Review: Last special Mazda RX-8

Mazda has revealed a special variant for its four-seater four door rotary engine sports car. This will be the last special edition before the departure of the companies RX-8, that will happen in June 2012. The car will be limited to only 1, 000 numbers and will be based on automatic type E (six-speed electronically-controlled automatic transmission) and manual version RX-8 Type RS.

Mazda RX-8

If you look at the engine, this is the only sports car that has a rotary engine under the hood. The engine uses a pair of triangular shaped rotors that spins smoothly in one direction unlike the other engines where pistons move up and down.

What does it offer?

The vehicle offers a complete new look both inside and outside with unique badge, headlights, taillights and red stitched leather. Apart from the looks, it will feature extra large brakes and advanced sport suspension. The rotary engine allows the car to reach a decent number of rpm. Along with the jet like sound track and buttery power delivery, this car a ready with a new look to attract every sports car buyer.

The beauty

The car is names after the limited edition Mazda RX-7 and features many upgrades including colored alloy wheels and exclusive seat design.

The beast

The 1.3-liter Twin-rotor engine of the car has a power of 1300cc/232 HP. The engine combines wither with six-speed manual transmission or six-speed automatic transmission gearbox. With the automatic transmission gearbox, you will get only 212 HP. The rotary engine weighs a lot less when compared to conventional internal combustion engines. In combination of lightweight, powerful engine and solid transmission, the car is capable of providing sheer driving experience and nimble handling on the road.

If you talk about the safety, NHTSA gives it four and a half stars. Safety feature includes side impact air bags for the front seats, anti lock brakes and side curtain airbags. You can also choose Electronic Stability System that is available as an option. The fuel economy is 16mpg under city conditions and 23 on highways.

The CEO of the company states that this is the last edition of the car, but they will continue to use the rotary engine in their future cars.

The thrill

An Rx-8 equipped with manual transmission can sprint from zero to 60 mph in seven seconds.

Interiors

Inside the cabin, there are special Spirit R bucket seats made by the specialists at Recaro and a black transmission tunnel trim for Type RS. On the other side, Type E model features red stitched black leather on the seats, armrest, center and rear console box. There are leather wrapped steering wheel, and parking brakes level that again with red stitching.

Other inbuilt equipments include a 300-watt Boss audio system and Bluetooth connectivity. The dashboard looks decent with few controls on it.

Exteriors

The new RX-8 comes with exclusive badging, red brake callipers, and unique taillights and headlights with black bezels. For Type E, it will feature larger brakes, 18-inch gun metallic wheels wrapped in 225/45R18 91W tires, and a sport-tuned suspension. In Type RS, there will be a special set of 19-inch bronze alloy wheels. With this kind of distinctive look, you will either love or hate it, there is no middle way, but trust me-you will love it.

The four seater features a suicide rear door design, which means they can be only opened once the corresponding front door is open.

The car will be available with three colors - Sparkling Black Mica, Aluminum Metallic, and Crystal White Pearl mica.

Should I buy one?

If you are a RX-8 fan then definitely, you can buy one because this is the last chance to prove it. If you are not a fan then like every sports car, this has also a trade off-the fuel thirsty engine of the car does not even offer the kind of power that the competitors do.

Price and availability

The final edition will go on sale from 24 November 2011 in Japan. The price of the Type E will be 3,120,000 Yen/$40,700 and for Type RS-3,250,000 Yen/$42,400.

Mazda’s curtain and front side SRS bag system that is factory installed in the base models will be available as standard equipment in this version.

Picture Gallery

Mazda RX-8

Mazda RX-8 Spirit R will be last special edition before production ends