Special edition Mazda RX-8 Kuro

Posted Wed Apr 11 2007 11:21 AM by Viknesh Vijayenthiran

Mazda has launched another special edition RX-8 that’s set to go on sale at the end of this month with only 250 copies available. Labeled the Kuro, which means ‘black’ in Japanese, the latest version of the RX-8 doesn’t offer any upgrades to the drivetrain but instead receives a revised interior as well as minor changes to its head and tail lights. It seems Mazda is never going to offer a power upgrade for the RX-8. Its main rival, Nissan’s 350Z has received numerous engine and styling tweaks over its model life and it’s about time Mazda did the same for its RX-8.

Instead, we get boring changes to the cabin such as the beige-grey leather treatment, a new leather steering wheel and piano-black and silver highlights as well as an optional DVD navigation system. Other additions include the new Cruisematic speed control located behind the steering wheel and a Bose sound system with nine loudspeakers.

Externally, the Kuro can be recognized thanks to the silver chrome backing found in the head and tail lights and Kuro spec 18in alloys. Prices start at €34,800 for the base spec Kuro, which features the familiar 231hp (170kW) rotary powerplant.

Reader Comments

Wed Apr 11 2007 1:33 PM
Ayax says

Is this site set to show unbiased articles with car info, or is it normal to add your own opinions?
"Instead, we get boring changes" I think its uncalled for, wether it be true or not, thats up to the audience to decide, not the medium...
Wed Apr 11 2007 2:16 PM
admin says

Biased implies we have some sort of stake in promoting one company over another. That's simply not the case. One of the MotorAuthority team owns a RX-8 and confirms that the chassis is more than capable of handling extra power.

This is the latest in a long list of RX-8 special editions, but Mazda continues to ignore demand from enthusiasts to upgrade its vehicles. The only RX-8 special edition that was worthwhile - in our opinion - was the PZ Prodrive version.
Cheers,
Sid
Wed Apr 11 2007 4:03 PM
Ayax says

Ok, not trying to be an Ahole, just that it seemed a tad too on the negative side... to me, the RX8 is not a car that was worthy of carrying the RX badge, yah, it would have been a hell of a car as a second line or addition to the RX7, but not a successor, not with that little power...
Thu Apr 12 2007 1:52 AM
JMP says

I think the interior changes are quite nice looking, and certainly give the car a bit more class but, to quote the writer, they are a bit boring. I'd be much more prepared to sink my cash into an RX-8 if it was a little more powerful
Tue Mar 4 2008 11:40 PM
car enthusiast says

Ayax
April 11, 2007 | 1:03 pm

Ok, not trying to be an Ahole, just that it seemed a tad too on the negative sideâ€¦ to me, the RX8 is not a car that was worthy of carrying the RX badge, yah, it would have been a hell of a car as a second line or addition to the RX7, but not a successor, not with that little powerâ€¦

that little power? 232-238 normally aspirated hp from a 1.3 is hardly little power. The twin turbo RX-7 made.. what.. 255?.. with 1/2 the miles per gallon and a thirst for oil.. and let's not even talk about the apex seals.

Don't get me wrong.. the RX-7 is still one of the top sports cars to date under 40k, however, the considering the RX-8 seats 4, handles better, and gets nearly twice the gas milage w/o contantly eating up quarts of oil, I'd say that the RX-8 is more than worthy of being the 7's successor.

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