Mazda unveils Prodrive RX-8
Mazda Motors UK unveiled Monday a limited edition RX-8 coupe for the U.K. market. Developed jointly with legendary motorsports company Prodrive, the Mazda Rx-8 PZ is an appearance and handling upgrade for the 230 hp RX-8.
According to Mazda, Prodrive was tasked with creating a more involving driving experience, with enhanced ride and handling. Unique PZ features include:
- 18-inch OZ Racing alloy wheels
- Eibach springs, 60 percent stiffer than stock
- Bilstein gas shocks
- revised suspension geometry, with ride height reduced 15 mm
- sport mirrors
- grill inserts
- rear spoiler
- Prodrive and "PZ" badging
More pics after the jump...
[Source: Mazda Motors Europe]
While Mazda hasn't released any road test figures for the RX-8 PZ, the above cornering shots of the PZ "at speed" (as they say in the motoring press) show minimal body roll.
Only 800 lucky U.K. drivers will get their hands on Prodrive's version of the RX-8, and no exports to other markets are planned. The MSRP for the PZ before taxes is 21,912 (about $40,614). The nicely done, if a little pricey, RX-8 PZ goes on sale July 1.
[Source: Mazda Motors Europe]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Tyre 9:50PM (5/08/2006)
40k for that? Umm I don't think so.
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waenrx8 12:28PM (6/26/2007)
u act suprised...its only 10 grand more then the fully loaded regular model and with all the upgrades its worth itgood quality aint cheap
PJ 10:51PM (5/08/2006)
Cars are generally priced higher in the U.K. than their NA-market counterparts. An $80,000 Dodge Viper, for example, costs 69,990 pounds in England--the equivalent of over $129,000 USD.
England's CAR magazine says that the standard RX-8 costs 22,300 pounds in the U.K.--that's $41,381 USD. But... hm. That would make the Prodrive cheaper than the base model. Either I can't read (possible), or something's up with the prices quoted in this post. Misprint?
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emulous1974 11:08PM (5/08/2006)
Can anyone tell me who the photographer was for those pictures? They have to be the best auto pics I've seen in a long time, it's a shame the RX-8 doesn't do much for me. I'm still wondering why Mazda can seem to do anything with the rotary engine, as far as I know they've never offered a higher hp engine for the RX-8.
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danny 11:22PM (5/08/2006)
Probably because they're waiting until they've finalised the RX-7 engine before powering up the RX-8 so that the 8 doesn't end up too close to the performance of the 7. Same kind of reason why the Nissan Z doesn't have a turbocharger or V8 engine yet because it might end up being too close to the eventual performance of the GT-R. If that makes any sense...
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Steve S 11:32PM (5/08/2006)
The RX8 is already a great handling car what it needs is more power and torque. It has the power of a NA 6cy with the gas mileage of an 8cy. The problem with a Rotary is for high HP typically you need FD and as we saw with the last gen RX7 reliability was an issue.
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Tom Design 12:48AM (5/09/2006)
The base RX7 is such a beautiful design, even more gorgeous in person because the scale is perfect. Mustang really should have taken a look at this tight, compact 2+2 four door, for inspiration. The current Mustang, and I predict the Camaro, are just too big in person, though the proportions are lovely, it's too massive. The Mazda is efficiency in design, sleek and catlike. I love the wheels, and suspension tuning, and mirrors. The spoiler is so-so, but not offensive, just "why?" because it kind of junks up the beautiful backside. But I don't get the little lights cut into the front fenders, looks like they got scraped alongside a concrete garage wall, adds nothing to the look, too much an afterthought, not integrated. Are these part of the design or the original car?
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Tom Design 12:52AM (5/09/2006)
Sorry...Mazda RX8. (late here in Boston)
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ZoomZoomin' 1:03AM (5/09/2006)
Sexy...though I'm not really digging the reflector as a rotary accent in the back. One thing I do kind of with the RX08 had were simpler tail-lights. I think they would look a lot better without the dual airfoils/wings.
Nah, the RX-8 doesn't even have the gas mileage of a V-8. haha...*sigh* Though I'm only happy there's no power/torque upgrade or else I'd feel really bad.
The headlamp washers...so envious. Though I wonder if the '06 finally has it where you can operate the moonroof without the engine on (key in the start position).
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ZoomZoomin' 3:22AM (5/09/2006)
That was supposed to be "...kind of wish the RX-8 had..."
It's late and I woke up early to spend all day waiting in a room while hoping that I get to keep waiting.
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ShureF00t 3:50AM (5/09/2006)
So, about (probably less than) $3 grand worth of aesthetic upgrades charged at a $13,000 premium. Despite Prodrive's prestige, it doesn't sound all too appealing.
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Q-Tip 9:40AM (5/09/2006)
To #6:
The reflectors in the front fenders are not on US versions. I believe there's something about side reflectors being a requirement in the EU. BMW has been playing games with the side reflectors or even signals as design elements, especially on the M cars.
I specifically deleted the completely non-functional rear spoiler off my RX8, it clutters the cars lines. Except for the relatively subtle rotary accents in the lower spoilers, the body is functional, including the exhaust vents at the rear of the front fender.
At its price point it is hard to find a car that combines the handling and practicality of the RX8. For those of us unable to commit to a track or weekend car as well as daily transportation I can't imagine another car in the price range that provides as much maneouverability. For trips of less than two hours I can easily carry four adults comfortably, albeit without much luggage.
I second the desire for more grunt, although increasing low end torque would probably do as much to ease complaints as outright power. Once you pass 6000 rpm (an experience in its own right, which nought but Ferrari and M car owners can experience for very many more dollars) the RX8 has plenty of scoot. The problem is you can barely keep up with a Camry off a stop light and can't light up the tires at a moments notice a la the Mustang GT. On the other hand its roughly 3000lb curb weight makes up for nearly 40HP with respect to a 3500lb car (same power to weight ratio as a 280HP car of that weight) without sacrificing the ability to toss it through corners.
I wonder if a diesel rotary can be made, to combine the diesel's fuel efficiency and low end torque characteristics with the rotary's ease of high rpm design?
As Lotus has demonstrated with the Elise, there are customers out there for cars with sufficient power to weight ratios who can leave the absolute HP title to those who like to impress 14 year old boys. Mazda's quest for larger market share though may mean that market is too small for Mazda to dedicate resources too in the future, hence no evolution of the RX8, or even hint thereof. The show car that looks like the logical successor to the RX8: the Kabura, is a piston engined secretary mobile (a la Toyota Celica/Scion TC all show, no go) not a reincarnation of the '80s BMW sport sedan ethos (cars with relatively light weight, practical interiors, sufficient power and excellent chassis and suspensions). Then again, about 10 years ago BMW abandoned its core enthusiasts and started building heavyweight technobarges a la Mercedes Benz and financially speaking has no reason to regret the decision.
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spdracerut 11:27AM (5/09/2006)
#5 While the RX8 is a good handling car, it's far from great. It's compromised for the 90% of the population that can't handle the 'rougher' ride that this Prodrive version will provide. I've driven a RX8 and found it underdamped, too soft, and too much body roll for very aggressive driving.
As much as I'd like power mods, they probably restrained from doing any to avoid any problems with emissions and reliability. Aslo, possibly any additional testing to make it legal (which would add to the cost of course).
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Jon 12:31PM (5/09/2006)
#11 - They're not reflectors at all, they're turn signals. In the states the stock lense cover is orange, not clear.
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Q-Tip 2:57PM (5/09/2006)
#12 Yes, the stock suspension is a little on the soft side for hard core enthusiasts. It's a compromise, because I believe most RX8 customers are like myself unable to keep both a daily driver and a track car. A firmer suspension would make the car unliveable on the pothole ridden streets of cities like Boston and New York, and the frost heaved highways of the northern US. Since that and not the track is the typical driving condition for an RX8 owner, as opposed to an Elise owner who is only ever on the street while driving to the track. I'm willing to live with the compromise. That said, after a big brake kit upgrade, a firmer suspension is on planned list of modifications. The 2005 Shinka model had a slightly firmer suspension than the stock 6 speed, and of the few parts Mazdaspeed offers for the car, new springs, or even a coil over set, are available.
Thinking about it further the WRX and Lancer Evo offer similar performance in the RX8's price range, but I have not had the pleasure of driving them. Can anyone offer a comparison? From the spec sheet there's not much to tell them apart, the Evo has more power, the WRX more torque, but I prefer the coupe body style.
#13, I just checked, on the US model there is an orange reflector in that location. I guess I'd deleted them in the picture in my mind.
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Ted K 3:48PM (5/09/2006)
Pretty expensive for a set of shocks and a double-helping of rice.
These dorks might want to consider addressing the engine next time.
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Lucas 4:16PM (5/09/2006)
I really would have liked to get an RX8, but the gas mileage turned me off. My 350z is getting 24-25mpg combined city/highway. Never have I gotten under 21mpg in any conditions (even track days) and a lot of times I get over 30mpg. The problem with the RX8 is that it's almost as heavy as a Z with none of the power and ironically none of the efficiency (but much more livable if you need the extra space of course). The lack of power is especially apparent if you use it like they advertise and seat 4 adults and luggage in it.
The last-gen RX7 got bad gas mileage too, but the turbochargers meant at least it had plenty of power to make up for it. People were willing to sacrifice mpg for power. The RX8 has no power and the same bad gas mileage, which is a big turn-off unless you have so much money you just don't care or you're such a rotary fanatic that it's worth it to you. But most people cross-shopping in this price range, especially with gas prices nowadays, do care. Mazda either needs to increase the gas mileage or increase the power to make the bad gas mileage worth it. Otherwise a lot of people that would have bought one will purchase something else.
I'd really like to see a supercharged rotary. I've heard it's technically possible with a specially designed supercharger, but nobody has attempted it yet. It would give the RX8 the torque down low that it needs, especially for when it has to fullfill it's promise and carry 4 adults and luggage.
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Si 5:37PM (5/09/2006)
#2 - You've got to remember to add 17.5% VAT onto that price giving a final figure of just short of 26000, so around 48,500 USD "on the road". Considering the build quality of the Mazdas I've had as hire cars from work, thats way out of the price league I'd pay. Especially given the uneven power distribution and poor economy.
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ZoomZoomin' 6:50PM (5/10/2006)
There are quite a few reasons why an RX-8 owner will still pick an RX-8 over the 350Z even after considering the gas mileage issues...
http://www.halcyoneffect.net/archive/2005/10/zoom_zoom.html
Some reasons are that the build quality of the Z feels rough/cheap, and driving the 350Z feels like you're steering around a nimble ox. The 350Z shifter (manuals only, for me) feels like crap too. I tried REALLY hard to like the 350Z, but even after a couple more test drives, compared to one more spin in an RX-8, the 350Z just does not handle or feel nearly as good. Then the RX-8 also has a better warranty and a loaner car program, if needed.
I'll admit off the bat that the the RX-8 mileage is unbelievably terrible for the amount of torque/power its rotary powerplant puts out, but the RX-8 is a blast to drive. The G35/350Z does offer far better power/mileage for money, but when it comes to the driving experience, the RX-8 wins except at a stoplight and at the pump.
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The Bark 10:28PM (6/03/2006)
The latest addition of Car & Driver has an outfit with a proto-type, turbo-charged Rx-8. I'm not sure the name of the company, but they're based in Texas, and the kit goes for about $5,000 (U.S.) and another $900 for installation. It pushes the HP to the 390 range, and does 0-60mph in 4.9 seconds.
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