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Mazda has just unveiled a host of changes to its award-winning four-door RX-8 coupe. Both the interior and exterior have been revised, and there's also the option of a new range-topping sport package for the keenest drivers.
While the new car retains the rear-hinged rear doors of the existing model, Mazda has restyled the front and rear bumpers, as well as redesigning the head- and taillights. At the same time, both the exhaust pipes and alloy wheels have grown in size, and the wheels themselves are a new design, which is reminiscent of the rotary engine.
Meanwhile, the car's body has been stiffened by the addition of a bracing bar between the front suspension towers, the suspension has been adjusted to improve the car's stability and handling, and the gearing has been altered to make it even quicker off the mark.
For the keenest drivers, a flagship new sport package (called Type-RS and shown in our picture) will also be available. This will include sport-tuned suspension, a body kit (with a new front bumper and side sills as well as fog lights and high-performance tyres) and Recaro front seats with leather side bolsters.
On all models, Mazda has raised the quality of the interior, at the same time as indulging in some minor surgery to the cabin. As a result, the revised RX-8 features a redesigned dash and instruments, as well as adjustments to the seats to allow for more space for rear-seat passengers.
Mazda New Zealand spokeswoman Maria Tsao says Kiwis will see the new RX-8 in the second half of 2008.
- REUTERS
