Mazda unveils RX-8 Spirit R

First impression

Earlier this year, Mazda had revealed that their iconic car RX-8 would be ended after June 2012. The production would stop at that time, and so, as a run-out car for the RX-8, at the start of October 2011, Mazda announced the release its latest car, the Mazda RX-8 Spirit R. This is only intended to go to market in Japan starting sales from the 24 November, 2011. Only a thousand cars would be made in production. The manufacturer has announced two versions of the Spirit R. One, the Type RS, would be a six speed manual transmission model, and the other, the Type E, would be the six speed automatic transmission model. The end of RX-8, however, does not mean the end of the rotary engine development and Mazda would continue to research and work on their revolutionary rotary engine.

Mazda RX-8 Spirit R

The powertrain

Though no word has been released yet on the powertrain and performance of the Spirit R, we think that it would be similar to the Mazda RX-8. But this would only have two options in transmission - the RS Type, which is a six speed manual transmission model and the E Type, which is a six speed automatic transmission model. It has also been hinted that there would be a water cooled engine, with two rotors (0.654L x 2), making it a 1.308 L Engine with Rear Wheel Drive (RWD).

The exterior & interior

For both Type RS and Type E transmission models, there is the Spirit R Badge which is exclusive to these only. The front head lights, fog lights and the rear lights have black bezels for a meaner appearance. The front and rear brake calipers have been painted fiery red, and the transmission trim is black. The security features include front and side SRS airbags.

In the Type RS model, There are custom-made Recaro bucket seats specially made for the Spirit R. The wheels have 19 inch alloys of bronze.

In the Type E model, leather seats are given with black and red stitching. The same is used for wrapping the steering wheel, the center console box armrest and the rear console box lid. This model also has sports suspensions, larger brakes for better riding and performance as a sports car. The wheels have 18 inch gun metallic alloys.

What’s new?

Mainly the interior and the exterior features are what is new in the Mazda RX-8 Spirit R car over the RX-8. The painting in the front headlights, fog lights and the rear lights and the front and rear brake calipers make the car look meaner. The alloy wheels, 18 inch for the automatic and 19 inch for the manual transmission models, give the car a really classy appearance. The design and overall styling remains true to the RX-8, making this a great testimonial for a car that has given a lot of drivers joy in driving.

Picture Gallery

Mazda RX-8 Spirit R

Mazda RX-8 SPIRIT R Special Edition

What’s refreshing?

The Mazda RX-8 Spirit R car is available in three colors only for both models. Aluminum Metallic which closely resembles silver, Sparkling Black Mica which is a sparkling black and Crystal White Pearl Mica which is a strikingly white color are available which make the Spirit R look absolutely stunning and make it a memorable car. As that is what the Mazda aimed at, to make the RX-8 a fixed memory in the hearts and minds of the people, the Spirit R does that in a very positive manner.

Price and availability

The Mazda RX-8 Spirit R is intended to go on sale from the 24 November in 2011. This was announced earlier this year itself. The manufacturer has announced two versions of the Spirit R. One, the Type RS, would be a six speed manual transmission model and the other, the Type E, would be the six speed automatic transmission model. Only a thousand cars would be made in production. These would be sold in the Japanese domestic market only. The price is set at Yen 3,250,000 for the manual transmission Type RS model and the automatic transmission Type E model is set at Yen 3,120,000. This is approximately the equivalent of about $42,500 for the manual transmission Type RS model and about $40,675 for the automatic transmission Type E model. Over and above these prices, a separate fee of Yen 12,900 is charged as recycling fee. The price also increases by Yen 31,500 if the Crystal White Pearl Mica color is selected.