MAZDA’S RX-8 has set 40 international time and distance records in a 24-hour endurance event.

Two RX-8s clocked up a total of 5,000km in 24 hours with average speeds of 134mph which, according to Mazda, underlines the car’s reliability.

David McGonigle, Mazda fleet and remarketing director, said: ‘These results demonstrate that the Mazda RX-8’s unique Renesis rotary engine provides exhilarating performance and is also durable and reliable even under the most extreme driving conditions.’