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February 09, 2005
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This Week:

• Toyota Moves Forward With Unveiling of All-New FJ Cruiser Sport Utility Vehicle at 2005 Chicago Auto Show

• GM Unveils Industry-First Dual Depth Frontal Air Bag

• Mazda Shows Off RX-8 "SHINKA" Special Edition In Chicago

• Mercedes-Benz E 200 NGT: The most powerful natural-gas-driven saloon ever

• Porsche 911 Carrera / Carrera S Cabriolet - Driving Pleasure Times Two

• Dodge Introduces the Largest Pickup Cab Ever

• 2006 Mercury Mariner Hybrid Has It All: Style, Handling, Versatility, Eco-Friendly Powertrain

• Nissan Announces Pricing on All-New Second Generation 2005 Xterra SUV

• Saab Announces 9-7X SUV Pricing

• MG TF Continues To Be UK's best-selling sports car

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Mazda Shows Off RX-8 "SHINKA" Special Edition In Chicago

Limited Production RX-8 Combines Enhanced Luxury with Rotary Power

"We've taken the RX-8 - a car already lauded by customers and media alike - to a new level of sophistication and exclusivity with the 'SHINKA' Special Edition," said Weldon Munsey, RX-8 vehicle line manager for Mazda North American Operations (MNAO). "Improved ride and handling capabilities, along with interior and exterior refinements, make the 'SHINKA' Special Edition the ultimate RX-8."

The Mazda RX-8 "SHINKA" will be available with either a six-speed manual or four-speed Sport A/T automatic transmission, featuring Formula One-style steering-wheel-mounted paddles for manual gear shifting. Manual transmission-equipped cars are fitted with a 238-horsepower engine that spins to a heady 9000 rpm, while Sport A/T-equipped cars are powered by a 198-horsepower engine tuned specifically to take advantage of the automatic's gear ratios.

To further enhance driving performance and ride comfort, the RX-8 "SHINKA" features a uniquely tuned suspension system, upgraded from the standard car. The system offers a foam urethane filled front suspension cross member and specially tuned dampers, while achieving improved body rigidity through reinforcing the top-front portion of the A-pillars and improving the stability of the rear damper mounting points.

Photos: Mazda

The distinctiveness of the RX-8 "SHINKA" extends to both the exterior and interior appointments of the vehicle. The car is offered only in a rich Black Cherry body color offset by a soft Parchment Tan leather interior. Among the exclusive exterior enhancements are semi-gloss bezels for the headlamps and rear combination lamps, as well as dark-silver gloss aluminum wheels. Also standard on the RX-8 "SHINKA" is a 300-watt Bose® sound system with in-dash six-disc CD changer. While many Mazda vehicles are pre-wired for SIRIUS® satellite radio, "SHINKA" models will be the first to be equipped as standard, as all cars will include a one-year subscription to SIRIUS.

(Feb 9, 2005)