New Mazda RX-8 coming in July
May 26, 2008 by Alborz Fallah
With the current RX-8 selling since 2003, it’s about time for an update. A new ‘revitalised’ Mazda RX-8 is expected for Australian delivery early in the second half of 2008.
It’s not just a facelift though, the new RX-8 also comes with a heap of mechanical upgrades to keep its fan base happy. The RX-8 is still the world’s only rotary-powered four-door sports car.
Mazda Australia today confirmed that the new RX-8 range will be available in three different variants – one of those will wear a sexy GT badge.
“The Mazda RX-8 is a special car, both to us and in the automotive world, and there’s a palpable excitement in the lead-up to the new model,” said Mazda Managing Director Doug Dickson. “It’s like one long night before Christmas!”
The new Mazda RX-8 GT will be the hero car for the Japanese brand and will land in Australian dealerships by July. With newly modified sports suspension with light-weight 19-inch wheels as well as a whole range of modifications to the RX-8’s RENESIS rotary engine, the new RX-8 should keep the sales flowing before an all-new model arrives in the next few years.
So far Mazda has sold 170,000 RX-8s worldwide, which is not surprising given it’s the only rotary sports car available. The RX-8’s unique RENESIS rotary power-plant revs all the way up to 9,000rpm for an exhilarating drive.
Mazda’s plan was to keep true to the original formula and not mess around too much, instead putting more emphasis on performance and styling.
Does the new RX-8 look different enough to keep rotary fans interested?
You can find more information on the new RX-8 here.
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Does it still have eleventy billion ricey rotor symbols plastered throughout the car?!
Don’t know if I like what they’ve done to the back of it.
The ‘tucked in’ rear bumper makes it look a little like the Lotus Europa S (which is a notsomuch unattractive as bland looking car)…
the side molding’s look a lot like the commodore one’s. Just squashed up.
I like the look of the trim
Looks more Racey,the shorter final drive should help performance.I will have mine with a 8 to 9 psi turbo kit thanks.
I don’t know why Mazda is reticent to add a lung to the Rotary. A variable vane turbo would help no end and probably improved fuel efficiency at the same time.
Looks better than the old one although has always had an awkward look about it. Never liked the front guards.
That back end looks like it holding a shit in. Awfull.
Rotary engine = massive fuel consumption. Not for me.
Isnt there going to be a new Rx7? If so, then keep this as the fluff version and let the 7 be the ripper :)
Agreed, No Name. It’s touching cloth.
Never been a fan of the RX-8. It’s weak, particularly when you look at its V8-like fuel consumption. I’d much rather have a 350Z, thanks.
The reason the car is Naturally aspirated is due to emission laws, its quite simple to drive out of the dealership and into a mazda tuner and get ur turbo installed, still reliable with the extra power that it so desperately needs.
AS FAR as u can get from a Toyota eh TP?
Quite nice, not much of an exterior facelift other than the rims really! Does need more power though!
Nice, Ive always liked the RX-8. I would like to see a turbo under the hood of the upcomming GT model.
Dont forget it guzzles oil as a normal procedure.
Even has a bottle of spare oil as std.
Yeap you have to check oil all the time.
Painfull
Cheers
F-0
Its not just about straight line speed. The RX is one of the best complete packages for the money (performance, handling, brakes, looks and ergonomics). In the right hands, nothing comes close. Believe me, I have tried the rest.
And F-0…Not all RX’s chew oil. It depends on how it was run-in (think diesel, you have to teach it how you want it to drive).
Block for Block, Rotories are lighter, and offer smoother power delivery, good at higher RPMs excellent for smaller cars in competitions or for performance in general. and whats wrong with the sound, its unique ‘whup whup’ sounds cool
Still waiting for the RX-7. When is it coming out?
The only advantage for rotaries is the mid-engine layout, thus offering balance front-rear weight distribution. However, for me there are more negative than positive, so I’ll pass.
Ivan, search Mazda RX-7 in the search bar on the CarAdvice page and it will come up with the correct article.
does anyone see audi in that front end?
anoyone?
All of these mods Mazda have made should have been on 3 years ago. It is too little too late. I loved this car when it first appeared and now I have the money for one I am about to spend it on something that walks the talk. Mazda are stupid and weird when they have such great cars like the MX5 and RX8 that are clearly underpowered yet they produce an MPS3 with more power. If they turbo’d the MX5 again or added turbo to the RX8 I would have a hard choice to make. Right now my money is on an FG FPV F6 that is set to be the most lethal weapon out of the box. I couldn’t be bothered going to tuners to make my car better. Maybe I’ll upgrade to an RX7 in 5 years if there is any oil left.
The new GT looks better than the old Rex but still if you want power it is lacking. Also agreed that you don’t want to have the added expense of taking your new car straight to the tuner to provide for what Mazda hasn’t. Very xxy on fuel and yes they do chew through the oil.(At least mine has since doing 50,000km) Value for money is still good and excellent handling.If you’re not into hard core it’s a great little car. I think I’ll be trading in for a GTR Godzilla.
Hmmm Im Not Sure I Love The Back But I Think They Over Did The Front The Headlights Did Get A Tiny Bit Smaller To Me Id Stick With My Yellow One ^-^