2007 Mazda RX-8 Rotary Engine 40th Anniversary edition byJDM review

Mazda RX-8 Rotary Engine 40th Anniversary edition byJDM review:

To commemorate forty years of Mazda`s rotary engine vehicles sold globally, Mazda Motor Corporation has commenced sales of a limited edition model Mazda RX-8 throughout Japan. The RX-8 Rotary Engine 40th Anniversary edition is available from today at all Mazda and Mazda Anfini dealerships.

Since the 1967 introduction of Mazda`s first vehicle powered by a rotary engine, the Cosmo Sport (known as the 110S overseas), Mazda has continued to produce and sell various rotary engine-powered cars, most notably the Familia Rotary Coupe (known as the R100 overseas), the Savanna (RX-3), RX-7, and Eunos Cosmo. Currently, Mazda is working on technical improvements in fuel economy and environmental performance for its rotary engines. Mazda also intends to advance the potential of the hydrogen rotary engine as part of its long-term vision for technology development, Sustainable Zoom-Zoom, which was announced in March 2007.

The RX-8 `Rotary Engine 40th Anniversary` model is based on the RX-8 Type S (six-speed manual transmission) and the Type E (six-speed automatic transmission) model grades. The interior is designed to evoke the Cosmo Sport heritage and includes exclusive black genuine leather and light silver ALCANTARA®* combination seat covers. The exclusive Marble White body color and special limited edition badges mounted on the side panels are perfectly suited to commemorate the fortieth year of Mazda`s rotary engine vehicle sales. Special equipment -- including exclusive Bilstein dampers and a urethane foam-filled front suspension cross member -- has been fitted for a higher quality ride and better performance.

The manufacturer`s suggested retail price for both the six-speed manual and automatic versions is 3,150,000 yen (including consumption tax). Production will be limited to 200 units.

Features of the Mazda RX-8 Rotary Engine 40th Anniversary model

Base model

Mazda RX-8 Type S (6-speed MT model) or Mazda RX-8 type E (6-speed AT model)
Special equipment

Engine/Chassis

Rotary engine
By using rotors that have been finely balanced for their weight and rotation characteristics, the smooth performance of the rotary engine has been further enhanced.Special engine cover.

Brakes
Large diameter disc brakes (These are special equipment for the 6-speed AT, but are standard equipment on the MT base model.)
Wheels
225/45R18 91W tires and 18-inch alloy wheels (These are special equipment for the 6-speed AT, but are standard equipment on the MT base model.)

Body color

The classic shade, Marble White, is offered exclusively.

* ALCANTARA® is a registered trademark of Alcantara S.p.A.