Mazda Hits Home Run With RX-8 Styling, Price Point

          - New Rotary-Powered RX-8 Is a Sports Car Like No Other -

    CHICAGO, Feb. 11 -- Mazda hit the sweet spot when it debuted
the all-new, rotary-powered RX-8 sports car in January at the North American
International Auto Show in Detroit.  With an athletically sculpted exterior
and one-of-a-kind rotary engine, the Mazda RX-8 is priced from $25,180 with a
210-horsepower engine and four-speed automatic transmission.  Equipped with a
250-horsepower engine, six-speed manual transmission and 18-inch wheels and
tires, the RX-8 is priced from $26,680.  It is propelled by the all-new 13B
RENESIS rotary engine and is the latest in a three-decade-long line of Mazda
rotary-powered vehicles.
    Mazda continues to pioneer cutting-edge styling with the RX-8's unique
freestyle four-door design, effectively demonstrating that a true sports car
does not need to sacrifice space or convenience.  With enough passenger room
for four full-size adults and enough trunk space to fit luggage for a weekend
or two full-size golf bags, soulful driving is no longer solely for the
driver.
    Both automatic and manual transmission cars come equipped with power
windows, mirrors and door locks, cruise control and an AM/FM/CD audio system
with six speakers.  To make ordering easy, both the automatic and manual are
offered in four trim packages: a Base Model, Sport Package, Touring Package
and Grand Touring Package.  Priced from $1,100 for the manual transmission
Sport Package to $4,600 for the automatic Grand Touring Package, they include
accoutrements like Xenon headlights, Dynamic Stability Control with traction
control, a BOSE(R) audio system, heated seats and leather trimmed upholstery.
    The RX-8 delivers unprecedented sports car driving pleasure with the
RENESIS rotary engine offering smooth, immediate power.  Double wishbone front
and multi-link rear suspension, complemented by electric power-assisted
steering, yields razor sharp handling.
    In addition to being the most revolutionary and cutting-edge sports car,
the RX-8 is also one of the safest with standard features like ABS with
Electronic Brake Distribution, front- and seat-mounted airbags as well as side
air curtains.  Mazda also incorporated high-strength steel construction for
the side paneling and a special door-latch system in the freestyle door
openings to create a solid exterior shell.  The RX-8 is truly a sports car
like no other at a value like no other.
    The Mazda RX-8 comes with a four-year roadside assistance program.  With a
call to a toll-free number, RX-8 owners can access roadside assistance
24 hours a day, 365 days a year throughout the United States and Canada.  For
all 2003 Mazda vehicles, the company will provide a free loaner car in the
event a warrantable condition requires alternative transportation.
    The RX-8 is covered by a comprehensive four-year/50,000-mile warranty that
covers every part on the vehicle except those subject to normal wear.  In
addition, the RX-8 is covered by a five-year/unlimited-mileage corrosion
warranty.

    Mazda North American Operations is responsible for the sales and
marketing, customer parts and services support of Mazda vehicles in the United
States.
    Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., MNAO has more than 700 dealerships
nationwide.

    EDITOR'S NOTE:  For more information on Mazda products, visit the online
Mazda media center at http://www.mazdausamedia.com .