Autoblog

Mazda RX-8 Spirit R will be last special edition before production ends

Zach Bowman — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 09:43:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Etc., Japan, Mazda

Mazda has chosen to commemorate the departure of the company's RX-8 with one last special edition in Japan. The Mazda RX-8 Spirit R is set to arrive at Japanese dealerships next month and will offer 1,000 lucky buyers a host of aesthetic upgrades over the base vehicle. The package starts with an RX-8 RS and adds in exclusive badging, unique head- and taillights with black bezels and red brake calipers outside. Indoors, the cabin wears special Spirit R bucket seats hewn by the people at Recaro as well as piano black transmission tunnel trim.

Models equipped with an automatic transmission will enjoy black leather seats with red contrasting stitching. Mazda says that the RX-8 Spirit R will also feature a sport-tuned suspension and larger brakes, as well as 18-inch gun metallic wheels. A total of three exterior color options will be available, including Aluminum Metallic, Sparkling Black Mica and Crystal White Pearl Mica. Hit the jump for the press release.

Continue reading Mazda RX-8 Spirit R will be last special edition before production ends

Mazda RX-8 Spirit R will be last special edition before production ends originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Oct 2011 09:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #240

Dan Roth — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 16:15:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts

2012 Honda CR-V, Chevrolet Cruze diesel, bending Ford SVT Raptor frames

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

Episode #240 of the Autoblog Podcast is ready, and this week Chris, Dan and Executive Editor Chris Paukert hold down the fort. We start with the 2012 Honda CR-V Concept and spend a while talking about its sharp new styling before moving on to ponder what the now-confirmed Chevrolet Cruze diesel means for fuel economy and fun when behind the wheel. Our last news topic is bending frames on some Ford SVT Raptor pickups before we move on to your feedback. Your questions and comments power the last third of the podcast, and for those of you who hung with us live on our UStream channel, thanks for taking the time. We've embedded our Q&A module after the jump for you to scroll through and follow along, too. Thanks for listening!

Autoblog Podcast #240:

In the Autoblog Garage
2012 BMW X3
2011 Mazda RX-8 GT
2011 Kia Forte SX
2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

Hosts: Dan Roth, Chris Shunk, Chris Paukert
Runtime: 01:15:44

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Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #240

Autoblog Podcast #240 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Jul 2011 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mazda rumored to use laser-ignition for next-gen rotary

Zach Bowman — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 13:59:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Japan, Technology, Mazda, Rumormill

Mazda Kabura Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Autocar is reporting that the next-generation rotary engine from Mazda may turn to a laser ignition system instead of traditional spark plugs. The report supposedly comes straight from the mouth of a shadowy senior engineer within the program. Mazda has been hard at work on the 16X Renesis rotary since around 2007 and the engine has seen quite a few evolutions over the intervening years. Autocar says that the design has seen displacement swell from 1.3 liters to 1.6 liters and that at least some parts of the engine have been designed to be made from aluminum to further reduce weight.

The work is in an effort to get the rotary to be more fuel efficient and provide more torque, the latter not usually being a chief attribute of this type of engine. According to Autocar, using a high-temperature laser ignition system would allow engineers to tune the Wankel to run leaner than systems that use a conventional spark plug. It would also reportedly allow the engine control module to more accurately adjust and monitor timing.

Mazda rumored to use laser-ignition for next-gen rotary originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Jun 2011 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2009: World's only known four-rotor Mazda RX-8

Frank Filipponio — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 09:40:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Motorsports, SEMA Show, Coupe, Performance, Mazda

BMI Racing Mazda RX-8 four-rotor - Click above for high-res image gallery

We came across this RX-8 at SEMA and it immediately rang a bell. Time Attack, four-rotor, Mazda RX-8? It's the BMI Racing car we saw on Streetfire a while back. It's said to be the only four-rotor RX-8 in the world and it looks and sounds incredible. Don't believe us? You can see a couple of videos after the jump and judge for yourself.

Gallery: SEMA 2009: 4-Rotor Mazda RX-8

Continue reading SEMA 2009: World's only known four-rotor Mazda RX-8

SEMA 2009: World's only known four-rotor Mazda RX-8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 09:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Redesigned Mazda RX-8 coming to Frankfurt? Not likely.

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 14:28:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Coupe, Performance, Europe, Mazda, Rumormill

Mazda RX-8 R3 - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Several reports have surfaced over the past day indicating that Mazda is prepping a thoroughly redesigned RX-8 for display at the Frankfurt Motor Show this September. However, according to Mazda USA's director of communications, Jeremy Barnes, the next rotary-powered coupe won't debut for at least a few more years.

Since Mazda just released the facelifted RX-8 last year, a full-scale overhaul seems a bit hasty, particularly considering the four-door coupe's niche status. If something does arrive in Frankfurt, it's likely a region-specific model, packing some additional features (new Recaro seats and infotainment package, say) akin to the recently released R3.

As for the next RX-series from Mazda, the automaker is hard at work on the all-new 16X rotary engine, and in that case, a revised Wankel rotary is expected to power the updated model, which is not expected until around 2011 or 2012.

Gallery: 2009 Mazda RX-8 R3

Redesigned Mazda RX-8 coming to Frankfurt? Not likely. originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Jul 2009 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mazda extends rotary warranty on RX-8 to 100k miles

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 10:28:00 EST

Filed under: Maintenance, Coupe, Performance, I.C.E., Marketing/Advertising, Recalls, Mazda

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Mazda RX-8.

You've got to hand it to Mazda for its perseverance with the Wankel rotary engine design. Ever since it's engineers managed to make it semi-reliable, the turbine-like smoothness of the quick-spinning lump has seen duty in numerous Mazda-branded vehicles, and even a few others as well. Still, despite constant engineering work and updates to the basic rotary engine design, there is a lingering question about the reliability of the design. Most owners seem happy with the engines in their RX, that is, until a seal blows or they forget to keep the oil supply topped up and it fails to restart. Or it floods in the winter, needing a tow. Alright... so there may be a few problems.

To ease the minds of RX-8 owners and owners-to-be, Mazda has reportedly decided to extend the warranty coverage for the 2004-2008 Renesis rotary engine for a period of eight years or 100,000 miles. Mazda even goes so far as to offer reimbursement to those who've spent money on engine repairs before 100,000 miles. This seems like a nice measure made in good faith on Mazda's part. After all, most educated owners of the rotary-powered cars knew what they were getting when these purchases were made, and the engine was already covered under the same basic warranty that comes standard with all Mazda vehicles. Nice work, Mazda.

In the interest of full disclosure, this particular blogger bought an RX-8 new in 2004, though it was sold two years later.

Gallery: 2009 Mazda RX-8 R3

[Source: RX8Club.com]

Mazda extends rotary warranty on RX-8 to 100k miles originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Jun 2008 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2008: facelifted Mazda RX-8 leaked

Noah Joseph — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 09:01:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Performance, Mazda

As more and more artists' impressions of the anticipated Mazda RX-9 surface online, images have leaked showing us what the interim facelifted version of the current RX-8 will look like. The image, as you can see, comes from a scanned Japanese magazine.

The changes appear to be exclusively cosmetic. Up front, the grille has been revised to feature higher-mounted fog lamps under new, wider headlights. Around back the taillamps have been updated with four round LED rings. That's pretty much the extent of it, although the car pictured is a new RS version featuring 19" wheels, Recaro racing buckets and Bilstein shocks.

The facelift is reportedly targeted mainly towards American customers, and may not even make it to other markets. We'll bring you more from the updated RX-8's anticipated launch at the fast-approaching Detroit auto show.

[Source: Mazda-Madness.nl via World Car Fans]

Detroit 2008: facelifted Mazda RX-8 leaked originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Jan 2008 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered Speculation: Mazda RX-8 refresh

Dan Roth — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 12:07:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Spy Photos, Performance, Mazda

Japanese car magazines often use 'chopped photos willy-nilly, so take this with a grainy bit of salt, but it appears that a scan of the face-lifted Mazda RX-8 has hit the web. We'll know for sure if this low-resolution subterfuge is accurate or not when the actual freshened RX-8 has its sheet cleaved away at the NAIAS in Detroit. From what we can see, changes are pretty subtle, with the most visual revisions restricted to the front and rear fascias. There's a new grille treatment up front and the two flanking air intakes changed a bit, with the foglamps moving up to a position at the top of the opening. Mazda-philes will be able to differentiate the early and late RX-8s in a heartbeat, but the rest of the population will notice absolutely nothing. There are substantive changes beyond the styling, the chassis has gotten some attention, acceleration is said to be improved and inside there are supposed to be more upgrades. It sounds like the 2009 RX-8 is this model's mid-cycle freshening, and they're putting more goodies in the car to keep people interested in Mazda's sweet-handling four-place GT.

[Source: 0-60]

Rendered Speculation: Mazda RX-8 refresh originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Dec 2007 12:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered Speculation: Mazda's Taiki-inspired RX-7 revival

Dan Roth — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 19:31:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Performance, Japan, Mazda

"We've just introduced a special edition of the RX-8" was the response from a Mazda rep when asked when we might get a new RX-7. Not the answer to the question, but we understand that it's all hush-hush when it comes to whatever might be in store on the 2-door, rear wheel drive, not-an-MX-5 tip. A new RX-7 (FE?) will debut within the next three years according to Autocar, and it will be the first production car to carry the design themes presented in Mazda's latest series of concept cars (Nagare, Ryuga, Hakaze, Taiki). The RX-8 will be freed up to evolve into more of a GT if the 7 comes to be. Autocar has had its digital image wizards whip up what they think the car might look like. We hope not, as it looks like what might happen if a Corvette stopped short in front of a Testarossa. In other words, it looks like 1988.

Joining the new "flow"-ing exterior lines will be a thoroughly revised rotary engine. Bumped out to 3.2 liters, the new Wankel will have direct fuel injection and sport forced induction via turbocharging. Reshaped combustion chambers are said to improve thermal efficiency, burn more completely, produce more low end torque, and return better fuel economy (woo-hoo!). We're surprised they didn't switch it's fuel to Unicorn sneezes, as the rest of the improvements seem like a fairy tale outcome for the wimpy, thirsty Wankel we know and love.

[Source: Autocar]

Rendered Speculation: Mazda's Taiki-inspired RX-7 revival originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Dec 2007 19:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt 2007: Mazda RX-8 Special Edition

Dan Roth — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 13:04:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Coupe, Mazda

Mazda is celebrating 40 years of putting engines inspired by pony kegs in their cars by rolling out a special version of the RX-8 2+2. Mazda's official hyperbole about the RX-8 brags that the car changed customer expectations of what an affordable sports car should be when they launched the four-place coupe in 2003. It sure did; we've now come to expect less than the stated power output from the Renesis Wankel, which also swills oil like a... well, like a Wankel. Now that we've ensured that every single Rotary fan on Autoblog will lambaste us, let's go on to say that we really do like them. Any engine you can mercilessly spin out to 10,000 RPM without aerating the block has significant entertainment value. The fact that there's about three major moving parts is cool, too.

The Special Edition RX-8 has two new colors for its sinewy sheetmetal, Metropolitan Grey and Crystal White Pearl. There's also new ten-spoke wheels, blue tinged foglamps, and the obligatory emblems to dress up the exterior. Open the clamshell doors and the Special Edition greets you with a specially outfitted interior, full of Alcantara, contrast stitching, leather, and silver bits. It's not all just prettying up, either. The suspension crossmembers get shot full of foam for quieter operation, and there are new springs that are held in check by Bilstein dampers. So, while there's been no massive power upgrade to the RX-8, the Special Edition is more than just a glamorization of an affordable, entertaining coupe.

Press release after the jump.

Gallery: Mazda RX-8 Special Edition

Continue reading Frankfurt 2007: Mazda RX-8 Special Edition

Frankfurt 2007: Mazda RX-8 Special Edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Sep 2007 13:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Celebrate 40 years of rotary power with Mazda

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 30 May 2007 13:25:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Japan, Mazda

Click image for a gallery of the Mazda Cosmo Sport

The good old internal combustion engine has been in service since the 17th century when Sir Samuel Morland rather impractically used gunpowder to drive water pumps. It was not until 1876 when Nikolaus Otto invented the modern four stroke engine that the internal combustion engine became practical for automobiles, however. Those same four cycles, intake, compression, combustion and exhaust are used in the Wankel rotary engine, although instead of the strokes of a piston the rotary creates it's cycles as a roughly triangular shaped rotor spins inside its housing. Doesn't make sense? Click here.

2007 marks Mazda's 40th in using the rotary engine. Our favorite application of it would have to be the Cosmo Sport, of course. Many of you will choose the RX-7 as a personal favorite. It's also alive in the current RX-8, which even sports a hydrogen-powered version for the alternative fuel crowd. And we'd be remiss if we forgot to mention the jaw-dropping four-rotor 787B racer that won the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Those of us who own, or have owned, a rotary engined vehicle and loved it can take this moment to say "thanks" to Felix Wankel and to Mazda for its commitment to the rotary. Forty years and going strong!

We've assembled four galleries of famous Mazda rotaries, including the Cosmo Sport gallery below, as well as galleries of the RX-7, RX-8 and 787B Le Mans racer.

[Source: Mazda]

Gallery: Mazda Cosmo Sport

Continue reading Celebrate 40 years of rotary power with Mazda

Celebrate 40 years of rotary power with Mazda originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 May 2007 13:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mazda RX-8 "Nemesis" for the UK

Alex Nunez — Tue, 26 Sep 2006 16:37:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Europe, Mazda

Click to enlarge

Mazda UK has revealed its third special-edition RX-8. Dubbed "Nemesis," it follows in the footsteps of the RX-8 Evolve (translated) and the Prodrive-tuned RX-8 PZ.

Unlike the cars that preceded it, which used the 231 PS RX-8 as a starting point, Nemesis is based on the 192 PS car. Only 350 will be available -- 200 in Copper Red and the remaining 150 in a Stormy Blue finish. In addition to the two Nemesis-specific paint colors, the Rotary crest in the air dam and the vents in the front wheel arches get a polished aluminum finish. Exclusive badging and a Rotary logo on the B-pillar complete the exterior detail enhancements.

Open the door and you'll find aluminum scuff plates, stone leather seating, and Nemesis-embroidered floormats. Those are in addition to the RX-8's standard equipment list, which includes niceties like Bose audio, headed seats, foglights, and climate control.

On-the-road pricing is £22,995, which also gets the customer a free Prodrive experience day.

(More pictures, press release after the jump)

[Source: Mazda Europe]

Continue reading Mazda RX-8 "Nemesis" for the UK

Mazda RX-8 "Nemesis" for the UK originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Sep 2006 16:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mazda unveils Prodrive RX-8

Stuart Waterman — Mon, 08 May 2006 21:40:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Mazda

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

While Mazda hasn't released any road test figures for the RX-8 PZ, the cornering shots of the PZ "at speed" (as they say in the motoring press) after the jump 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.

More pics after the jump...

[Source: Mazda Motors Europe]

Continue reading Mazda unveils Prodrive RX-8

Mazda unveils Prodrive RX-8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 May 2006 21:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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