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Mazda Brings Back Spirit R Badge For Final RX-8, Rotary Development Continues

Mazda's famed Spirit R badge, which appeared on the final 1500 units of the last-generation RX-7, is back. Once again, it's a limited-edition offering, and this time it's for the outgoing RX-8 sports car.

Available only in the Japanese


Mazda's famed Spirit R badge, which appeared on the final 1500 units of the last-generation RX-7, is back. Once again, it's a limited-edition offering, and this time it's for the outgoing RX-8 sports car.

Available only in the Japanese market, the RX-8 Spirit R will be limited to just 1000 cars. Two specifications will be offered: a six-speed manual, and a six-speed automatic. 

In manual form, the Spirit R will be based on the top-shelf Type RS, and the auto will be based on the Type E - the highest spec of the regular automatic models.

From November until June next year, the Spirit R variants and the base-model 'Type G' automatic will be the only RX-8 cars in production.

If you're keen to hop into a brand-new RX-8, we'd suggest getting down to your local Mazda dealer sooner rather than later, as stocks are bound to run out in the near future.

Features

Features for to the Spirit R include black-framed housings for the headlights, fog lights and tail lights, Spirit R badging and red brake calipers.

Unique to the manual variant are specially-made Spirit R bucket seats from Recaro, piano black transmission tunnel trim and bronze 19-inch alloy wheels shod with 225/40R19 89W tyres.

The automatic version gets leather seats with red stitching, a leather wrapped steering wheel with red stitching, synthetic leather and red stitching for the centre console box front seat armrest and rear console box lid.

The RX-8 Spirit R will be offered in Aluminium Metallic, Sparkling Black Mica and Crystal White Pearl Mica.

Rotary Development Continues

Announcing the RX-8 Spirit R this week, Mazda CEO Takashi Tamanouchi also dispelled rumours that development of a next-generation rotary engine was in danger of being cancelled.

“Although RX-8 production is ending, the rotary engine will always represent the spirit of Mazda. And Mazda remains committed to its ongoing development,” Tamanouchi said.

With the potential for a new RX model in the future, the news is sure to give hope to the Mazda faithful. Perhaps a production version of the Mazda Shinari concept... 

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