Filed under: Coupes, Sports/GTs, Japan, Mazda
Mazda unveils upgraded RX-8 in Japan
Mazda has just announced that its RX-8 four-door sports car has received a few tweaks for the JDM market. As of today the automaker will be accepting orders for a new RX-8 with a six-speed automatic transmission that replaces the previous four-speed slushbox. The new cog swapper is available in the base RX-8 and Type E models, but not the Type S that is only available with a 6-speed manual. The 6-speed AT RX-8 also gets the more powerful 6-port rotary engine that was previously used only in the RX-8 Type S. Finally, the RX-8 Type S and Type E models can be ordered with a Sand Beige Leather Package that spruces up the interior with Sand beige-colored leather upholstery and trim.
(More photos of the interior and Mazda's full press release can be found after the jump)
[Source: Mazda Japan]
Press release:
Mazda Begins Sales of Upgraded RX-8
- The addition of the 6-speed Activematic automatic transmission model and Sand Beige Leather Package enhances its sports car performance and overall quality inside and out -
HIROSHIMA, Japan--Mazda Motor Corporation has upgraded its four-door, four-seat, rotary engine-equipped RX-8 sports car, which is to be sold at Mazda and Mazda Anfini dealers throughout Japan. Mazda is commencing sales of the 5-speed and 6-speed manual transmission models and accepting orders for the new 6-speed automatic transmission (AT) version from today. The 6-speed AT RX-8 goes on sale in mid-October 2006.
Mazda RX-8 Type E with Sand Beige Leather Package (6-speed AT)
Since sales began in April 2003, the RX-8 has received widespread acclaim as a unique sports car powered by a rotary engine, in which four adults can ride comfortably.
The newly-adopted 6-speed AT model delivers reassuringly smooth acceleration and improved noise reduction at high speeds. In addition, a 6-port design of its rotary engine--2 ports more than the prior model--improves the intake efficiency, and the newly-added Active Adaptive Shift (AAS) control raises the ride quality and enjoyment of driving a sports car.
Additionally, new accessories improve the vehicle's quality feel. For its exterior and interior, Mazda has introduced the "Sand Beige Leather Package" to the Type S and Type E models. The exterior features two new body colors, with a stark blue "Stormy Blue Mica" and radiant white "Crystal White Pearl Mica" having been added to the body color range to further emphasize the RX-8's sporty pedigree and reputation for quality.
The monthly sales target for the upgraded RX-8 is set at 600 units a month.
Main features of the upgraded RX-8
Advancements to the AT models:
6-speed automatic transmission
The adoption of the 6-speed AT, increased by two speeds over the base 4-speed, enabled the overall gear ratio range to be widened and the gaps between each gear to be reduced to achieve a better close ratio. This results in a more powerful, smoother acceleration and reduces shift shock, while improving noise reduction at high speeds and increasing fuel efficiency.
Adoption of the 6-port engine
The 6-port engine that up to now has only been used in the RX-8 Type S (6-speed manual transmission model) has been adopted for the 6-speed automatic transmission version, which until now mounted only a 4-port engine. This development pushes up the power output by increasing intake efficiency as well as further enhancing the torque produced at high revs--one of the special features of the rotary engine.
Advanced AAS (Active Adaptive Shift)
The AAS function optimizes transmission shift points based on driver input using data from various sensors (for example, in the accelerator and brake pedals) and vehicle handling (rate of acceleration, cornering etc), and this function has been further advanced in the upgraded RX-8. Accordingly, the AAS helps enhance the vehicle's performance whether it is being driven in a relaxed way or more aggressively.
Interior/exterior upgrades
Sand Beige Leather Package
The following factory-installed options are available on the Type S and Type E models and improve its quality and sporty image:
- Sand beige-colored leather upholstery (with 8-way power adjustable seats and power adjustable lumber support) with door trims coordinated to suit.
- Leather steering wheel trim (2-piece type; the base model has the 4-piece type as standard).
- A leather-wrapped parking brake handle.
- Advanced keyless entry & starter system with two advanced keys.
- Water repellent glass coating (windshield glass, front door glasses, and door mirrors).
- 225/45R 18-inch tires and alloy wheels. (These are special equipment for the 6-speed AT, but are standard equipment on the MT model.)
- Front fog lights (These are special equipment for the 6-speed AT, but are standard equipment on the MT model.)
- Aluminum pedals (These are special equipment for the 6-speed AT, but are standard equipment on the MT model.)
Two sporty and high-quality body colors, "Stormy Blue Mica" and, "Crystal White Pearl Mica" have been added. There are now a total of eight colors for customers to choose from.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
The other Bob 1:24PM (8/22/2006)
So why does only GM get ripped for using 4 speeds autos when so many other companies still have them?
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t 1:45PM (8/22/2006)
We need a turbo! The rx8 is underpowered for a sports car.
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ZoomZoomin' 1:59PM (8/22/2006)
The sand beige interior is pretty hot (though I wouldn't get it for maintenance reasons...plus, I generally prefer dark interiors.
Everytime I see the RHD interior, it reminds me of little ergonomic hints that the car was designed with an RHD bias (or wasn't fully redone for LHD).
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David F 2:05PM (8/22/2006)
Why does every article have to have [rhetorical] GM comments?
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Daniel 2:12PM (8/22/2006)
How about a few engine mods to increase power and reliability while reducing oil consumption? The car looks great, but I'd have a hard time buying one after all of the problems I've read about.
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Al 2:18PM (8/22/2006)
To entertain you, I'll rip this and say, not matter how many gears you have, autos are no fun to drive. :)
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Steve S 2:21PM (8/22/2006)
6 speed autos were available in 2006+ models in the U.S. so it wasn't in JDM?
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Apex 2:30PM (8/22/2006)
Amen #4. If you are going to bitch and whine about any type of engine/tranny performance characteristic on a car then you should be driving a manual. If you are complaining, but driving an automatic then you obviously dont care enough to spend (LESS) money on the manual and take a couple of hours to learn it. You are just complaining to complain. Suck it up and get a mini-van.
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Loren 2:32PM (8/22/2006)
Well its still ugly. So why don't we ditch this car and bring back the RX7.
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jstand6 2:39PM (8/22/2006)
There are plenty of 4-spd autos out there, but I think the difference is that GM is introducing brand new or significantly redesigned models with 4-spd autos. A lot of other manufacturers have 4-spd autos on aging vehicles, and when they are redesigned or revamped, they are putting newer auto trannies in them.
For Mazda, only the Mazda5 and Tribute have 4-spd autos in them. The Mazda5, which was brought to this market as a test but has enjoyed better-than-expected sales, will probably get a 5-spd auto now that the Mazda3, which it is based on, has been upgraded to a 5-spd auto. The Tribute goes away for the 2007 model year, returning as the CX-5 in 2008 with upgraded powertrains.
Mazda has unique difficulties with the RX-8. Most auto trannies out there can't handle the rotary's power at the high level of RPMs (9,000+) that the engine is capable of. This is why the automatic versions have had a lower redline and lower power levels than the manual versions. Apparently, much of this has been solved.
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nezromatron 2:51PM (8/22/2006)
I really don't see an issue with oil consumption. It uses oil to lubricate the engine. Most high-po piston based cars also use oil.
I'd like to see a version with black leather seats with alcantara inserts to keep you planted. The current leather seats are a bit on the slippery side.
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Blind 3:11PM (8/22/2006)
I love the RX-8, great looking car
http://www.carchops.com
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jstand6 3:15PM (8/22/2006)
The only way to lubricate the apex and side seals in a rotary engine is to inject oil into rotor housings. The injected oil is burned away during the combustion process. There is no other way around it. A rotary will use oil; that's the nature of the beast.
If the engine is maintained correctly (different than a piston engine), it can be extremely reliable. There are rules that are different than a piston engine, and if they are followed, the engine shouldn't give you any problems. Engine flooding, for example, can easily be prevented. Regularly checking the oil level (i.e., every fuel fill-up) and refilling when necessary is vital. How many buyers out there actually do this? If you don't like to perform maintenance, the rotary engine is not for you.
Increasing power output would be great, but the rotary's output already eclipses all other naturally-aspirated production engines. How many other engines create 183 hp/liter? Even the impressive S2000 creates just 108 hp/iter. The 505 hp Corvette Z06 creates only 72 hp/liter.
Adding a turbo to the rotary really ramps up the power, but reliability suffers. Cooling is a big issue, and a rotary already produces substantially more heat than a piston engine. Adding the awesome heat of a turbo creates some huge problems. What we need is a return of the RX-7, with substantially less weight than the RX-8.
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BCM 3:48PM (8/22/2006)
It sounds like the JDM is just now getting the improvements the USA got for the 2006 model year. With the 6-speed automatic, 15 extra hp, and finally a sunroof without having to get leather upholstery, I could consider this as my only vehicle. My sister missed out on the '06 improvements, but then she only paid about $25K for a leftover '05 with Grand Touring package, so that softens the blow.
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Michael Karesh 3:54PM (8/22/2006)
Very old news.
#1: The performance of the automatic RX-8 has been heavily criticized, partly because of number of gears. Mazda didn't get a free pass here.
#3: In most RX-8s oil consumption is minimal. My father adds at most a quart between oil changes. Usually less. Unlike in a piston engine, some oil consumption is designed-in.
#9: the 2006 Shinka seats have alcantara center panels; not black, though. My solution: get the cloth.
#11: power/liter isn't terribly meaningful, since this engine is such a different design; in power/engine weight and power/engine size it's clearly tops, though. Fuel consumption, not nearly so good.
My site's page for the RX-8:
http://www.truedelta.com/RX-8.php
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Jim 4:37PM (8/22/2006)
Speaking of Mazda RX problems, check out this link:
http://www.cartv.com/content/research/channels/index.cfm/channel/cartv_video/action/showvideo/vid/n_0146/vcat/News/
Mazda will be replacing the engines of most 2004, 2005 and some 2006 models.
Jim
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pavster 5:07PM (8/22/2006)
I have to say that I am deeply impressed by the RX-8. Just spent a day flogging it through an Auto-X course at Mazda's Zoom Zoom Live. Amazing engine, amazing chassis.
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m 6:03PM (8/22/2006)
jstand, how did the RX-7 handle the massive heat that the turbos create? And if the RX-7 handled it reliably (maybe it didn't) then could the RX-8 do it?
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Mr. Wankel 7:02PM (8/22/2006)
To #14. Most? Start the BS party! They'll do a vacuum test and if the engine is below a certain value they'll get replaced. ONLY ABOUT 1% OF ENGINES ARE EXPECTED TO BE REPLACED.
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MikeW 7:24PM (8/22/2006)
The redline of the automatic Rx-8 is still 7500.
The Rx-8 with the 4 speed auto got smoked by a Honda accord 2.4 liter I4 & 5 speed auto. Not even funny.
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