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Updated Mazda RX-8 coming to Frankfurt Motor Show?

 
4 3,079 views Jul 23, 2009

review mazda rx8 r3 021

The Germans have word that a new take on the RX-8 will be coming, but no official confirmation has been released

The Germans have word that a new take on the RX-8 will be coming, but no official confirmation has been released

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It's been six years since the Mazda RX-8 came on the scene and brought with it a sublime combo of handling, equipment, features, and pricing. Whether you're a rotary engine fan or not, you have to recognize the job Mazda did tuning the car's chassis. But now reports are beginning to break that an updated model may be on its way to this year's Frankfurt Motor Show.

A facelifted model was released for the 2009 model year in the U.S., along with a slightly revised version called the RX-8 R3. For more on that car and how it stacks up to the competition, check out our review.

But the new report says a new RX-8 is coming, though it will be based around the same chassis and engine. Aerodynamics and appearance pieces will likely update the front fascia to the 'smile' grille that's been adopted by much of the rest of the Mazda lineup, and for Europe at least, the 192hp version of the 1.3L rotary engine will no longer be available. Instead, only the 231hp version Americans are more familiar with will be on sale, reports Auto Motor & Sport.

Other updates include a Bluetooth hands-free system, updated instrument cluster, higher-quality interior materials including leather Recaro seating and a new Bose audio system.

More details of the updated car will no doubt be coming over the next weeks as the show draws near, so stay tuned for the latest on the updated RX-8.
2009 Mazda RX-8 R3

HI-RES GALLERY: review mazda rx8 r3 021




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Comments (4)

  1. ma_jlsarabia avatar jlsarabia Posted: 7/23/2009 3:13pm PDT

    Yahoooooooooooo!
     
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  2. ma_Vinzer avatar Vinzer Posted: 7/23/2009 9:10pm PDT

    I don't understand why Mazda can't man up and make a twin-turbocharged version of the RX-8 like they did to the RX-7. I understand the RX-7 sold poorly in its later years, but the RX-8 has certainly earned its place in the sports car segment and its only right that Mazda do what's necessary and revive the spirit of the twin-turbo RX-7.
     
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  3. ma_Damien Thomas avatar Damien Thomas Posted: 7/23/2009 9:56pm PDT

    Having previously owned an RX-8 - all I can say is that a twin-turbo version would have ATROCIOUS fuel economy.

    I could barely get 350kms from a tank.
     
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  4. By  aaa batterien Posted: 12/28/2009 1:12am PST

    The RX-8 chassis is superb, with great balance, awesome grip... that is saddled by a wimpy engine... it needs more cojones. Where is the turbo to bring torque up?Looks like the next gen engine will help that along.
     
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