14 Jan 08
Minor facelift for the RX-8: "enhancements" to styling, performance and packaging, though the mechanicals are little changed.
There are new bumpers front and rear, higher-set fog lights, wider headlamps, a new grille, new five-spoke 19-inch alloys, larger exhaust pipes and rounder LED taillights, but that's about it. Major changes - and the introduction of a new 1.6-litre engine - will be reserved for the all-new Mk2 RX-8, due 2011.
Body rigidity has been improved by additional reinforcement, with an extra bracing bar between the front suspension towers, and the rear suspension geometry has been revised for sharper handling and lowered vibrations and noise levels. Acceleration has also been lifted, thanks to a lower differential gear ratio, though engine output remains the same (205bhp or 231bhp).
The instrument panel has been redesigned, with a new tachometer and colours which are easier on the eye, and the front and rear seats have been re-shaped; Mazda promises improved knee- and foot-room for back-seat passengers. New options include a 300-watt surround-sound Bose audio system with noise-cancelling technology, automatic xenon headlights and auto wipers, and Bluetooth hands-free phone kit.
Buyers are now offered the option of a sports package, with uprated Bilstein shock absorbers, foam-filled front suspension cross-members, new rear spoiler, side sills, fog lights, redesigned bumper, forged-alloy wheels with high-performance tyres, Recaro sports seats with leather side-bolsters and colour-coordinated stitching on the leather handbrake, steering wheel and gear knob.
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