MAZDA RX-8 PZ Prodrive Edition
05-08-2006, 12:01 PM
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MAZDA RX-8 PZ Prodrive Edition
http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2006/05...e-edition.html
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 Ł25,995 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 **** 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.
To reduce roll and pitch, and achieve an even flatter cornering attitude, special Bilstein dampers and Eibach coil springs, made to Prodrive specifications, are fitted. The spring rates are increased by over 60 per cent, while the specially tuned gas-filled mono-tube dampers give tighter body control, yet maintain good compliance over ridges and bumps in the road. The front bump stop is changed for a new Bilstein item, (10mm shorter than standard), to achieve enhanced handling. The suspension geometry has also been revised to optimise the steering and handling. The anti-roll bars, rear bump stops and tyres are to the standard RX-8 specification to maintain rear passenger ride comfort.
The RX-8 PZ is also fitted with uniquely designed 10-spoke, 18-inch diameter lightweight alloy wheels, finished in dark silver with carbon fibre centre caps, branded with Prodrive and OZ logos. The OZ Racing wheels are just one ingredient of the subtle visual makeover given to the PZ. The standard boot lid spoiler is removed and replaced with an aerodynamic spoiler developed in the MIRA wind tunnel. Specially created for the RX-8 PZ by Prodrive, the spoiler is designed to generate down-force and enhance high-speed stability, while also endowing the PZ with a more pronounced appearance.
Black mesh grilles are fitted to the outer and central front air intakes and to the rear bumper vent. Lower-drag sporty door mirrors (similar to those used on the RX-8 Evolve) are also featured. Branding is applied to the front wings alongside the air vents, the rear spoiler, the twin chrome exhaust tailpipe surrounds and the wheel centres.
The PZ also sounds different from other RX-8s. An upgraded rear silencer was developed to give a sportier sound inside and outside the car.
In terms of acceleration and top speed, the Mazda RX-8 PZ performance matches that of the standard 231ps model, with a 0 to 62mph time of just 6.4 seconds and a maximum speed of 146mph. However, the spring, damper and aerodynamic changes result in a significantly more focused car, with greatly enhanced appeal for drivers wanting to fully exploit the car’s dynamics including better cornering ability and a more precise steering feel.
The changes embodied in PZ will inspire driver confidence and make the Mazda RX-8 range even more attractive to motorists in search of a seriously capable sports car with the unique ability to take the family for an exciting drive.
MAZDA RX-8 PZ – AT A GLANCE
Performance
Lowered ride height
Upgraded coil springs and dampers
Unique 18-inch OZ alloy wheels
Unique aerodynamic rear spoiler
Unique upgraded twin rear silencers
Appearance
Exterior colours, Brilliant Black (480 units) or Galaxy Grey (320 units)
Front and rear mesh grilles
Sporty door mirrors
PZ side badges
PZ and Prodrive branded rear spoiler
Prodrive and OZ branded wheel centre caps
Prodrive branded silencer surrounds
Technorati Tags: Mazda+RX-8, Prodrive, RX-8+PZ, auto, automotive, automobile, auto+news, cars, press+release, , images, pictures, tuning
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 Ł25,995 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 **** 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.
To reduce roll and pitch, and achieve an even flatter cornering attitude, special Bilstein dampers and Eibach coil springs, made to Prodrive specifications, are fitted. The spring rates are increased by over 60 per cent, while the specially tuned gas-filled mono-tube dampers give tighter body control, yet maintain good compliance over ridges and bumps in the road. The front bump stop is changed for a new Bilstein item, (10mm shorter than standard), to achieve enhanced handling. The suspension geometry has also been revised to optimise the steering and handling. The anti-roll bars, rear bump stops and tyres are to the standard RX-8 specification to maintain rear passenger ride comfort.
The RX-8 PZ is also fitted with uniquely designed 10-spoke, 18-inch diameter lightweight alloy wheels, finished in dark silver with carbon fibre centre caps, branded with Prodrive and OZ logos. The OZ Racing wheels are just one ingredient of the subtle visual makeover given to the PZ. The standard boot lid spoiler is removed and replaced with an aerodynamic spoiler developed in the MIRA wind tunnel. Specially created for the RX-8 PZ by Prodrive, the spoiler is designed to generate down-force and enhance high-speed stability, while also endowing the PZ with a more pronounced appearance.
Black mesh grilles are fitted to the outer and central front air intakes and to the rear bumper vent. Lower-drag sporty door mirrors (similar to those used on the RX-8 Evolve) are also featured. Branding is applied to the front wings alongside the air vents, the rear spoiler, the twin chrome exhaust tailpipe surrounds and the wheel centres.
The PZ also sounds different from other RX-8s. An upgraded rear silencer was developed to give a sportier sound inside and outside the car.
In terms of acceleration and top speed, the Mazda RX-8 PZ performance matches that of the standard 231ps model, with a 0 to 62mph time of just 6.4 seconds and a maximum speed of 146mph. However, the spring, damper and aerodynamic changes result in a significantly more focused car, with greatly enhanced appeal for drivers wanting to fully exploit the car’s dynamics including better cornering ability and a more precise steering feel.
The changes embodied in PZ will inspire driver confidence and make the Mazda RX-8 range even more attractive to motorists in search of a seriously capable sports car with the unique ability to take the family for an exciting drive.
MAZDA RX-8 PZ – AT A GLANCE
Performance
Lowered ride height
Upgraded coil springs and dampers
Unique 18-inch OZ alloy wheels
Unique aerodynamic rear spoiler
Unique upgraded twin rear silencers
Appearance
Exterior colours, Brilliant Black (480 units) or Galaxy Grey (320 units)
Front and rear mesh grilles
Sporty door mirrors
PZ side badges
PZ and Prodrive branded rear spoiler
Prodrive and OZ branded wheel centre caps
Prodrive branded silencer surrounds
Technorati Tags: Mazda+RX-8, Prodrive, RX-8+PZ, auto, automotive, automobile, auto+news, cars, press+release, , images, pictures, tuning
05-08-2006, 12:07 PM
#2
great... just another package that has a body kit 
I want one thing from an upgraded rx-8, more power. The rest I can do at my own leasure (springs, rims, swaybars, etc). Until then we have to void our warranty to get it.
edit: This one doesn't even look different than the stock rx-8 besides the rear spoiler.
I want one thing from an upgraded rx-8, more power. The rest I can do at my own leasure (springs, rims, swaybars, etc). Until then we have to void our warranty to get it.
edit: This one doesn't even look different than the stock rx-8 besides the rear spoiler.
05-08-2006, 12:45 PM
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I could care less about cosmetic packages these guys are putting out. You're right, give us more power, 16B or some ****. I don't think I can live with a 13B FI that gives me crappy mileage.
05-08-2006, 01:33 PM
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Originally Posted by Nemesis8
REPOST - and it was cancelled I think
*Cosmetic packages*
How is it everyone addresses the one strong poing of the car(drive experience/looks), but no one addresses the one weak point(torque/hp)?!?!
05-08-2006, 02:23 PM
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Up next:
Mazda RX-8 Fast and Furious package
Neon lights at every pillar, in the wheel well, underneath the seats, underneath the dashboard, in the trunk, in the engine bay, under the headlights, around the steering wheel, on your handbrake, door handles, pedals, head rest, center aisle, rearview mirror, and seatbelt.
Chrome everywhere
Stripes
New color choices: gay avocado, androgynous sky blue, metrosexual pink, flaming drag orange.
24" Spinner wheels
5 inch wheel gaps
Red painted drum breaks (yeah they're getting rid of disk brakes)
Every package comes with fluffy dice cubes.
Optional package: Airbags for that cruiser/bounce look.
... awesome Mazda! Very awesome. I can't wait for this next special edition! I'm going to trade in my current 8 for it!
Mazda RX-8 Fast and Furious package
Neon lights at every pillar, in the wheel well, underneath the seats, underneath the dashboard, in the trunk, in the engine bay, under the headlights, around the steering wheel, on your handbrake, door handles, pedals, head rest, center aisle, rearview mirror, and seatbelt.
Chrome everywhere
Stripes
New color choices: gay avocado, androgynous sky blue, metrosexual pink, flaming drag orange.
24" Spinner wheels
5 inch wheel gaps
Red painted drum breaks (yeah they're getting rid of disk brakes)
Every package comes with fluffy dice cubes.
Optional package: Airbags for that cruiser/bounce look.
... awesome Mazda! Very awesome. I can't wait for this next special edition! I'm going to trade in my current 8 for it!
05-08-2006, 08:54 PM
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The package sounds nice to me, and I'm very much against cosmetic upgrades. I'll take the stiffer suspension any day as unlike a lot of people, I don't seem to measure how much "go" a car has by its horsepower rating.
05-08-2006, 09:35 PM
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Mazda just doesn't get it! Don't they realize that it's time to improve the performance and not the damn exterior! Most of us here care more about performance and if Mazda wants to stay alive in the sports car category that includes many cars in the 250 plus hp, they better wake up!
05-08-2006, 11:15 PM
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I just wish they would have made their shiftknob fit the RX-8, then I could get one for my Evo. I can't find a weighted **** that I like...
I love Prodrive, but I have to agree with you guys that this is pretty weak. At least it should handle better unlike the Shinka which is 100% fluff <shrugs>
I love Prodrive, but I have to agree with you guys that this is pretty weak. At least it should handle better unlike the Shinka which is 100% fluff <shrugs>
05-09-2006, 07:44 AM
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