Car Review : Mazda RX-8 Anniversary Edition
Mazda is rolling out a limited edition of the RX-8 in the home market to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the first Mazda rotary engine.The engine itself predates Mazda, originating with Felix Wankel, who built the first running prototype at German automaker NSU in 1957.Mazda's first rotary-engine car, the Cosmo Sport, was launched in Japan in 1967. The company installed the rotary in several other models, notably the RX-7 (known in Japan as the Savanna). Poor fuel economy and higher-than-average exhaust emissions nearly killed the engine in North America. But Mazda in recent years has continued to refine the basic design and now is working on such exotic variants as a hydrogen-powered rotary.
The RX-8 Rotary Engine 40th Anniversary model features black leather and light silver Alcantara seats, marble white exterior paint, plus additional equipment, including Bilstein shocks and 18-inch wheels and tires. Buyers can choose between six-speed manual and automatic transmissions.
Only 200 units will be produced. The price in Japan is $26,500.
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