Mazda RX-8 news - Rotary clubber - 2008

In between creating concepts for the Djibouti and Surinam motor shows, the chaps at Mazda have found time to thoroughly revise their rotary-engined, suicide-doored nutjob RX-8.

Called the RX-8 R3, it's halfway between a midlife (late midlife, at least) refresh and a special edition, featuring a improved version of the 228bhp 1.3-litre rotary engine, a new gearbox and a fairly substantial facelift.

You'll spot the new front bumper, side skirts and deeper vents at the front, while round the back there are new lights, a redesigned bumper and bigger exhausts.

Mazda says the tweaks give the R3 the appearance of a Japanese racing car, and we're happy to concur.

Though the output and performance of the rotary engine remain the same, the power curve has been sharpened for quicker responses. More significantly, there's a new six-speed gearbox - nicked out of the latest MX-5 - with a lower-ratio final drive gear.

Mazda has also tackled the RX-8's thirst for oil by increasing the oil capacity and incorporating larger oil cooler air intakes. We'd still expect it to drink like an alcoholic sponge, mind.

We'll be driving the R3 very soon, so check back for some words and hilarious opinion and so forth.