PERFORMANCE-CAR NEWS 01.06.2006
MAZDA RX-8 gets "shinka" edition AND more power at L.A. auto show

Mazda showed several updates to its RX-8 sports car at the January 2006 Los Angeles Auto Show. Most notable is the new Shinka Special Edition (shown above), which includes a number of suspension revisions aimed at sportier handling and a more comfortable ride. In addition, the Shinka also has appearance changes such as unique leather/Alcantara seats and a different finish for its 18-inch alloy wheels. Production of the Shinka Special Edition will be limited to 1500.

Along with the new Shinka model, all automatic-transmission RX-8s get several key revisions, including Mazda's new Sport AT automatic transmission and a 15-hp bump in power, to 212. Manual transmission RX-8s continue with 232 hp.