Japan Gets Anniversary Edition RX-8

Mazda celebrates 40 years of rotary engines with this special edition RX-8

All 200 units will be sold in Japan

Mazda is celebrating the 40^th anniversary of its rotary engine with this special edition RX-8. Limited to just 200 units, the ingeniously titled ‘RX-8 Rotary Engine 40^th Anniversary’ pays homage to the Cosmo Sport, Mazda’s first rotary-engined car.

In addition to the marble white paintwork, each car features keyless entry, special anniversary badging, 18in chrome wheels and a unique black and silver alcantara interior. Performance remains unchanged from the standard RX-8’s 228bhp output, but Mazda says it has improved the

Interior gets bespoke black and silver alcantara trim

car’s ride and handling by fitting Bilstein dampers and a foam-filled front cross member.

A worthy tribute, but unfortunately the car is only on sale in Japan where it costs the equivalent of £13,000 and is available with either a six-speed manual or six-speed auto ‘box.