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Named after the final limited edition Mazda RX-7, Mazda will be commemorating the end of the Rx-8 with a final special edition model, Spirit R, that will go on sale in Japan only on November 24th of this year. The manual version of the Mazda RX-8 Spirit R is based on the RX-8 Type RS and the a six-speed automatic will be modeled after the Type E.<\/p>\n
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Both of the new models will feature an exclusive SPIRIT R badge, black bezels for exterior lighting, red front and rear brake calipers, and a piano-black transmission tunnel trim. The manual transmission will also include special bucket seats from Recaro and bronze 19\u201d alloy wheels with 225\/40R19 tires whereas the automatic will feature black leather seats, steering wheel and parking brake lever that feature red stitching, a sports suspension, larger brakes, and Gun-metal finish 18\u201d alloy wheels with 225\/45R18 tires. <\/p>\n
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\u201cAlthough RX-8 production is ending, the rotary engine will always represent the spirit of Mazda and Mazda remains committed to its ongoing development.” Said Takashi Yamanouchi, Mazda\u2019s Representative Director, Chairman of the Board, President and CEO, in a press release from Mazda, giving glimmer of hope for rotary fans that development for the RX-7\u2019s successor is still on the table at Mazda headquarters. <\/p>\n
Mazda expects to sell 1,000 units of the limited edition model before the Mazda RX-8 production ends in June of 2012. Prices start at $40,675 with the six-speed automatic transmission and $42,400 with the six-speed manual.<\/p>\n
Mazda’s rotary engine history
\n1961 Jul\tSigns a technical contract with NSU and Wankel
\n1967 May\tAnnounces the completion of the rotary engine and introduces the Cosmo Sport 110S
\n1968 Jul\tIntroduces the Familia Rotary Coupe\/Mazda R100
\n1969 Oct\tIntroduces the Luce Rotary Coupe\/Mazda R130 Coupe
\n1970 May\tIntroduces the Capella Rotary\/Mazda RX-2 series
\n1971 Sep\tIntroduces the Savanna Rotary\/Mazda RX-3 is introduced
\n1972 Nov\tIntroduces the Luce Rotary\/Mazda RX-4 series
\n1973 Jun\tCumulative production of rotary engine vehicles reaches 500,000 units
\n1975 Apr\tIntroduces the Roadpacer
\n1975 Oct\tIntroduces the Cosmo AP\/Mazda RX-5
\n1977 Jul\tIntroduces the Cosmo L (Landau top)
\n1977 Oct\tIntroduces the Luce Legato\/Mazda 929L
\n1978 Mar\tIntroduces the Savanna RX-7\/Mazda RX-7
\n1978 Nov\tCumulative production of rotary engine cars reaches 1 million units
\n1981 Nov\tIntroduces the new Cosmo and Luce\/Mazda 929 rotary series
\n1986 Apr\tCumulative production of rotary engine vehicles reaches 1.5 million units
\n1986 Sep\tIntroduces the fully redesigned Luce
\n1990 Apr\tIntroduces the Eunos Cosmo featuring a three-rotor rotary engine
\n1991 Jun\tThe Mazda 787B wins the 59th Le Mans 24-Hour endurance race
\n1991 Dec\tIntroduces the fully redesigned RX-7
\n2002 Mar\tIntroduces the SPIRIT R final limited edition Mazda RX-7
\n2003 Apr\tIntroduces the Mazda RX-8<\/p>\n
Gwynne- <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Named after the final limited edition Mazda RX-7, Mazda will be commemorating the end of the Rx-8 with a final special edition model, Spirit R, that will go on sale in Japan only on November 24th of this year. The manual version of the Mazda RX-8 Spirit R is based on the RX-8 Type RS … <\/p>\n