Mazda will end production of its four-door, four-seat rotary powered sports car in June of next year (2012), but the Japanese firm is hoping that a final special edition will mean the car goes out with a bang.
Borrowing a name previously seen on the RX-7 run out model, the new Mazda RX-8 Spirit R will go on sale on November 24 (in Japan) and be available in three colours - Aluminium Metallic, Sparkling Black Mica and Crystal White Pearl Mica - with a choice between a six-speed manual transmission or an electronically-controlled six-speed auto.
Specification exclusive to the Spirit R includes bronze coloured 19-inch alloy wheels, specially made Recaro bucket seats in the manual car (or leather seats in the auto), smoked lights all around and a chassis upgrade including sports suspension and larger brakes.
Thankfully the end of the Mazda RX-8 does not seem to signal an end of the rotary engine as Mazda says development on Dr. Wankel's crowning glory will continue, leading to speculation of a replacement car, dubbed RX-9, which is said to be closer to the ethos of the RX-7.
Please note that the Spirit R will not be available in Ireland.