Mazda Australia has announced that it will build 30 units of the Mazda Eunos 800 SP which has been developed in Sydney by the company's Motorsports Division.

The vehicle will be displayed at the Melbourne International Motor Show and initial production models will be available from March 15.

Mazda Australia National Sales and Marketing Manager, Doug Dickson, said there had been a very positive reaction to a pilot build car which was developed last year.

"We were particularly pleased by the response from dealers who encouraged us to press ahead with plans to build a limited quantity," he said.

The car will be distinguished externally by a colour keyed or black grille depending on the body colour of the vehicle.

As well as this, the 'SP' will be fitted with sporty 17-inch Italian Antera wheels shod with Pirelli P600 235/45ZR1 7 tyres and use Eibach springs which lower the vehicle by 1 inch.

Alterations have also been made to the exhaust system to provide a sporty stainless steel rear muffler and larger diameter stainless steel pipe in the rear section.

Internally each car will feature stainless steel kick plates on the lower sections of the door and carry a badge with an identifying number.

Motorsports Manager, Allan Horsley, who headed the model's development, said the car had been designed specifically to provide a sportier driving feel to an already very capable and refined saloon.

"The Miller Cycle engine has plenty of performance which can be better exploited through the suspension development," he said.

"The exhaust system also has a sporty 'note' which adds to the driving enjoyment of the whole package."

The Mazda Eunos 800 is the only vehicle in the world to offer the unique 2.3 litre V6 DOHC Miller Cycle engine which produces 149 kW of power at 5,500 rpm and 282 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm.

It differs from conventional reciprocating engines by not compressing through the bottom 20 percent of the compression stroke. This gives the engine an 8:1 compression ratio and a 10:1 power ratio. The power stroke is assisted by supercharged air forced into the engine using a sophisticated Lysholm compressor.

As a result of its unusual 'cycle' the engine produces the power of a conventional 3.3 litre engine with the fuel consumption of a 2.0 litre and emits considerably cleaner exhaust gases than conventional engines.

The car offers further 'hi-tech' with rack and pinion controlled electronic four wheel steering to provide a sharp and sporty feel. It also has advanced ABS brakes and traction control.

Apart from sporty performance the 800 SP offers a high level of 'creature comforts' including leather trim, power assistance to the front seats, automatic climate control, electric sunroof and high-grade audio with 6 stack CD player.

Allan Horsley said he expected the car would appeal to the younger executive who enjoyed driving.

"It's a very satisfying car to drive and coupled with the high level of comfort and equipment it will provide a great deal of pleasure."

The Mazda Eunos 800 SP will be priced at \$79,900 and be protected by the company's 3 year / Unlimited Kilometre Warranty.