Rare 2002 Mazda RX-7 Spirit R Type A Heads to Auction
One of the finest examples ofMazda's legendary rotary sports car is heading to auction: a 2002RX-7Series 8 Spirit R Type A with just 7,303 km (4,500 miles) on the odometer. Delivered new in Japan and later exported to the UAE, this limited-edition coupe has been serviced exclusively by Mazda throughout its life and remains in factory-original condition.
The Spirit R marked the final chapter of the RX-7's production run and is widely regarded as the most collectible. Among the three Spirit R variants, the Type A is the most driver-focused, featuring a five-speed manual gearbox, carbon-Kevlar Recaro bucket seats and a rear seat delete for added weight savings. This example comes finished in Innocent Blue Mica with a black interior, red cloth seats and factory 17-inch forged BBS wheels. Other distinguishing features include a revised front bumper, adjustable rear wing, red brake calipers and Spirit R-specific badging and gauges.
Under the hood lies Mazda's iconic 13B twin-turbo rotary engine, sending 206 kW to the rear wheels. With just 1,044 Type A models ever built, this unmodified car presents a rare opportunity for collectors seeking an original, low-mileage piece of JDM history. At the time of writing, the auction has 4 days left for bidding, with the highest current bid at $45,250 USD.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Mum upset with dealership over airbag fault on car she bought four years ago
A Blackwood mum of two who was driving a car with 'defective' airbags has said the car dealership is at fault. Bethan Smith, aged 29, has two young children under five. Owen, aged four, and Macsen, who is only 10 months. Four weeks ago, Bethan took her car for a diagnostics check and was horrified to learn her car that she'd been driving her children in since 2020 was deemed unsafe for road use. 29-year-old mum of two Bethan Smith with partner Chris Smith 38 and sons Owen 4, and 10-month-old Macsen (Image: Bethan Smith) While she believes the fault was present at the time of sale, Trade Centre Wales says it has likely occurred since then but has offered to pay to rectify it if Bethan can provide them with an engineer's report showing it was present when they sold it to her. Bethan said: 'My car was underpowered. I had my foot to the floor, and it was barely moving so it was plugged in for a diagnostics check. 'They said to me 'Do you know this car's been involved in a crash?' 'The airbags are non-functioning, and the lights on the dash have been tampered with to turn off the warnings so they wouldn't show when they should.' Bethan's Mazda which she discovered had defective airbags. (Image: Bethan Smith) Bethan was shocked and believes that Trade Centre Wales in Abercynon, where she bought the car from in 2020, should not have sold the car to her in that state. She said: 'They either knew or they've not checked the car like they said they did which is concerning.' Bethan's Mazda which she discovered had defective airbags. (Image: Bethan Smith) During the time of the sale, Bethan said she also had questions about paintwork. She told the Argus: 'I did say at the beginning the bonnet is a completely different colour of the car and they said it's where the light was shining on it." She now believes it was different due to a repair from a crash. The contractual agreement between Trade Centre Wales and Bethan. (Image: Bethan Smith) The Argus put the claims to Trade Centre Wales. Jac Bowen, director of marketing for Trade Centre Wales, said: 'Ms Smith purchased her Mazda over four years ago from us, prior to sale, the car was subject to a manufacturer recall, completed by a local Vauxhall dealership and no-fault codes were reported. 'During our own pre-delivery inspection, no fault codes were identified. It would be reasonable to assume that the airbag fault has developed recently after four years of ownership, the Mazda has also covered approximately 18,000 miles since 2020. 'The above said, we have asked Ms Smith to provide us with an independent engineers report and if that engineers report is received and confirms that the fault was present at the point of sale, then we will of course rectify the fault at our cost. 'We are happy to discuss the matter directly with Ms Smith and help in any way we can within reason.' The diagnostics report confirming defective airbags in the Mazda (Image: Bethan Smith) At the time of the purchase, Bethan was heavily pregnant with her first child, Owen. As a mother, she has found the entire experience extremely emotional. Bethan is currently without a car however has said she won't be buying from them again.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Yahoo
5 of the Least Reliable Hybrid Cars in 2025
What hybrid cars shouldn't you buy? It's something to know before you invest in something that costs about $40,000 on average, according to The Zebra. Consider This: Check Out: In a recent study, Consumer Reports ranked the most and least reliable 2025 hybrid cars so shoppers know before they drive. They take a look at common problem areas such as brakes, out-of-warranty engines, transmissions, batteries and more. Below are the hybrid cars that were at the bottom of the list that you should steer clear of. Ford F-150 Price: Starts at $37,450 Consumer Reports ranked the Ford F-150 model as the least reliable hybrid vehicle. The report cited its transmission and hybrid battery as problem areas. In addition, drivers might not like the stiff ride that Ford F-150 provides. The 2025 hybrid model already has one recall for the electrical system, which causes a sudden loss of drive power, leading to potential crashes. I Sold My Tesla: Ford Escape Price: Starts at $29,515 Ford was once again under fire with their hybrid model of the Escape. Consumer Reports said the hybrid Escape scored far lower on reliability than the conventionally gas-powered Escape. One issue called out was the lag in the infotainment system, which can be extremely annoying to drivers trying to urgently look at navigation screens or change what they're listening to. Consumer Reports projected the 2025 Ford Escape Hybrid will be less reliable than other new cars on the market. Mazda CX-90 Price: Starts at $49,945 This plug-in hybrid is less reliable than its conventional model. It scored well below average when it came to Consumer Reports' reliability tests and rankings. The transition from electric to gas power was called out as not smooth, and might cause issues for drivers. They predict its reliability will be much less than the average new car. BMW X5 Price: Starts at $73,800 For such a pricey car, Consumer Reports said the BMW X5 plug-in hybrid vehicle scored just average when it came to reliability. Its conventional counterpart scored above average, suggesting that BMW still has to work out some of the kinks when it comes to its X5 hybrid model. Issues with previous models include decreasing range when temperatures dropped and slow charging speeds, according to Electrifying. Lexus NX Price: Starts at $61,140 The Lexus NX plug-in hybrid also only scored average when it came to Consumer Reports' reliability rankings. Consumer Reports cited the brake pedal as a potential issue for the 2025 model, saying it was 'a bit touchy and takes some getting used to.' They also called out the electronic interior door releases, unintuitive gear selector, and low center dash vents as problem areas. More From GOBankingRates I'm a Retired Boomer: 6 Bills I Canceled This Year That Were a Waste of Money This article originally appeared on 5 of the Least Reliable Hybrid Cars in 2025 Sign in to access your portfolio
Car and Driver
7 days ago
- Car and Driver
2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Hybrid Review, Pricing, and Specs
Overview The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Hybrid is a bit of a nonconformist in the growing compact hybrid SUV class. It's got a vestigial third row—a rarity in the segment—but that means its usage is limited to children and contortionists. This plug-in hybrid offers up to 38 miles of EPA-estimated EV-range, but its overall fuel economy could be better. It's quicker than its non-hybrid sibling, but at a starting base price approximately $10k higher. On the plus side, for 2026 Mitsubishi has tuned its flaccid suspension for a better ride-and-handling balance and added soundproofing materials to quiet the cabin. Despite its newfound improvements, the Outlander Hybrid still has an uphill battle on its hands, as its segment is now in full bloom with more modern and less expensive competitors. Expert Tip: Rivals such as the Honda CR-V Hybrid or Mazda CX-50 Hybrid lack the plug-in capabilities of the Mitsubishi, but they still offer better fuel economy than their nonhybrid counterparts and cost less than the Outlander Hybrid. What's New for 2026? A larger battery arrives alongside an increased range and improved acceleration, while a mild suspension upgrade is said to improve ride and handling. Exterior cosmetics get attention too. The 2026 Outlander PHEV picks up a revised grille and front bumper, new 20-inch wheel designs, and smoked taillamps. The interior sees many of the same upgrades the nonhybrid Outlander received for 2025, including heated and cooled front seats, a redesigned wireless phone charger, a new console with a larger storage bin and cupholders, additional sound-deadening materials for a quieter cabin, and new interior color choices. There's also a standard Yamaha-branded audio system. Pricing and Which One to Buy The SE trim is the best value. Its small price hike over the base ES is easily justified by the addition of 20-inch wheels, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a power liftgate, a larger 9.0-inch infotainment system, in-dash navigation, heated front seats with eight-way power adjustments, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and parking sensors. If your budget allows, consider adding the Tech package, which adds a panoramic sunroof, a nine-speaker Bose stereo, and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror. Engine, Transmission, and Performance Hybrid Powertrain: 2.4-liter four-cylinder and two electric motors, 248 hp combined 2.4-liter four-cylinder and two electric motors, 248 hp combined Transmissions: Continuously variable automatic (CVT) Continuously variable automatic (CVT) Drivetrain: All-wheel drive In our first test drive, we noted that the Outlander PHEV felt perkier than its nonhybrid sibling, especially in urban driving. Dynamically, however, the Outlander Hybrid is a bit boring. Its ride is agreeable enough, but its cornering attitude is far from sporty, and the brake pedal also feels squishy, even if braking performance proved to be okay. Those who enjoy the act of driving should consider the more athletic Mazda CX-50 Hybrid. Luckily, there are paddles on the steering column that allow you to dial in how much regenerative braking the hybrid system will allow for. Its highest regenerative setting allows for nearly one-pedal driving, saving you from having to step on the spongy left pedal much. 0–60-MPH Times In Comparison: The Outlander PHEV is not only more efficient than its nonhybrid sibling, but also quicker. The nonhybrid needed 8.2 seconds to hit 60 mph. The Mazda CX-50 Hybrid required 7.6 seconds. Mitsubishi Towing and Payload Capacity The Mitsubishi Outlander Hybrid is rated to tow a maximum of 1500 pounds. Range, Charging, and Battery Life C/D Range Test: 370 miles 370 miles EPA EV Range: 38 miles The Outlander Plug-in Hybrid has a lithium-ion battery with 16.8 kWh of usable capacity. Though it currently uses the outdated CHAdeMo style plug, we anticipate that Mitsubishi will update its charging port for the 2026 model along with the already-confirmed larger battery of currently unknown capacity. Hooked to a DC fast-charger, Mitsubishi claims the current Outlander PHEV can charge the battery to 80-percent capacity in just 38 minutes. We'll update this section as soon as the new specifics become available. Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG C/D 75-mph Highway Fuel-Economy Test: 25 mpg 25 mpg EPA City Ratings: 25 mpg 25 mpg EPA Highway Rating: 27 mpg The EPA hasn't released any fuel economy information for the 2026 Outlander Hybrid yet, but the 2025 model earned ratings of 25 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 26 mpg combined. But Mitsubishi says a slightly larger battery is on the way for 2026, and we'll update this space as soon as the EPA data is in and we get one to run through our extensive testing regimen. For more information about the Outlander Hybrid's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website. Interior, Comfort, and Cargo First Row: The Outlander Hybrid's interior design is stylish and well-appointed with quilted seat coverings and a bold, minimalist dashboard. Seats are comfortable, and the mild bolstering supports but doesn't pinch. Headroom and legroom are both generous here, beating several rival compact SUVs. Second Row: Though the styling echoes that of the first row, the second-row backrests are rather flat and lack the support of the fronts. There's a fold-down center armrest with a pair of cupholders, but there's less passenger space here than in the CR-V Hybrid and CX-50 Hybrid. Third Row: Kudos to Mitsubishi for squeezing a third row into a compact SUV, but its use is best reserved for kids and pets, as legroom is limited and access is challenging. Cargo Capacity: The Outlander has 13 cubic feet of space behind the third row, 31 cubic feet behind the second row, and 61 cubic feet when folded flat. With all three rows in place, we fit three carry-on-sized bags; the count grows to nine suitcases with the third row folded, and 27 pieces with both the second and third rows folded down. Mitsubishi Infotainment and Connectivity Infotainment: 12.3-inch touchscreen Connectivity: Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Audio System: 8-speaker Yamaha stereo (standard), 12-speaker Yamaha stereo (optional) A 12.3-inch infotainment display is standard across the lineup. It includes navigation and wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 10.8-inch full-color head-up display is available as an option, too. Base models come with an eight-speaker stereo tuned by Yamaha, but a more premium Yamaha setup with 12 speakers is available on higher-end trims. Safety and Driver-Assistance Features Basic driver-assistance technology features such as automated emergency braking and lane-departure warning are standard, but if you want more advanced features you will need to upgrade to the SE or SEL trim levels to unlock those, including adaptive cruise control. Standard Safety Features: Forward-collision warning with automated emergency braking, lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert Forward-collision warning with automated emergency braking, lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert Optional Safety Features: Adaptive cruise control, lane-change assist For information about the Outlander Hybrid's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Warranty and Maintenance Coverage Mitsubishi now offers complimentary maintenance, and its standard powertrain warranty is good for 10 years or 100,000 miles. Hybrid components also receive the same 10-year/100,000-mile coverage. Limited Warranty: Five years or 60,000 miles Five years or 60,000 miles Powertrain Warranty: 10 years or 100,000 miles 10 years or 100,000 miles Complimentary Maintenance: Two years or 30,000 miles C/D Test Results and Specs We test every vehicle we can. Data in the chart below may be for a different model year if the model remained unchanged from when we last tested it. Specifications Specifications 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV SEL S-AWC Vehicle Type: front-engine, front- and rear-motor, all-wheel-drive, 7-passenger, 4-door wagon PRICE Base/As Tested: $46,890/$50,980 Options: Premium package (power panoramic sunroof, heated steering wheel, synthetic leather door inserts, semi-aniline seat leather seats, 10.8-inch head up display, Bose sound system, front seat massage), $2700; White Diamond/Black roof, $995; tonneau cover, $200; Welcome package (touch-up paint pen, carpeted floor mats, cargo floor liner, tray mat), $195 POWERTRAIN DOHC 16-valve 2.4-liter inline-4, 131 hp, 144 lb-ft + AC motors, 114 and 134 hp, 188 and 144 lb-ft (combined output: 248 hp, 332 lb-ft; 16.8-kWh lithium-ion battery pack, C/D est) Transmissions, F/R: continuously variable automatic/direct-drive CHASSIS Suspension, F/R: struts/multilink Brakes, F/R: 13.8-in vented disc/13.0-in vented disc Tires: Nexen Roadian GTX RG1 P255/45R-20 101W M+S DIMENSIONS Wheelbase: 106.5 in Length: 185.4 in Width: 73.2 in Height: 68.7 in Passenger Volume, F/M/R: 54/46/18 ft3 Cargo Volume, Behind F/M/R: 64/31/13 ft3 Curb Weight: 4751 lb C/D TEST RESULTS 60 mph: 6.6 sec 1/4-Mile: 15.8 sec @ 82 mph 100 mph: 31.9 sec Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec. Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 6.7 sec Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 3.6 sec Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 5.1 sec Top Speed (C/D est): 110 mph Braking, 70–0 mph: 171 ft Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.85 g C/D FUEL ECONOMY Observed: 27 MPGe 75-mph Highway Driving, EV/Hybrid Mode: 44 MPGe/25 mpg 75-mph Highway Range, EV/Hybrid mode: 24/370 mi EPA FUEL ECONOMY Combined/City/Highway: 26/25/27 mpg Combined Gasoline + Electricity: 64 MPGe EV Range: 38 mi C/D TESTING EXPLAINED More Features and Specs
