Mazda RX-8 "Nemesis" for the UK

Click to enlargeMazda UK has revealed its third special-edition RX-8 cars. Dubbed "Nemesis," it follows in the footsteps of the () and the Prodrive-tuned . Unlike the cars that preceded it, which used the 231 PS RX-8 as a starting point, Nemesis is based on the 192 PS car. Only 350 will be available -- 200 in Copper Red and the remaining 150 in a Stormy Blue finish. In addition to the two Nemesis-specific paint colors, the Rotary crest in the air dam and the vents in the front wheel arches get a polished aluminum finish. Exclusive cars badging and a Rotary logo on the B-pillar complete the exterior detail enhancements. Open the door and you'll find aluminum scuff plates, stone leather seating, and Nemesis-embroidered floormats. Those are in addition to the RX-8's standard equipment list, which includes niceties like Bose audio, headed seats, foglights, and climate control.On-the-road pricing is £22,995, which also gets the customer a free Prodrive experience day. (More pictures, press release after the jump)[Source: Mazda Europe]PRESS RELEASE:'NEMESIS' - THE THIRD SPECIAL EDITION MAZDA RX-8Mazda cars is introducing a third special edition model of its Mazda RX-8 rotary powered four‑door sports coupé. Called the 'Mazda RX-8 Nemesis' the latest model builds on the success of the earlier Mazda RX-8 Evolve cars and Mazda RX-8 PZ. The 'Nemesis' features unique paint colours and interior trim, plus an exclusive accessory package, all at the extremely attractive price of £22,995 (on-the-road), £330 less than the model on which it is based - when similarly specified. Taking the standard 192ps version of Mazda RX-8 with leather and a five-speed transmission as its foundation, the Nemesis has several unique exterior and interior features. A choice of two exclusive colours (Copper Red Mica and Stormy Blue Mica) is offered, and each Nemesis comes with a polished aluminium Rotary crest on the front air dam, polished aluminium side air-outlet trims behind the front wheel arches, special B-pillar trims with a Rotary crest and 'Nemesis' badging. Inside, these special edition models feature unique stone leather seat trim, plus Nemesis branded luxury carpet mats and Mazda RX-8 branded aluminium door scuff plates. Like other standard 192ps RX-8s, the Nemesis has front fog lights, heated front seats, electrically-operated driver's seat, climate control air-conditioning, nine-speaker BOSE premium audio system with 6-CD auto-changer, plus a black leather-wrapped steering wheel, gear knob and hand-brake lever. Every Mazda RX-8 is fitted with six airbags. The comprehensive active safety package on RX-8 ensures that the Nemesis is equipped with Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Traction Control System (TCS) and a Limited-Slip Differential (LSD). The revolutionary design of the Mazda RX-8 - with its rare blend of high performance, rotary engine power, sports car dynamics with rear-wheel drive and generous interior space(thanks to the 2700 mm wheelbase and skilful packaging) - make it a truly practical four‑seater, four-door sports coupé. The Nemesis has a top speed of 139 mph and accelerates from standstill to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds.This special edition is an extremely attractive model as it offers unique styling at the highly affordable price of £22,995 on-the-road - £330 less than the same price of a standard Mazda RX-8 192ps model with leather trim. Customer benefits encompass the interior upgrade, free Mica paint (worth £325), plus £620 worth of accessories - at no extra cost. Each Nemesis buyer will also qualify for a complimentary Prodrive experience day to learn how to get maximum enjoyment from their new car, while driving safely and responsibly. As well as delivering great performance and top value, the Mazda RX-8 Nemesis cars also brings customers a touch of exclusivity. Just 350 examples (200 in Copper Red and 150 in Stormy Blue) of this special edition will be available in the UK. The Mazda RX-8 Nemesis is powered by a twin 1.3-litre 192ps rotary engine providing Zoom‑Zoom performance to complement the stylish look of this special edition. RX-8 Nemesis is set to build on the tremendous success of the Mazda RX-8, voted 'Best Coupé 2006' by the influential What Car? magazine for the third consecutive year. Since launch, more than 20,000 RX-8s have been delivered to customers in the UK. More about Mazda cars

Mazda RX-7

The Mazda RX-7 (also called the Savanna and Efini RX-7) is a Mazda sports car first built in 1978. The original RX-7 competed with other affordable sports cars of the era, such as the Datsun/Nissan 280Z, and was well-received by the media. It features a unique twin-rotor Wankel rotary engine and a sporty front-midship, rear wheel drive layout, making it well balanced and appropriate for racing.