Limited Edition 40th Anniversary RX-8
January 24, 2008 by George Skentzos
A special edition 40th Anniversary Mazda RX-8 will make its public debut at the Brisbane motor show on February 1.
Only 200 examples will be prepared for sale in Australia, priced at $55,840 with a host of exclusive extra features.
Since the introduction of Mazda’s first rotary powered car in 1967 – the R100, Mazda has continued the trend with Familia Rotary Coupe (known as the R100 overseas), the Savanna (RX-3), Bathurst-winning RX-7, and Eunos Cosmo.
To celebrate, the Anniversary edition RX-8 adds to the standard luxury model with unique leather and Alcantara interior, leather wrapped steering wheel, gear shifter and handbrake and specially-designed 40th Anniversary badging.
Handling and performance have also been tweaked with the standard fitment of Bilstein shock absorbers and a urethane foam-filled front suspension cross member.
High-gloss 18-inch alloy wheels, silver engine cover, a floating rear spoiler, sunroof and blue reflector fog-lamps are all exclusive to 40th Anniversary models.
This is in addition to the standard equipment found on the RX-8 which includes a premium Bose sound system, ABS with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), traction control, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), cruise control, power windows and mirrors, climate control air-conditioning and six airbags.
Print it: 
looks so much tidier than the spy images of the imminent facelifted version.
That looks so choice, but am I the only one who isn’t a huge fan of the new front wheel arches? These seem to be becoming a Mazda family ‘look’. I really hate them on the new Mx5.
I’m not a fan either Darren…
This is surely a paid advertisement. Is it not standard to put ‘advertising feature’ at the top of such an article?
I have to say that the RX8 holds its face well and I would love one…even the facelifted model due later in the year has a fresh look to hold it till the new model…great sports coupe.
Flying High,
“This is surely a paid advertisement.”
In so much as its a rehash of a Mazda press release. Yes it is.
In so much as almost everything is based on a car press release. Yes it is.
In so much as many of us would like to know what manufacturers are doing with their cars and this is an effective way to do it. Well yes it is.
Dan
Hey Hey
I work with these little bitches and have had the pleasure of test driving a few of them. And i must say theres much better handling at high speed in this Limited Edition, and the motor seems to have a little more kick to it.
The interior is much the same as the 2008 model, with very nice suade seats and some minor extras but all in all it is very much the same as the 2008 model.
If you google the 2009 model rx8 you will notice that the rims on the special edition are the same as the upcoming 2009 model.
The extra badging on the sides is a nice touch, but the car is really made when the Side Skirts and Aero Dampers and Badges, Chrome Emblems and Spoiler are painted up and added. These extras really make the car look sexy.
All in a good drive, 0-100 in 5 or so secs, and the tendancy to kick sideways if you gear down with to higher revs. A nice drive, a nice car, and who doesnt love the sound of wankell spinning in front of you.
200 in Australia will see them walk out the door reasonably quickly. We have already sold two of them.