| Facelifted Model | 2008 Detroit Auto Show | Mazda RX-8C |

At this week's Detroit motorshow, the rotary-engined Mazda RX-8 received a thorough overhaul with the addition of a new sport pack edition to the range. The Japanese manufacturer has focused on improving three key areas of the sports coupé, namely its styling, performance and packaging.

With those three in mind, all new RX-8s will get redesigned front bumpers with larger air intakes, as well as redesigned rear units featuring larger exhaust pipes. The car's sleek lights have been re-profiled, most obviously at the rear with now LED, two-ring lamps.

Riding on new 19-inch wheels, Mazda has increased the body rigidity and reconfigured the rear suspension for improved handling. Not satisfied with that, the Japanese manufacturer has modified the differential by lowering its ratio in search of greater off-the-mark acceleration.

Inside, new cars will gain fresh instrument panel designs alongside a different steering wheel and retain its low-mounted front seats, which improve the car's centre of gravity and allow for greater rear leg room, thanks to a rethink on rear-cushion design.

With the announcement of the sports car's '08 touch up, Mazda has also released details of a new 'R3' version, which gets a sports-tuned suspension and Bilstein shock absorbers, whilst further differentiating itself from standard cars with a more prominent aero body kit and Recaro bucket seats up front.

Both new versions are set to go on sale in the UK this autumn.

Kyle Molyneux - 16 Jan 2008