• Rotary evolution on target for July launch
• New GT model to lead the RX-8 performance charge

Anticipation is building over the revitalised Mazda RX-8 sports car range arriving in Australia early in the second half of 2008. The new RX-8 employs a myriad of mechanical upgrades under its sharp new clothes, all designed to enhance the exhilarating reputation and iconic status of the world's only rotary-powered, four-door sports car.

"The Mazda RX-8 is a special car, both to us and in the automotive world, and there's a palpable excitement in the lead-up to the new model," said Mazda Managing Director Doug Dickson. "It's like one long night before Christmas!"

Mazda Australia can now confirm that the new RX-8 range will consist of three models - one of which will wear the storied GT moniker.

The new Mazda RX-8 GT will spearhead Mazda's charge into the next decade of rotary exhilaration when it hits Australian dealerships in July. Specially tuned sports suspension with light-weight 19-inch wheels and a wide range of modifications to the RX-8's RENESIS rotary engine will raise handling and dynamic prowess to new levels.

The original Mazda RX-8 redefined the sports car genre when it debuted in production form at the 2003 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. It was a sports car only Mazda could make - A Sports Car Like No Other.

The Mazda RX-8's curvaceous lines and compact proportions incorporated an innovative four-door body with room for four adults. This combined with the RX-8's unique RENESIS rotary power-plant capable of revving to 9,000rpm to captivate car buyers and critics alike.

The original Mazda RX-8 has won more than 50 automotive awards around the globe, including 2003 International Engine of the Year, and Australia's most prestigious; 2003 Wheels Car of the Year.

The popularity of the Mazda RX-8 is beyond question; more than 170,000 have been sold around the world.

When setting the goals for the new Mazda RX-8, Mazda's engineers chose not to mess with the original's successful formula; instead all efforts were focused on further honing its performance and styling. Mazda RX-8 Program Manager Noboru Katabuchi named this the pursuit of "Sophisticated Dynamism".

For more information
Glenn Butler
National Public Relations Manager
Telephone: (03) 8540 1961
Mobile: 0408 126 812
Email: gbutler@mazda.com.au

Lydia Richards
Media Communications Manager
Telephone: (03) 8540 1962
Mobile: 0439 347 658
E-mail: lrichards@mazda.com.au