WITH THE FAST approaching Frankfurt Motor Show now less than two months away, speculation about which manufacturers will be showing which models is about to kick into overdrive.

Joining the list of possible appearances comes news that Mazda is preparing to show a new RX-8 in September. A new RX-8 would mark the popular sports car’s first redesign, succeeding the facelifted version which debuted earlier this year.

To bring the RX-8 into line with the rest of the Mazda family, the new model is expected to feature a prominent five-point grille, similar to that used on the Mazda3 and MX-5. The car’s bodywork is also expected to carry more of the ‘Flow’ design language, as featured on Mazda’s recent concept cars, according to Auto Motor Und Sport.

Beneath the skin, the new RX-8 will carry on with a revised version of the current car’s platform. Mazda’s Renesis 1.3 litre rotary engine will also headline yet again, although with a series of revisions to power and fuel consumption figures.

Inside will be an all new interior with a focus on lifting interior quality. An updated instrument cluster, Bluetooth handsfree, leather Recaro seats and a new Bose audio system are expected to figure among the highlights.

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