2009 Mazda RX-8

The RX-8 first went on sale in North America as a 2004 model and is the successor to the RX-7. Equipped with the rotary engine that made Mazda famous, the 2008 RX-8 is celebrating the 40th birthday of the RX model line. Officially designated as a "2+2 coupe" the RX-8 places performance ahead of utility in regards to rear seating space. Almost as an apology to those squeezing into the back seat, the RX-8 has a pair of "free style" rear doors to ease entry. These rear doors closely resemble suicide doors made famous by the Lincoln Continental circa 1961. The 1.3 liter RENESIS rotary power plant is good for 212 horsepower with an automatic transmission and 232 with a manual gearbox. This high powered engine coupled with the RX-8's nearly perfect 50-50 weight distribution make for an impressively powerful sports car.

The RX-8 has a starting MSRP of 27,070 with destination. Fully loaded an RX-8 can reach into the mid-30's price range. Car and Driver did a "$35,000 sports coupes comparison test" in June of 2007 and declared that "the Mazda RX-8 comes out clearly on top". Beating out competitors including Audi's TT, the Shelby GT, and Nissan's 350Z proved that "zoom-zoom" clearly has what it takes to be a leader in the sports coupe segment.

True to its sports car roots the RX-8 is most commonly equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox. In a nod to convenience Mazda is also offering a six-speed automatic transmission equipped with steering wheel paddle shifters on all trim levels. The base "Sport" trim level has two option groups available. Xenon headlamps, fog lights, and traction control can be added to manual RX-8s. Automatic models can have all these features added as well as 18" wheels, a limited slip differential, larger brakes, and a sport tuned suspension. All of these options become standard on the "Touring" model which adds a power moonroof and 300-watt Bose stereo. The "Grand Touring" model comes with leather appointed seats, an 8-way powered driver's seat, a remote start system, and heated mirrors.

The 40th anniversary edition is priced and equipped comparably to the Grand Touring model. In addition to a few cosmetic touches the 40th anniversary model has an upgraded suspension and polished wheels. The anniversary edition also comes with an exclusive color scheme consisting of a Metropolitan grey exterior and Cosmo red leather interior.

A 2009 model year redesign of the RX-8 was launched in early 2008. Cosmetically the 2009 model has larger exhaust pipes, new LED taillights, new front and rear bumpers, and a restyled front end. A few suspension and manual transmission tweaks should assist in overall handling and acceleration, while the interior benefits from a redesigned steering wheel and a fresh set of front and rear seats. Also of note, Mazda has added a "variable red-zone" to the tachometer. Due to the nature and mechanics of the rotary engine, drivers will be shown a different "red line" based on engine temperatures. The new look is overall more aggressive and should endow the RX-8 a little extra curb-appeal. A new option group is also be available, dubbed the "R3" option package. The R3 will boast a rear spoiler, 19" alloys, and Mazda-styled Recaro racing seats.