The R3 will come with a sports styling pack comprising of a revised front bumper, side skirts, rear wing and Recaro seats inside. A set of larger 19 inch alloy wheels finished in dark titanium compliment the styling pack. The front wings no longer have the air vent behind the wheel arches but have side repeaters instead. Handling is improved via a stiffened body shell up-rated suspension and enhanced aerodynamics… the rear wing is possibly more than just for show then.
Performance figures for the RX-8 R3 are impressive with a maximum power output of 228bhp (231ps) at 7500rpm and 155lb/ft of torque (211Nm) at 5500rpm. A fettled six speed manual gearbox with shorter gearing through gears 1 to 5 and a longer 6th gear for cruising will see the R3 will reach 62mph in just 6.4 seconds and go on to a top speed of 146mph.
Mazda have taken steps to improve the reliability by incorporating an improved and relocated oil pump, larger oil cooler and increased oil capacity. Also included is a “Red Zone” feature which limits the revs when the engine is cold to protect the engine from over enthusiastic owners. Once warm the limit is removed and full use of the 9000rpm rev band is available.
On sale from late August, the new Mazda RX-8 R3 will have an on the road price of £24,995.
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