‘08 NAIAS: Face-lifted Mazda RX-8 Leaked
Although we've already shown you what the 2012 Mazda RX-9 may look like, we have an embargo-breaking Japanese publication to thank for showing us the mild nip/tuck given to the 2008 Mazda RX-8.
(Click through for more and to sound off on the RX-8's new snout)
As scanned from the magazine, this photo shows the changes to be mild and entirely cosmetic in nature. The front bumper is brand new, sporting a larger grille, tall side ports, and a curvy lower edge. Those side ports are located under revised headlamps, whose wide stature recall those on the Mazda6. Changes out back are even more restrained; LED rings have been added to the tail lamps, although the overall size and shape of their aperture have not been changed.
The car pictured supposedly is a new RS version, sporting 19" alloys, Recaro buckets and Bilstein shocks, but we'll be surprised if there's much else that isn't carryover. The face-lifted car should bow at the Detroit show. That's a sensible launch locale, as it is also rumored that this cosmetic surgery is designed to appeal to Americans, and may not appear in other markets.
But have Mazda designers succeeded? Does it do anything for you? Let us know what you think thus far in the comments section.
+World Car Fans: Leaked - Mazda RX-8 Facelift (via Autoblog)
Comments
Steve
A great looking car gets a facelift and looks even better... I just wish it had more go under the right pedal!
Winding Road » Archive » Report: Audi to Bring R8 V-12 TDi S
[...] German publication Auto Motor und Sport has gone ahead and tipped Audi’s hand in its February issue, by saying the automaker will bring a diesel-powered R8 to Detroit for the North American International Auto Show. [...]
Needer of MPGs
I like it and think that this is an appropriate step towards a strong Mazdaspeed8. What the RX8 really needs is a better motor that does not drink gas and oil like an alcoholic on a Las Vegas bender...it already has the good looks, frame, and suspension, especially with these updates.
Needer of MPGs
WAY TO GO MAZDA on the diesel powered RX-8!!! (I didn't read that before my last post.) Bring over the diesel powered Mazda3 I have been begging you for (directly, might I add) on the same ship.
Rex
I have to agree with MPG. The Wankel engine is great. I just wish they would produce that hybrid version already.
MRX19
The changes look good. However, I concur with the other posters that the Wankel engine is the cars weak spot. I came very close to buying one of these, but couldn't get past the poor gas and oil consumption and low temp start issues. Had an all alluminum 3 liter, 250 HP, V6 been available, one of these would be in my garage.
VMMVMMM
Love the looks of this car, but low torque and mpg figures, as well as it's tendancy to burn through oil almost as fast as gasoline, prevent me from ever seriously considering it.
Mena
Are they going to facelift the engine too?
Clint
The facelifted version isn't as drastic as I thought it would be. The new front clip is essentially a reworked version of the existing Mazdaspeed aftermarket fascia with the Mazdaspeed 3 driving lights tacked on. It still looks good though.
Having owned a 2005 for two years, the oil consumption isn't an issue (half a quart every 3000 miles actually observed), nor is the cold start after Mazda fit in a bigger battery (it started just fine in 12 degrees F during a snowstorm in Pennsylvania). However, the mileage (16.5 mpg observed in Washington, D.C. city driving) and torque (Just tolerable if you redline it everywhere, which serves to make the mileage even worse) are two reasons why I sold it.
It was a blast to drive though, and I would have kept it if I had more than one car.
Steve
Are those new fake vents on the fenders behind the front wheel openings (also appear to hold the side-marker lights)? Have the Mazda designers been spending too much time with their Ford Focus counterparts?
Throopspeed
Glad to see they are getting rid of the funky triangles(wankel rotors) on the front and back and seats....
boomerburt
Well, it is different enough so people will know whether you have a newer or older version, but other than that, I don't see it as an improvement. I've had an '04 since Nov. 2003 and I'm happy with the original look. It wouldn't get me to trade in for a new one.
Kc
Well who could say that this is what the final product will look like??
Magazines have always been doing cg and edited representations of what they believe it will look like, i say this cause the picture looks like any ordinary image of the rx8 floating around the internet but with external additions, i say this cause the side mirrors are the same as they are now, mazda woulda changed them and the tyre on the left side of the large image looks like its out too mmuch, although this is the closest thing to the camo rx8s running around the place.
Mazda could always add things or two over all i reckon it looks pretty good with a more aggressive styling in the back, rims are very nice, dont noe about the side vent though i would liek it if they would keep the old vent but redesign it a bit
also Mazda have also been showcasing their 1.6 litre twin rotary that could easily be used in this revision however it would make more sense to place it in the speculated RX-9
Pats MT
I like the new look a lot. Since the rotary powered sports car is a niche market, they might as well pull out all the stops and add forced induction so at least it'll command a little more respect on the street. Keep the hardcore fans happy. They've been working on the rotary for decades, and it's apparent that it's always going to be a little weak on torque and MPG. It's hard to want a sports car with so many weak points. Turn it up a notch.
Winding Road » Archive » Rotary Ragtop - RX-8 Convertible Sp
[...] seen what we believe to be the freshened 2008 Mazda RX-8, but we can’t help but wish a convertible version was in the picture. Apparently, [...]
Post new comment