Jeremy Clarkson puts these two super cool cars through their paces.

HIROSHIMA, Japan – Mazda Motor Corporation will showcase the world premieres of the Mazda Furai concept vehicle and the heavily revised new Mazda RX-8 sports car at the 2008 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), to be held in Detroit from Sunday, January 13 through Sunday, January 27, 2008. All attending media are invited to the company's formal unveiling on the Mazda show stand, scheduled at 13:45 p.m. on Monday, January 14, 2008.

New Mazda RX-8 2008 Edition

The new Mazda RX-8 2008 is definitely a fast cool car. Sporting a fresh design, improved handing, acceleration, quality and features, it continues to be a “Sports Car like no other,” and shows that the rotary engine is still an important part of Mazda’s future. Since its launch in 2003, the Mazda RX-8 has been hailed as a genuine sports car, but with a totally new, four-door, four-seat format that delivers sports car values, passenger comfort and driving pleasure. It is powered by the world’s only mass-produced rotary engine.

Exterior – Front View


Exterior – Back View

Exterior – Side View


Interior – Front

Front view of Passenger seat and Gear box

Interior – Rear View

The first car I would like to review is the fast and really cool car - the Mazda RX-8. This car was created through the pursuit of a genuine sports car with a totally new four-door, four-seat configuration that delivers sports car values, passenger comfort and driving pleasure.

Powered by a compact, lightweight and free-revving RENESIS rotary engine, the naturally aspirated power-plant features side-intake and side-exhaust ports for improved power output and fuel economy and combines with a sequential dynamic air induction system and electronic throttle for superb responsiveness and smooth turbine-like performance.

The Mazda RX-8 delivers pure exhilaration behind the wheel, but unlike conventional sports cars, it does it without cramping anyone's style.

Exterior Front View

The unique interior of the Mazda RX-8 is a superb balance of authentic sports-car styling, quality craftsmanship and innovative engineering, all designed to deliver maximum driving pleasure and complete comfort.

All four bucket seats provide optimal support for high performance driving. Thinner seats optimize cabin space and a concave floor at the front enables the lower slung sports car proportions.

As well as sleek sports styling, the Mazda RX-8 contains enough room to make it a truly practical car for everyday use. The Freestyle door system permits unparalleled access to the rear seats which easily accommodate full size adults.

And it doesn't end there with a comprehensive standard features list including a 6-disc, in-dash CD player with steering wheel mounted audio controls, cruise control, climate control air-conditioning, remote central locking and power windows.

Leather 'sports' bucket seats are optional with 8-way power adjustment for the driver's seat, combined with a Bose® 300W premium audio system with 9 high fidelity speakers, a power sliding glass sunroof, Xenon (low beam) headlamps and front fog lamps.

The rear door-opening angle is also set to optimally reduce the effort of door opening. Lightweight aluminium rear door construction and absence of centre pillars assure smooth and effortless door operation and a spacious door opening area. Loading baggage onto the rear seats also becomes supremely easy.

In addition, a 290-litre boot volume means you'll have enough room for all your gear. The console box also incorporates a new idea in space efficient stowage: the lid, which doubles as an armrest slides rearward to reveal two cup holders behind the gearshift lever. In its rearmost position the console box opens to reveal storage for four CD cases.

Interior from front

Interior from rear


Approximate Cost

Australia – Mazda RX-8

Recommended Retail Price For:
Manual
RX-8 Manual from $A48,990
RX-8 Manual with Leather Pack from $A52,990

Automatic
RX-8 Automatic from $A49,790
RX-8 Automatic with Leather Pack from $A53,790
RX-8 Automatic with Leather Pack with optional Sun-roof from $A53,790.

UK - Mazda RX-8

Recommended Retail Price:
RX-8 (192ps) from: £21,500
RX-8 (231ps) from: £23,000

USA - Mazda RX-8

Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price:
From: $27,070

Specifications for Mazda RX-8

Australian Specification for the Mazda RX-8
USA Specification for the Mazda RX-8

Come back soon for some really awesome cars!