2009 Mazda RX-8

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Autoblog
Mazda's redesigned RX-8 has officially been released into the wild and, surprise, it's exactly the same as the RS model that debuted at the Tokyo Auto Salon, right down to the wheels. Mazda admits that the 2009 RX-8 is simply a mild evolution of the outgoing model, with a few changes to the exterior and interior, along with a couple of mechanical revisions and a new suspension package.

On the outside, the RX-8's shape is largely unchanged, with a new front and rear bumper, restyled front fascia and larger exhaust pipes. Inside, Mazda has redone the instrument panel and included a "variable red-zone" on the tach that indicates when the Wankel is up to operating temperature (similar to BMW's M-powered products).

The mild refreshening continues underhood with a 232-hp two-rotor RENESIS fitted with a six-speed manual. When fitted with the six-speed auto 'box and steering wheel-mounted paddles, it churns out 212 hp. Some additional chassis bracing increases rigidity, along with a trapezoidal strut tower brace and new suspension geometry that keep things planted out back. The manual-equipped models also benefit from a lower differential ratio, from 4.777 to 4.444.

The real news, however, is the optional R3 package for the RX-8. This includes the rear spoiler, 19-inch forged aluminum wheels, side sills and fog lamps. The stock seats are swapped out for stunning thrones from Recaro and Bilstein was tapped by Mazda to provide the shocks.

It's all evolutionary, but we'd be lying if we said it was the reason for our trip to Mazda's booth later today. That goes by the name Furai and we'll have live pics of both models in the afternoon.

I still like the RX-8, and this appears to be a bit of an improvement. I just keep wondering how long it will be until we get the "RX-9" that we've been promised...
 
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:embarrassed:

My opinion is liable change once I see one in person.

And this mid-life re-do is about five years after the original, so 2012 to 2014 will probably be when the RX-9 comes out, unless Mazda should offer two rotary sports cars at the same time.
 
Looks great! I love the new front, along with the new rear. Too bad they haven't given the RX8 a good boost in power. Somewhere in the 270-300 hp range would fit it perfectly IMO.
 
The wheels are whats awesome. Anyone else see the rotors incorporated into the spoke design?
 
I agree. It looks like they have taken a lot of the rotor theme out of the design though. I'd like to see the interior.
 
I agree. It looks like they have taken a lot of the rotor theme out of the design though. I'd like to see the interior.



We lost the rotary accents on the seats but gained some new recaros!

More pics.




Now the Mazdaspeed version.



 
Not a lot of change except the steering wheel. I'm still undecided on that one.

EDIT: although, and maybe it's the color, but that Mazdaspeed version looks far less generic.

This was the case with the old car, but I guess I will really have to see it in traffic compared to all the other cars to really appreciate it.
 
Looks pretty pathetic considering what Mazda has shown in the past couple of years. I especially love how the Mazdaspeed has a body kit that looks like it was culled from a completely different car.
 
I can understand the complaints... Meh-ishness is gonna happen I suppose. The updated 350Z still sits higher in my book of sports "coupes." Sorry Mazda, but you can still count on me to love the MX5 and the new 6!
 
Not a bad facelift, love the Recaro's from the interior shot. As mentioned before I was hoping for a more significant hike in power than 232 hp, maybe 250 - 280 hp mark and as for that MazdaSpeed version, well that's just wrong :yuck:
 
I can understand the complaints... Meh-ishness is gonna happen I suppose. The updated 350Z still sits higher in my book of sports "coupes." Sorry Mazda, but you can still count on me to love the MX5 and the new 6!

The MX5 and 3 are still cool cars. Are we confirmed to get the 6 here?

But you bring up an interesting point that I've been thinking of for a while. Does it seem like the recent redesigns are never as good as what they are replacing?
 
We're going to get a plus sized Mazda6 for North America, hopefully Mazda Doesn't screw that one up.
 
Too true. The only problem with the RX-8 is that the competition has moved on, maybe too far. Its still a damn good car, don't get me wrong, but it just feels "old." Nissan has done a good job of making the 350Z seem "new" in my book, which is odd, since they haven't changed much...
 
i wish they got rid of the rear doors! i could see myself driving one if they had a more traditional two door coupe model available. I like the rear taillights more but not sure about the mustache look on the front end. oh well... a grill can always be changed.
 
I think the new Rex looks great. Especially those Recaros, which are monster seats. Love em. I think the front end is really mean looking, and the rear is a lot more tuner friendly, with more room for aftermarket exhaust tips and more visible suspension parts and whatnot. The rear makes the car look lighter because it doesn't have all that pretty plastic everywhere.
 
Well if I was gonna buy it would be used anyway. :indiff:
You are a brave man, Nick. My brother's always bugging me, if I'd be interesting in taking his off his hand, when he's ready for a new car. I just laugh.

RX-8s sure are beautiful though. I still prefer the original, but I'd take any versions that's been posted here. Just not in real life. :D
 
I don't know why people give it such a bad rap... :grumpy:
My only beef with the RX-8 would be the reliability + maintenance. I'm just guessing, but it's probably expensive. And I think it had a pretty serious recall on the engine, too.
 
And I think it had a pretty serious recall on the engine, too.

Recalling every single one produced, yes.

Never saw any allure to this car. I would take the 350 over the Mazda, which is saying quite a bit considering I don't really feel anything for the 350Z.
 
Recalling every single one produced, yes.

Never saw any allure to this car. I would take the 350 over the Mazda, which is saying quite a bit considering I don't really feel anything for the 350Z.

Most people say the same thing, until they actually drive them both. I hear the 350Z is a pain to drive, lackluster seats and a stiff clutch. The Mazda on the other hand I hear is a joy to drive, everything in the right spot, transmission has short throws, feather light clutch and just overall funner to drive.

I've never actually driven both but thats what I hear on other automotive forums from people that have driven them both.
 
Wow.... the new RX-8 looks..... normal? :confused: I don't know what to say. Its exactly like the old RX-8, with just some new bodyworks, rims, interiors and all. Hate the front, wish they removed the black thing at the front. The rear and the rims as well as the interiors is definitely an improvement. 👍 But the Mazdaspeed RX-8 takes the win..... 👍 :drool: :D Looks awesome all around!!!
 
Most people say the same thing, until they actually drive them both. I hear the 350Z is a pain to drive, lackluster seats and a stiff clutch. The Mazda on the other hand I hear is a joy to drive, everything in the right spot, transmission has short throws, feather light clutch and just overall funner to drive.

I've never actually driven both but thats what I hear on other automotive forums from people that have driven them both.
While I definitely prefer the 350Z over RX-8, having actually driven the RX-8, I can say the car is absolute fun to drive. 👍

P.S. They are both front-midship setup, aren't they?
 
I can't say I like this one as much as the 'old' one. The wheels look kinda neat, and I love the seats - But it's missing all the rotary inspired stuff that the old one had!
 
Wow they managed to make it even more ugly on the outside than the previous model. :yuck:
 
Aggressive up front, but a bit overaggressive. A friend of mine online says the RX-8 in general is ugly. This car looks pretty wicked in its design. Almost like the RX-8 from Hell. I'll give it credit since the pictures are in my favorite color (blue). I loved the Mazdaspeed RX-8 from the past RX-8. This Mazdaspeed RX-8 looks even more killer than the previous one. The design is like a race car for the road. Likely is. Almost as if you're racing for SpeedSource with this thing. I just wish the front didn't have such huge ducts under the headlights. Almost as if the ducts under the headlights give it a Porsche appearance. Otherwise, very good design.
 
Most people say the same thing, until they actually drive them both. I hear the 350Z is a pain to drive, lackluster seats and a stiff clutch. The Mazda on the other hand I hear is a joy to drive, everything in the right spot, transmission has short throws, feather light clutch and just overall funner to drive.

I've never actually driven both but thats what I hear on other automotive forums from people that have driven them both.
Agreed. I have driven both cars, and the Rex is much easier to drive. You can see out of it, the dash board isn't retarded huge, it's smaller and lighter, and feels lighter without feeling smaller, thanks to the high quality and large interior. It only took me a few seconds to get the pedals, seat, and wheel in a comfortable position. I can sit behind myself in the Rex with room to stretch out. The Z is quite a bit faster, but its engine is also more annoying. Of course, I'm not a big fan of the Rex's smoothness because it's just too perfect, but driving it is overall much nicer than the Z. And I don't care what anyone says, it's plenty powerful to haul people on a roadtrip and pass people on country roads with ease.
 
I think will come down to a matter of personal preference, really. the Z and the RX8 are both great cars.

Here's my opinion: given the current ugliness trend that is Japanese sportscars, the Mazdaspeed RX8 ranks as Eva Green compared to the flock of Roseanne Barrs swamping the market.
 
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