Updated Mazda RX-8 To Debut In Frankfurt?

What's this? An updated version of Mazda's RX-8 is set to roll out at the Frankfurt show? Hmm, this could be interesting. Although the RX-8 was less than a huge sales hit, it is not a car to be taken lightly, and at the same time, there is room for improvement.

I've always had a thing for Mazda rotaries. My brother raced an RX-3, and I used to rally a '79 RX-7. Rotary engines are great, more or less. They have this amazingly linear power band. The power at 4K feels like it's double what it was at 2K. And they're amazingly reliable, what with only three moving parts whirling around in there.

Mazda's latest, the RX-8 seems to carry on all of this, both the good and the bad. OH, the bad, I forgot to mention the down sides to rotaries. They are three:

1 – They get crappy mileage. Normally, this isn't an issue for motorheads, but it can be if you're seriously racing it and most definitely is if you're trying to get your CAFE numbers up over here in America.

2 – They're dirty. Due to how the things are oiled, rotaries have a tendency to emit more junk out the tailpipe than reciprocating engines. This only really bugs the green conscious, and also turns out to be a problem when the company is trying to meet ever-tightening emissions regs.

3 – And this is a minor one, the rotary engine runs really hot exhaust temps. This is only a problem when you start racing the thing, and you have to make sure to keep stuff away from the exhaust system. For example, my rally RX-7 would have the headers glowing white-hot by the end of a stage.

So, Mazda has some room for improvement with the rumored refreshed RX-8.

Supposedly called the RX-8 R3, the new 8 should bow in Frankfurt with new aerodynamics and appearance pieces that will likely include an update the front fascia 'smile' grille that's featured in the rest of the Mazda lineup. Also, the 192 hp version of the 1.3 liter rotary will no longer be available in Europe. Instead, now your only choice is the 231 hp version that us Americans get. Also slated for the new-gen Rex is a Bluetooth hands-free system, an updated instrument cluster, higher-quality interior materials including leather Recaro seating and a new Bose audio system.

So, worth looking into. The RX-8 has some handy features, such as a semi-usable back seat and "four" doors, but is still a car that's light, handles well, and has that rotary engine that revs like the dickens.

Source: MotorAuthority, photos from Flickr user Ian Muttoo, rumpleproofskin & Tostie14.