Hi-tech gas RX-8 for Europe

18th May 2009

Norway is pushing forward with its plan to become Europe’s cleanest country for cars with the launch of a hydrogen-powered Mazda RX-8.

The advanced four-seater coupé was unveiled at a special ceremony in the capital, Oslo, and will be leased to customers later this year. One of the biggest obstacles to the growth of hydrogen power is a lack of filling stations. But two new sites have been opened in Norway to coincide with the launch of the RX-8 Hydrogen RE.

These will eventually form part of a complete infrastructure along the 360-mile route between Oslo and Stavanger. The coupé is identical to the standard car, but for its unique badging. Under the skin is a development of Mazda’s rotary engine, which runs on petrol or hydrogen – as with BMW’s prototype 7-Series, it doesn’t use a fuel cell.

The Hydrogen RE has been offered for lease for the past three years, but this is the first time it’s been available in Europe