it ways through bends, according to Edmunds.com.

by Jessican Donaldson