Mazda RX-8, kudos Mazda for being unique, and designing a practical stylish sports car, great car IMO.
Doing well in the UK, with 41% share of the non-premium sports car segment.
New variant offered this summer in UK market - Mazda RX-8 PZ’
United Kingdom, 08/ 05/ 2006
More ‘focused’ ride and handling for new version of 231ps Mazda RX-8
Created jointly with Prodrive to deliver greater driver involvement
Touch of exclusivity with only 800 examples available
Priced from Ł25,995 on-the-road
Responding to enthusiastic customer feedback, Mazda is introducing an even more ‘focused’ version of its highest performance, four-door, sports coupé. On sale in the UK from 1 July it will be called the ‘Mazda RX-8 PZ’.
Based on the 231ps high-power version of Mazda RX-8 with leather trim, the PZ has been further developed by Mazda jointly with leading motorsport company Prodrive, and specialist component suppliers Bilstein, Eibach and OZ Racing. Mazda’s brief to Prodrive was to build on the remarkable attributes of the standard Mazda RX-8 and create a special model that delivers greater driver involvement and an even more rewarding motoring experience, with enhanced ride and handling, while staying true to the original concept and without compromising the car’s passenger comfort as a unique four-seater sports car.
Ensuring a touch of exclusivity, just 800 examples of the Mazda RX-8 PZ will be available, priced at Ł25,995 on-the-road with an insurance rating of 17E compared to 16E for the standard RX-8 231ps model.
Distinguishing features include a choice of two colours Brilliant Black (solid) or Galaxy Grey (metallic), unique 18-inch OZ alloy wheels, rear silencer and aerodynamic rear spoiler, lowered suspension, sporty door mirrors, grille mesh inserts on front and rear bumpers as well as ‘PZ’ and 'Prodrive' badging. Additionally , inside RX-8 PZ features the black leather seat trim, plus black leather-wrapped steering wheel, gear knob and hand-brake lever that features as standard on all RX-8 231ps models.
Mazda RX-8 PZ – at a glance
Performance
Lowered ride height
Upgraded coil springs and dampers
Unique 18-inch OZ alloy wheels
Unique aerodynamic rear spoiler
Unique upgraded twin rear silencers
Appearance
Exterior colours, Brilliant Black (480 units) or Galaxy Grey (320 units)
Front and rear mesh grilles
Sporty door mirrors
PZ side badges
PZ and Prodrive branded rear spoiler
Prodrive and OZ branded wheel centre caps
Prodrive branded silencer surrounds
http://www.mazda.co.uk/AboutMazda/MazdaNews/LatestHeadlines/Articles/news08-05-2006