Mazda RX-8 (2003 - 2012)

RENESIS rotary engine develops 231bhp at 8500rpm and 211Nm torque at 5500rpm or 192bhp and 211Nm. Spec includes driver, passenger and side curtain airbags, DSC and TCS, 18-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights, climate control and BOSE nine-speaker sound system with six CD autochanger. In addition, 240bhp version gets xenon headlights and an alloy pedal set.

Length 4435mm, width 1771mm, height 1340mm, weight 1300kg.

Extras include leather power seats ay £1200, sat nav at £1500. electric slide and tilt sunroof at £500 and metallic paint at £300. Most unusual feature is the back hinged rear doors allowing excellent access to the rear seats.

500 Evolve Special Editions basd on 231bhp in one of two exclusive colours - Copper Red Mica or Phantom Blue Mica, unique dark silver 18-inch alloy wheels, a polished aluminium Rotary crest on the front air dam, dark silver bezel headlamps, sports door mirrors, chrome exhaust surrounds, unique stone leather and Alcantara seat trim, plus black leather wrapped steering wheel, gear knob and hand-brake lever.

04-06-2006: 800 Prodrive developed PZ versions of 231bhp, 480 in Brilliant Black and 320 in Galaxy Grey. Lowered ride height, Eibach uprated coil springs and dampers, unique 18-inch OZ alloys, special rear spoiler, special rear tailpipes.

22-09-2006: 'Nemesis’ special edition based on 192bhp five-speed with unique paint colours leather interior trim and an extras pack.

03-12-2007: To celebrate 40 years since Mazda launched its first rotary powered car, the Mazda Cosmo Sport back in 1967, Mazda is releasing a strictly limited number of the Mazda RX-8 40th Anniversary Limited Edition. 400 available in the UK each identified by its own unique number.

15-07-2008: RX-8 refreshed for 2008 with slightly lower gearing to make 9,000rpm more attainable and give sharper acceleration. Refreshed RX-8 R3 launched July 2008. New front bumper, front grille, intake ducts, headlamps, LED rear lamps and a redesigned rear bumper with larger exhaust pipes (now 90 mm in diameter). New designs for the car’s alloy wheels have distinctive spokes that resemble the engine’s rotor and four new exterior colours are added. New interior trim materials add improved quality and feel. A new BOSE audio system is also introduced.