Official Statement: Mazda RX-8 production to end June 2012
10-06-2011, 10:00 PM
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Official Statement: Mazda RX-8 production to end June 2012
Mazda RX-8 SPIRIT R Coming to Japan in November 2011 - 07-10-2011
- Mazda RX-8 production to end summer 2012; rotary engine development will continue -
HIROSHIMA, Japan—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.
Mazda RX-8 SPIRIT R (with six-speed manual transmission)
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 models
RX-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
- Mazda RX-8 production to end summer 2012; rotary engine development will continue -
HIROSHIMA, Japan—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.
Mazda RX-8 SPIRIT R (with six-speed manual transmission)
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 models
RX-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
Danny
10-06-2011, 10:30 PM
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Rumor had it the replacement will wear the RX7 badge again. My gut says it will be some kind of sport hybrid thing. Seems to be what every one is doing. Thing is, the big batter kills handling. I hope that is not the case. It's just one of many rumors floating around about the RX8 replacement. Either way, it's a sad day in auto history.
10-07-2011, 07:49 AM
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So it is basically an R3 with different interior and wheel colors.
I thought the Spirit R RX-7 also had HP improvements
And I also agree that the color of those wheels might look great with a black mica
I thought the Spirit R RX-7 also had HP improvements
And I also agree that the color of those wheels might look great with a black mica
10-07-2011, 07:58 AM
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10-07-2011, 08:22 AM
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Sad, in a bittersweet way.
Personally, I'm kinda glad Mazda never changed the RX-8 much during it's entire run. It means there really was only "one RX-8." I know that's a dissappointment to a lot of you who always wanted a turbo or something, but to me it means the car (and Mazda) stayed pure to it's intentions. It ends pretty much as it began, never gave in to peer pressure or the need to compete in horsepower wars with it's supposed "competitors." It was just itself, flaws and all, from start to finish.
Personally, I'm kinda glad Mazda never changed the RX-8 much during it's entire run. It means there really was only "one RX-8." I know that's a dissappointment to a lot of you who always wanted a turbo or something, but to me it means the car (and Mazda) stayed pure to it's intentions. It ends pretty much as it began, never gave in to peer pressure or the need to compete in horsepower wars with it's supposed "competitors." It was just itself, flaws and all, from start to finish.
10-07-2011, 08:50 AM
#11
Sad, in a bittersweet way.
Personally, I'm kinda glad Mazda never changed the RX-8 much during it's entire run. It means there really was only "one RX-8." I know that's a dissappointment to a lot of you who always wanted a turbo or something, but to me it means the car (and Mazda) stayed pure to it's intentions. It ends pretty much as it began, never gave in to peer pressure or the need to compete in horsepower wars with it's supposed "competitors." It was just itself, flaws and all, from start to finish.
Personally, I'm kinda glad Mazda never changed the RX-8 much during it's entire run. It means there really was only "one RX-8." I know that's a dissappointment to a lot of you who always wanted a turbo or something, but to me it means the car (and Mazda) stayed pure to it's intentions. It ends pretty much as it began, never gave in to peer pressure or the need to compete in horsepower wars with it's supposed "competitors." It was just itself, flaws and all, from start to finish.
10-07-2011, 09:09 AM
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Not necessarily. When I first bought my car back in 2004, the dealer gave me a copy of an article where the RX-8's designer was interviewed. I remember reading him saying something like how they intentionally avoided a turbo because they wanted to give it "smooth, linear acceleration" or something like that.
10-07-2011, 09:50 AM
#14
Mmmm not really. They did understate the hp of the cars though (as was the norm due to the gentleman's agreement). I've read that the cars did 320rwhp but that must be on a generous dyno. In terms of improvement in performance that was unique to the S-R, there was an upgraded ABS system, better suspension, slightly better brake system and that's pretty much it. The other stuff the S-R had was pretty damn cool IMO even if it wasn't 400rwhp and most of it was cosmetic.
If I were you guys, I'd ****** these up. All the small improvements add up!
If I were you guys, I'd ****** these up. All the small improvements add up!
10-07-2011, 09:54 AM
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We can't get it (even though it's tempting to call a dealer and see what they would charge to get one imported)
10-07-2011, 11:26 AM
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Mmmm not really. They did understate the hp of the cars though (as was the norm due to the gentleman's agreement). I've read that the cars did 320rwhp but that must be on a generous dyno. In terms of improvement in performance that was unique to the S-R, there was an upgraded ABS system, better suspension, slightly better brake system and that's pretty much it. The other stuff the S-R had was pretty damn cool IMO even if it wasn't 400rwhp and most of it was cosmetic.
If I were you guys, I'd ****** these up. All the small improvements add up!
If I were you guys, I'd ****** these up. All the small improvements add up!
The R3 had already some of the improvements you mentioned.
So this one has nothing more than color upgrades - and different badges.
10-07-2011, 11:38 AM
#17
Most companies stated that number in their cars. It wasn't true.
http://www.caranddriver.com/news/car..._pact-car_news
I've never seen a dyno run on a 99 spec car so I can only speculate and make observations based on what I read. Based on experiences with my own car and of others around me, I'd guess the the 99 spec cars might be 290 - 310 rwhp on a fairly generous dyno.
So did the RZ Rx7s but the S-R still had some new stuff not in other models. I imagine the same might be said with the S-R 8s but they probably are less obvious.
http://www.caranddriver.com/news/car..._pact-car_news
I've never seen a dyno run on a 99 spec car so I can only speculate and make observations based on what I read. Based on experiences with my own car and of others around me, I'd guess the the 99 spec cars might be 290 - 310 rwhp on a fairly generous dyno.
So did the RZ Rx7s but the S-R still had some new stuff not in other models. I imagine the same might be said with the S-R 8s but they probably are less obvious.
10-07-2011, 12:42 PM
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Most companies stated that number in their cars. It wasn't true.
http://www.caranddriver.com/news/car..._pact-car_news
I've never seen a dyno run on a 99 spec car so I can only speculate and make observations based on what I read. Based on experiences with my own car and of others around me, I'd guess the the 99 spec cars might be 290 - 310 rwhp on a fairly generous dyno.
So did the RZ Rx7s but the S-R still had some new stuff not in other models. I imagine the same might be said with the S-R 8s but they probably are less obvious.
http://www.caranddriver.com/news/car..._pact-car_news
I've never seen a dyno run on a 99 spec car so I can only speculate and make observations based on what I read. Based on experiences with my own car and of others around me, I'd guess the the 99 spec cars might be 290 - 310 rwhp on a fairly generous dyno.
So did the RZ Rx7s but the S-R still had some new stuff not in other models. I imagine the same might be said with the S-R 8s but they probably are less obvious.
10-08-2011, 12:30 AM
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^^^^I couldnt agree more^^^^ The R3 is a much more enticing package. No great loss that it wont be available in the USA.
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