Mazda Motors of the United Kingdom recently released a spiced version of the Mazda RX-8. By partnering up with renowned motorsports organization Prodrive, Mazda UK dubs the car the RX-8 PZ. While performance in terms of power is not the sole objective for the 230hp coupe, the PZ zeroes in on upgrades to appearance and handling.

Prodrive Package Features

• 18-inch OZ Racing alloy wheels
• Eibach springs, 60 percent stiffer than stock
• Bilstein gas shocks
• revised suspension geometry - ride height reduced 15mm
• sport mirrors
• grille inserts
• rear spoiler
• Prodrive and PZ badges

Actual road test figures have yet to be released by Mazda, but many snapshots of the car at speed show minimal body roll.

Just 800 fortunate United Kingdom sports car enthusiasts will be able to purchase the Prodrive version of the RX-8, as no official export is planned at this time. Going on sale July 1st, the Mazda-Prodrive RX-8 PZ will be stickered just over $40,000.