Updated Mazda RX-8 Headed for Frankfurt

[mikeyb]

An extensive update of the Mazda RX-8 is expected to be introduced at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. The news comes by way of Auto Motor und Sport, which says the new RX-8 will get several aerodynamic updates, new tail lights, and a redesigned interior.

The new RX-8 will stay as a rear-wheel drive car using a 231 horsepower rotary mid-engine with a second knock sensor to improve efficiency. Torque remains the same at 211 Nm. With the six-speed manual, the driver can take the car from 0-100 km/h in 6.4 seconds, on its way to a top speed of 234 km/h. Apparently, this will be the only version available in Germany, and possibly other countries as well.

Upgrades to the exterior include a new front and rear spoiler, and side skirts. The aerodynamic changes make the RX-8 look more in line with the Mazda 3 and Mazda 6. At the back customers will see bigger tailpipes, and LED lights in the tail lamps. Mazda is also including 19-inch alloys in dark gray.

Inside, the driver will sit comfortably in the standard equipment, black cloth and leather Recaro seats. A new instrument cluster will be seated behind the leather, three-spoke steering wheel with red stitching. A nine-speaker Bose audio system and Bluetooth will also be included.

Also standard is the limited-slip differential, anti-lock brakes, and stability & traction control.

The new Mazda RX-8 will be available for around 38,000, according to the magazine. This price should be applicable in Germany, and -we hope- already includes taxes.
Please note: Attached image shows the current Mazda RX-8

Source: Auto Motor und Sport

 

[altspace]

Several reports have surfaced over the past day indicating that Mazda is prepping a thoroughly redesigned RX-8 for display at the Frankfurt Motor Show this September. However, according to Mazda USA's director of communications, Jeremy Barnes, the next rotary-powered coupe won't debut for at least a few more years.

Since Mazda just released the facelifted RX-8 last year, a full-scale overhaul seems a bit hasty, particularly considering the four-door coupe's niche status. If something does arrive in Frankfurt, it's likely a region-specific model, packing some additional features (new Recaro seats and infotainment package, say) akin to the recently released R3.

As for the next RX-series from Mazda, the automaker is hard at work on the all-new 16X rotary engine, and in that case, a revised Wankel rotary is expected to power the updated model, which is not expected until around 2011 or 2012.

 

[Antoine]

Nice work Gentlemen...(2thumbs)

As for the next RX-series from Mazda, the automaker is hard at work on the all-new 16X rotary engine, and in that case, a revised Wankel rotary is expected to power the updated model, which is not expected until around 2011 or 2012.

I believe the chance that the next Rotary Model from Mazda will be a new RX-7 is growing stronger...Until recently, I thought they may be developing an entirely new rotary model with a new RX based name for a new niche but now I'm catching the vibe that it's likely to be a new RX-7.

Who knows though but if you think about it...The RX-7 STILL has an incredibly passionate following all over the world and is definitely the their most ICONIC rotary model EVER...The RX-7 is to Mazda as the GT-R is to Nissan...The issue is...How can they make a new RX-7 that meets today's safety and emmsions standards...Hopefully the new 16X Rotary engine will allow them to make it happen!

In anycase bring it on...I'm excited to see the next gen Rotary model...(thumb)

 

[altspace]

Hell yea. It's the strict emissions that holds back the power of the rotary and one of the main reasons Mazda went NA with the RX-8.